Sourcing perfume and fragrances from China
Perfumes and toilet waters from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty, but they are cosmetic products. Before sale in Great Britain each one needs a UK Responsible Person, a cosmetic product safety report, notification before sale and labels listing fragrance allergens. Alcohol-based fragrances are flammable for shipping. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Perfumes and toilet waters pay 0% UK duty from China. The cosmetics rules, safety assessment, SCPN notification and flammable shipping explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, perfumes and toilet waters of heading 3303 carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Room fragrances, reed diffusers and fragrance oils for candles are classified elsewhere; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfumes | 3303 00 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Toilet waters | 3303 00 90 00 | 0% | None |
Cosmetics rules
Under the retained Cosmetic Products Regulation, every perfume placed on the GB market needs a Responsible Person established in the UK, a product information file with a safety assessment by a qualified assessor, notification before sale, and labels in English listing ingredients, including the fragrance allergens above the set thresholds. The beauty and personal care guide covers the process.
Brands and bottles
Copies of designer fragrances or lookalike bottles risk trademark and design claims; the IP guide explains why. Glass bottles, pumps and caps are often sourced separately, so check leakage and pump compatibility on samples.
Shipping and inspection
Alcohol-based perfumes are flammable liquids for transport, so book them as dangerous goods with the safety data sheet. At inspection, check fill level, spray function, labels and batch codes.
Cambridge China Bridge sources perfume and fragrances, with the Responsible Person, safety report and dangerous goods shipping arranged before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on perfume from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, perfumes and toilet waters carried 0% duty from China.
Can I sell imported perfume without a safety assessment?
No. Every perfume needs a UK Responsible Person, a cosmetic product safety report and notification before sale.
Do perfume labels need to list allergens?
Yes. Fragrance allergens above the thresholds must be listed among the ingredients.
Is perfume dangerous goods for shipping?
Alcohol-based perfume is a flammable liquid for transport and must be booked as dangerous goods.