Sourcing Polybutene-1 resin from China

0% duty for the listed PB-1 resin family

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, heading 3902 covers polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. Its PB-1 line, 3902 90 20 00, carries 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed. The table separates product variants covered by the same commodity line.

The line names polybut-1-ene, its ethylene copolymer containing no more than 10% ethylene by weight, and blends containing no more than 10% polyethylene and/or 25% polypropylene by weight. Obtain the complete composition and physical form before confirming the commodity code. See the polypropylene granules guide for the wider heading.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For a China shipment, ask your customs broker to confirm whether the material is waste and which requirements apply. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent.

Specify the PB-1 grade and its intended process

Specify homopolymer, ethylene copolymer or blend, intended use, reference grade, melt flow rate with test conditions, density, colour and additive package. Ask the producer to identify all blend components and their proportions. Keep polybutene-1 separate from polyisobutylene when reviewing quotations.

Agree the conditioning procedure and sample age for mechanical comparisons, then trial the resin on your own extrusion or moulding equipment. For pipe applications, agree the pressure and temperature performance evidence needed for the finished product rather than accepting a resin datasheet alone.

Confirm with HSE the UK REACH registration position for the polymer, monomers and additives, including any exemption or upstream coverage. Obtain the supplier's composition and registration position before ordering. Do not assume that every constituent is covered.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of polybutene-1 resin granules, illustrative only under 3902 90 20 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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 producer, grade, composition and batch numbers against the purchase specification and certificates of analysis.

Flow and properties: sample across bags and compare melt flow rate, density and agreed mechanical properties using the same test and conditioning procedures.

Pellets: spread samples on a white tray and check colour variation, black specks, fines and foreign granules.

Packing: check bag seals, liners, damage and contamination; retain labelled samples from each batch. Use a written inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A quote can describe polyisobutylene as polybutene, omit the blend composition or offer a grade whose flow behaviour differs from the approved sample. Mixed pellets and batch variation can cause unstable processing or visible defects. Compare actual samples and batch results before releasing stock.

Mechanical results are difficult to compare when sample age or conditioning differs. Record both in the trial plan. If recycled material is offered, ask for its origin and processing history and resolve its waste status with the broker 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.