Sourcing phosphorus pentachloride from China
Phosphorus pentachloride from China pays 4% UK import duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. Importers must take responsibility for chemical classification and correct labelling and packaging before supply in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources phosphorus pentachloride.
Phosphorus pentachloride duty and controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, phosphorus pentachloride under 2812 14 00 00 carried 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. Heading 2812 covers halides and halide oxides of non-metals. The neighbouring phosphorus compounds in the table are classification comparisons, rather than substitutes for the ordered chemical.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For imports under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the dispatch country, China, for consent. Confirm with your customs broker whether the shipment is waste and which requirements apply. Ask the broker to check the attached export waste control before arranging any return shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemical identity, composition and intended presentation. Compare the related compounds in our phosphorus trichloride guide. Check the calculation method in UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus pentachloride | 2812 14 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Phosphorus trichloride, for classification comparison | 2812 13 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Phosphorus oxychloride, for classification comparison | 2812 12 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other phosphorus chlorides and chloride oxides, for classification comparison | 2812 19 10 00 | 4% | None |
Specify assay, impurities and sealed packing
Write phosphorus pentachloride explicitly on the enquiry and purchase order. Agree assay, limits for phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride, physical form, sampling method and the analytical method used to release each batch. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis, rather than accepting a catalogue specification as evidence of the delivered material.
Specify the container material, closure, seal and protection against moisture ingress. Agree how a competent laboratory will sample the material and how damaged containers will be handled. Ask the carrier to confirm suitable transport arrangements before shipment.
For Great Britain, chemical classification is the importer's responsibility, and supply-chain businesses must ensure correct labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the market. Obtain the safety data sheet and check the UK REACH registration position before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 25 sealed drums of phosphorus pentachloride for a process trial, illustrative under 2812 14 00 00, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 4% is £680. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,680, so it is £3,536. Import taxes total £4,216; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £680 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the purchase order, container labels and batch certificate to phosphorus pentachloride, with consistent batch references.
Assay: have a competent laboratory compare the delivered batch with the agreed assay and impurity limits using the agreed method.
Packing: inspect unopened containers for damaged closures, broken seals, staining or leakage, and record the condition before acceptance.
Documents: compare hazard labels with the safety data sheet and check batch traceability. Plan the checks using our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
An order can fail when a certificate describes a different batch, the supplier substitutes a related phosphorus chloride, assay falls below the contract specification, or closures lose their seal. A laboratory-grade description alone does not establish the impurity profile needed for your process.
Agree acceptance and rejection criteria before paying the balance. Keep suspect containers closed while a competent chemical handler assesses them. Resolve chemical identity, packaging and the broker's waste-control questions before arranging a replacement or return.
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 phosphorus pentachloride from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% for 2812 14 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Does phosphorus pentachloride need UK REACH registration?
At one tonne or more a year, check the importer's UK REACH registration position before ordering. Ask for evidence covering the substance and your supply arrangement.
Which documents should I request from the factory?
Request a batch certificate of analysis, the safety data sheet, a proposed label and packing details. Match the chemical identity and batch references across the documents.
Does the tariff waste control apply to fresh phosphorus pentachloride?
The tariff attaches waste controls to the code. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether your shipment is waste and what follows; do not assume the control means fresh chemical stock is banned.