Sourcing perfumed body mists from China
Perfumed body mists within heading 3303 carry 0% UK duty from China across both tariff lines. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant cosmetics authority the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, a product information file with a cosmetic safety report, notification and compliant labels. Cambridge China Bridge sources perfumed body mists.
Duty on perfumed body mists
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 October 2026, heading 3303 covers perfumes and toilet waters. Both supplied commodity lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%. The table repeats these lines for different bottle formats; it does not represent additional tariff subdivisions.
The supplied tariff records attach an “Export control of mercury” to both lines. The importer should confirm its relevance and any applicable requirement with their customs broker. Do this against the actual formulation rather than treating the heading-level entry as an import ban on body mists.
Confirm the commodity code using the formulation and intended function. Bottle format alone does not decide between perfumes and toilet waters. Personal deodorants belong under a different heading, so do not classify a deodorising spray solely by its fragrance. See the wider perfume and fragrances guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfumed body mists classified as perfumes, pump bottles | 3303 00 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Perfumed body mists classified as toilet waters, pump bottles | 3303 00 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the formula, scent and spray pack
Agree the intended perfuming use, full quantitative formula, fragrance concentration, alcohol content, colour and scent against a sealed approval sample. Arrange confidential formula disclosure to the safety assessor before committing to production. Specify the bottle material, pump, dip tube, closure and cap, and require approval before any component or ingredient substitution.
Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a qualified safety assessment and confirm with the relevant cosmetics authority the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, product information file, cosmetic product safety report and notification. Review English label artwork, including ingredients, relevant fragrance allergens, warnings, durability information, batch identification and the Responsible Person’s details, and confirm the applicable labelling requirements with that authority. Check the requirements for body mists sold as cosmetics.
Test the actual mist in its proposed bottle for leakage, colour change, cloudiness and spray performance after storage. For alcohol-based fragrances, confirm dangerous goods classification and shipping arrangements with the freight provider; give them the safety data sheet before booking. Agree how refill bottles will close securely and pour without spilling.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10,000 bottles of perfumed body mist under 3303 00 90 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £29,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,000, so it is £5,800. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Formula and scent: compare the batch with the sealed reference sample for scent, colour and clarity; match its formula revision to the safety documentation.
Spray and closure: prime the pump, check mist distribution and dripping, and inspect dip-tube fit, cap retention and leakage from filled bottles stored inverted.
Fill and bottle: check sampled net contents against the approved specification; inspect bottle distortion, scratches and compatibility with the actual liquid.
Labels and cartons: compare artwork and batch identification with the approved records; check that labels remain readable and attached after handling. Use the inspection guide to define the checks before dispatch and repeat key checks on arrival.
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What goes wrong
An approved scent sample does not establish that the production pack works. A substituted pump can produce a jet or drip, a poorly seated closure can leak, and the liquid can cloud or change colour in storage. Keep a filled approval sample and record the exact pump and bottle components.
A factory ingredient list is not a substitute for the quantitative formula needed by the safety assessor. Formula changes, missing allergen information or labels without the Responsible Person’s details can hold up sale. Resolve discrepancies before dispatch, and keep leaking or undocumented batches separate on arrival.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on body mists from China?
Perfumed body mists classified within heading 3303 carry 0% duty on both supplied lines. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures or suspensions are recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Can I sell Chinese body mists under my own brand?
Confirm the exact product’s eligibility and applicable cosmetics requirements with the relevant authority. Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a qualified safety assessment and confirm the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, product information file, cosmetic safety report, notification and compliant labels.
Are body mists and deodorant sprays the same tariff product?
Do not assume so. Heading 3303 covers perfumes and toilet waters; personal deodorants are classified elsewhere. Confirm the formulation and intended function before choosing the code.
What should I test before ordering body mists?
Test the actual formula in the proposed bottle. Compare scent and clarity with the approval sample, operate the pump, check leakage and cap fit, and assess changes after storage.