Sourcing PFA resin pellets from China
PFA resin pellets from China normally carry 6% UK duty. Relevant fluoropolymer lines range from 0% under a qualifying suspension to 6%; ordinary PFA does not qualify merely because another polymer shares its code. Check composition, chemical compliance and any waste status. Cambridge China Bridge sources PFA resin pellets.
PFA duty and narrowly defined suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3904 covers polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins in primary forms. For ordinary PFA pellets, investigate 3904 69 80 99 against the actual composition. The table separates purchasing grades sharing that line; processing use alone does not establish a separate classification.
The ordinary line carries 6% duty from China. Its suspension names particular products, including poly(vinylidene fluoride) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, rather than ordinary PFA pellets. The narrowly specified copolymer under 3904 61 00 20 has a 0% suspension, excluding mixtures and preparations. Check its full composition and extractable-fluoride description before claiming relief. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on these lines.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls to these lines. Ask your customs broker to confirm their application to virgin, reprocessed or waste material from China. For notified waste imports into England, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the commodity code using the composition and grade documents. See the FEP resin guide for related fluoropolymer sourcing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFA extrusion pellets, subject to composition and classification checks | 3904 69 80 99 | 6% | None |
| Specified tetrafluoroethylene copolymer with low extractable fluoride | 3904 61 00 20 | 6% | None |
Specify the PFA grade and melt behaviour
Write down the polymer composition, producer and grade, intended extrusion, injection-moulding or lining process, and whether virgin material is required. Agree melt flow with its test temperature and load, melting behaviour, pellet size, colour, contamination acceptance and packaging. For clean fluid-handling applications, agree extractables testing against your intended service conditions.
Confirm with HSE whether the polymer is exempt from UK REACH registration and whether its monomers or additives require registration. Ask for the supplier's registration position and safety data sheet, and review chemical classification, labelling and packaging for the supplied formulation. Keep composition and batch analysis separate from general sales literature.
Trial the proposed grade on your equipment before approving repeat supply. Record processing settings, surface finish, dimensional stability and any bubbles or black specks. Keep an approved sample and agree how the supplier will disclose changes to formulation, raw materials or production site.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative tonne of ordinary PFA resin pellets, without suspension relief under 3904 69 80 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the producer, grade and batch on the bags, purchase order and certificate of analysis.
Melt behaviour: compare batch melt-flow results using the agreed test conditions, then trial a retained sample.
Purity: inspect pellets for black specks, fines, mixed colours and foreign material; commission agreed extractables checks where relevant.
Packing: check sealed liners, bag damage, cleanliness and batch segregation on arrival. Set the sampling brief using our inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A supplier substitutes another fluoropolymer or an unsuitable PFA grade, mixes reprocessed material into a virgin order, or reports melt flow under different test conditions. The shipment may look acceptable while processing differently. Contamination can leave specks or defects in moulded parts and extruded tubing.
A costing error occurs when a buyer assumes every product sharing a suspended commodity line receives relief. Match the precise suspension description to the resin composition. Hold batches with unexplained grade changes or inconsistent analysis until the supplier resolves the discrepancy.
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 PFA pellets from China?
Ordinary PFA pellets investigated under 3904 69 80 99 carry 6%. A narrowly specified copolymer under 3904 61 00 20 has a 0% suspension. Confirm composition and classification before claiming relief.
Does the fluoropolymer suspension cover ordinary PFA?
The suspension on 3904 69 80 99 names particular products, rather than ordinary PFA pellets. A shared commodity code alone does not establish eligibility.
Do PFA pellets need UK REACH registration?
Confirm with HSE whether the polymer is exempt from registration and whether its monomers or additives require it. Check the position for the actual formulation and obtain its safety data sheet.
How do I check whether a PFA grade suits my process?
Agree melt-flow test conditions and run a sample on your own equipment. Compare processing behaviour, surface finish and contamination with the approved sample and batch certificate.