Sourcing Phenylboronic Acids from China
The supplied phenylboronic-acid lines carry a uniform 6% UK duty on Chinese goods, with no suspension or trade remedy shown. Before sale in Great Britain, ensure correct chemical labels and packaging. Specify the exact derivative, isomer and assay basis. Cambridge China Bridge sources phenylboronic acids.
6% on the listed phenylboronic acids
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2931 covers other organo-inorganic compounds. The supplied file contains only the phenylboronic-acid lines shown here: the fluorophenoxy derivative, phenoxybenzeneboronic acid and hydroxymethyl derivative. Each carries 6% duty for Chinese-origin goods, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension shown.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches measures labelled “Export control on dangerous chemicals” and “Export control - Waste” to these lines. Ask your customs broker to confirm their relevance and any requirements for your shipment from China before dispatch.
Confirm the commodity code against the chemical identity and weight-purity threshold. Do not extend these named lines to every phenylboronic acid. For the wider heading, see triphenylphosphine sourcing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| (2-Fluoro-4-phenoxyphenyl)boronic acid, purity at least 95% by weight | 2931 90 00 21 | 6% | None |
| 4-Phenoxybenzeneboronic acid, purity at least 98% by weight | 2931 90 00 48 | 6% | None |
| 3-(Hydroxymethyl)phenylboronic acid, purity at least 95% by weight | 2931 90 00 55 | 6% | None |
Specify the derivative and assay basis
State the full chemical name, registry identifier, substitution pattern and free-acid form. Agree assay method, reporting basis, water content, residual solvents and relevant metal impurities. Ask whether reported purity is chromatographic area purity or a quantitative assay; do not treat these as interchangeable.
Request batch-specific analytical results and a retained sample. Agree how boroxine content and moisture will be handled in testing and acceptance. Review UK REACH registration responsibilities by substance and importing legal entity. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labels and packaging before placing chemicals on the market. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need safety data sheets.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 15 kg of 4-phenoxybenzeneboronic acid under 2931 90 00 48, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,480. Duty at 6% is £208.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,688.80, so it is £737.76. Import taxes total £946.56; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £208.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: compare the batch label, analysis certificate and agreed identity test with the ordered derivative and substitution pattern.
Composition: check assay basis, water, residual solvents and agreed impurities against the purchase specification.
Packaging: inspect seals, inner liners, closures, leakage and signs of moisture entry before accepting the batch.
Documents: match batch identifiers and quantities across containers and paperwork; compare safety data sheets with the supplied chemical and handling instructions.
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What goes wrong
A similar name can conceal the wrong positional isomer or an ester supplied against an acid specification. A chromatographic purity result can also leave water and residual solvent outside the reported figure. Require the agreed analytical evidence before releasing the batch for use.
Moisture ingress, caking, damaged closures and inconsistent acid-to-boroxine composition can undermine repeatability. Hold a suspect batch apart from accepted stock, record the condition on arrival and compare it with the retained sample before agreeing a remedy.
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 phenylboronic acids from China?
The supplied named lines carry 6% duty, with no suspension, anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Confirm the exact derivative and purity before choosing a code.
Can I use the same code for every phenylboronic acid?
Do not assume so. The supplied lines identify particular derivatives and weight-purity thresholds. Match the full chemical identity and specification before classification.
What purity evidence should I request?
Request batch-specific identity and assay results, with the reporting basis stated, plus water, residual solvents and agreed impurities. Compare the results with your purchase specification.
Do laboratory chemicals need safety data sheets?
Hazardous chemicals supplied for use at work need safety data sheets. Match the sheet to the actual derivative supplied; a generic family description is a poor purchasing reference.