Sourcing phthalic anhydride from China
Phthalic anhydride from China has a 6% base UK duty, suspended to 0% for eligible goods. GB buyers must check UK REACH registration and chemical labelling; the suspension excludes mixtures and preparations. Specify assay, colour and moisture by batch. Cambridge China Bridge sources phthalic anhydride.
Phthalic anhydride duty and suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, phthalic anhydride under 2917 35 00 00 has a 6% base duty for goods from China and an autonomous suspension to 0%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed for this line. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the substance.
Heading 2917 covers polycarboxylic acids and their anhydrides and other listed derivatives. This guide covers phthalic anhydride only. The table repeats its commodity line for different purchasing uses, rather than separate tariff classifications. Confirm identity and composition using finding your commodity code, and see the wider heading guide for related substances.
The tariff attaches an export control for waste. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste. If the proposed Chinese supply is waste or its status is uncertain, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker and the relevant waste authority before ordering. Do the same before arranging a return shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phthalic anhydride | 2917 35 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify assay, colour and moisture
Write the specification around your resin, polyester or coatings process. Agree assay, acid value, colour, moisture, ash and iron limits with the factory, together with the test methods. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and approve a sample in your own process before accepting bulk supply.
Phthalic anhydride is a respiratory and skin sensitiser. Check its chemical hazard labels and confirm the applicable safety data sheet and language requirements with HSE. GB importers should confirm UK REACH registration responsibilities for the substance and their annual import volume with HSE. Registration is per substance and per legal entity. Resolve the registration position before committing to the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of phthalic anhydride in 25 kg bags under 2917 35 00 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £27,800. Duty at 6% is £1,668. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,468, so it is £5,893.60. Import taxes total £7,561.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,668 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the product name and batch references across the purchase order, packaging, certificate of analysis and safety data sheet.
Analysis: compare batch assay, acid value, colour and moisture with the agreed specification; arrange independent testing where the results need confirmation.
Packaging: check seals, liners and bags for tears, dampness or caking; keep a retained sample linked to each accepted batch.
Documents: check English safety data sheets and the chemical hazard labels. Suppliers are responsible for correct labelling and packaging before goods are placed on the market.
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What goes wrong
Moisture entering damaged packaging can hydrolyse the anhydride. A batch may look acceptable but miss assay or colour limits, leaving resin or polyester discoloured. Keep suspect batches separate while you compare arrival samples with the factory certificate and retained sample.
Paperwork can fail even when the material meets the specification: a generic safety data sheet, mismatched batch references or Chinese-only documents leave gaps. Request batch-specific evidence and use testing and certification support to define the checks 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 phthalic anhydride from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows a 6% base rate with an autonomous suspension to 0% for 2917 35 00 00. Mixtures and preparations are excluded from the suspension; no anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Do I need UK REACH registration for phthalic anhydride?
Confirm your registration obligations with HSE for the substance and your annual import volume. Assess the importer’s position before ordering rather than relying on the factory’s certificate of analysis.
What should a phthalic anhydride certificate of analysis show?
Ask for the batch reference, assay, acid value, colour, moisture, ash and iron results, with test methods. Compare the results with the agreed specification and test arrival samples where needed.
Why does phthalic anhydride packaging need to stay dry?
Moisture can hydrolyse the anhydride. Specify sealed packaging, inspect bags and liners for damage or dampness, and investigate caked or wet material before using it in production.