Sourcing phosphorus trichloride from China
Phosphorus trichloride from China pays 4% UK duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. Importers must arrange chemical declarations and check UK REACH registration obligations before shipment. Cambridge China Bridge sources phosphorus trichloride.
Phosphorus trichloride duty and controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, phosphorus trichloride under 2812 13 00 00 carried 4% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or tariff suspension was listed. Heading 2812 covers halides and halide oxides of non-metals. The other phosphorus compounds in the table are classification comparisons, not alternative descriptions for phosphorus trichloride.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. If the shipment from China is waste subject to notification controls, the exporter must seek consent through the dispatch country's competent authority. Waste cannot move under a notification until the relevant authorities have consented. Ask your customs broker to confirm the shipment's waste status and applicable requirements, including before returning rejected material.
Confirm the chemical identity and commodity code against the specification and safety data sheet. Phosphorus oxychloride and phosphorus pentachloride have separate lines. See the wider non-metal halides guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus trichloride | 2812 13 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Phosphorus oxychloride, a different substance | 2812 12 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Phosphorus pentachloride, a different substance | 2812 14 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other phosphorus chlorides, excluding phosphorus trichloride | 2812 19 10 00 | 4% | None |
Specify identity, assay and transfer arrangements
Write phosphorus trichloride in the purchase specification and agree assay, phosphorus oxychloride impurity limits, appearance and the analytical method. Ask for an analysis certificate tied to the actual production batch. Agree container material, closures, seals and a transfer connection compatible with your receiving equipment.
Phosphorus trichloride is a Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3 precursor. Imports require annual declaration data regardless of volume. Arrange the declaration position with the UK National Authority before ordering. At or above 1 tonne per year, check UK REACH registration coverage; where a new registration is required and notification provisions do not apply, registration must precede reaching that volume.
A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for workplace use. Check the hazard classification, label and packaging against the applicable chemical rules, and agree transport, unloading and storage arrangements with your specialist providers before dispatch.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1 tonne of phosphorus trichloride under 2812 13 00 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,000. Duty at 4% is £160. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,160, so it is £832. Import taxes total £992; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £160 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the purchase order, analysis certificate, safety data sheet and container labels to phosphorus trichloride and the same batch.
Assay: have a suitably equipped laboratory verify the agreed assay and impurity limits using the contracted sampling and analytical methods.
Containers: check seals, closure protection, external damage, corrosion and signs of leakage before accepting delivery; leave opening and sampling to the agreed specialist team.
Documents: check batch traceability, declared quantities and the agreed registration and chemical declaration arrangements. Use a product-specific inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A quotation can confuse phosphorus trichloride with phosphorus oxychloride, or provide an analysis certificate for a different batch. Impurities outside the agreed limits can make material unsuitable for your process. Check identity and batch evidence before loading, then test delivery against the same specification.
Damaged closures or incompatible transfer connections can prevent safe receipt. A small order can also be overlooked in chemical declaration planning, although scheduled chemical imports are declarable regardless of volume. Resolve receiving arrangements and declaration responsibilities before shipment.
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 trichloride from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% under 2812 13 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension.
Do small phosphorus trichloride imports need chemical declarations?
Yes. Phosphorus trichloride is a Schedule 3 precursor, and importers must provide annual declaration data regardless of volume. Arrange this with the UK National Authority.
Does phosphorus trichloride need UK REACH registration?
Check registration coverage at or above 1 tonne per year. If a new registration is required and notification provisions do not apply, complete it before imports reach that volume.
What should I check when phosphorus trichloride arrives?
Match identity and batch documents, inspect unopened containers and seals, and have the agreed specialist laboratory check assay and impurities. Confirm transfer connections before delivery.