Sourcing polyamide wax from China

Zero duty for qualifying polyamide wax

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3404 covers artificial and prepared waxes. Polyamide wax qualifying within this heading falls under the “Other” line, 3404 90 00 00. The supplied tariff facts contain only this relevant line, so the table has a single entry.

The duty for goods from China is 0%. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control for this line. This tariff result does not replace a chemical compliance assessment.

Ask for the chemical identity, full composition and technical data before confirming the commodity code. Do not classify a material solely from the supplier's description “polyamide wax”. See the artificial and prepared waxes guide for the wider heading.

Specify the polyamide wax and its formulation

State whether you want a powder, granules or a formulated dispersion, and identify any carrier, solvent or other wax in the product. Agree particle size distribution, melting or softening behaviour, colour, moisture and packaging. For coating or ink trials, record the binder, solvent system, mixing conditions and the intended effect, such as settling control or surface slip.

Polymers are exempt from UK REACH registration. Ask a chemical compliance specialist to confirm whether the supplied material qualifies as a polymer and assess its monomers, additives and any carrier separately. Before importing a substance you have not previously handled, consider whether UK REACH registration is required.

For sale in Great Britain, ensure correct chemical labelling and packaging. A hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use requires a safety data sheet. Request documentation for the actual grade and composition being ordered.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of bagged polyamide wax, illustrative business order under 3404 90 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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 bag label, batch certificate and technical documents to the approved grade and declared composition.

Powder: compare particle size distribution, colour, moisture and agglomeration with the retained sample.

Performance: repeat the agreed formulation trial and compare dispersion, settling, viscosity and the finished surface.

Packaging: check seals, contamination, caking, net contents and readable batch identification on arrival.

What goes wrong

A replacement grade can look similar while dispersing differently. Coarse particles or agglomerates can leave specks, and a change in melting behaviour or carrier can alter viscosity, settling or surface appearance. Compare batches in your own formulation rather than accepting a matching trade name.

Documents can describe a different grade from the material shipped. Keep the approved sample and agreed test method, reconcile documents with batch labels, and arrange quality inspection 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.