Sourcing phytase enzymes from China

Zero duty, with a veterinary control to resolve

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3507 covers enzymes and prepared enzymes not elsewhere specified or included. Phytase preparations are candidates for the residual code 3507 90 90 90. The table shows different product forms within that same tariff line. See the wider enzymes guide for other enzyme families.

The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. It attaches a veterinary control to the residual line. Confirm with your customs broker whether that control applies to the actual phytase formulation, including its carrier and source materials. Where veterinary checks apply, the consignment must enter through an approved border control post.

Confirm the commodity code using the complete composition and intended use, especially where the goods are a feed mixture rather than an enzyme preparation. For feed use in Great Britain, check that the exact additive is authorised and that the intended use matches its authorisation.

Specify phytase activity and processing stability

Specify the production organism and strain, enzyme activity, activity unit, assay substrate, temperature and acidity used in the assay. Agree a minimum activity on arrival and at the end of the agreed storage period. Request a batch certificate of analysis using the same method as your receiving laboratory.

State whether you need powder, granules, a coated preparation or liquid, and identify every carrier. For use before feed pelleting, request activity-retention results under your actual conditioning process. For application after pelleting, check liquid compatibility with your dosing equipment. Agree storage conditions, moisture protection and samples for independent testing.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of liquid phytase preparation under 3507 90 90 90, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,800, so it is £4,760. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the manufacturer, production strain, formulation and batch against the purchase specification and feed authorisation documentation.

Activity: test a representative arrival sample using the agreed assay, and compare results with the batch certificate.

Physical condition: check granule consistency, dust, caking and damaged seals; examine liquids for leakage and unexpected separation.

Stability: review transport and storage records, remaining shelf life and evidence of activity retention during your feed process.

What goes wrong

A supplier's activity result can look acceptable while using a different assay. A coated product can meet the arrival specification but lose activity during the buyer's pelleting process. Compare methods before accepting results and trial the preparation under the intended processing conditions.

Paperwork may describe a different production strain or formulation from the delivered batch. Authorisation for one purpose does not cover every intended use. Resolve mismatches before release for feed use, and settle the veterinary-control question before dispatch.

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.