Sourcing polyetherimide resin from China

0% duty on listed polyetherimide resin

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, heading 3911 covers specified resins and polymers in primary forms. Its polyetherimide line, 3911 90 19 15, names particular polymer chemistries, including a silicone-modified copolymer. The table separates those named variants under the same commodity code.

The supplied data records 0% duty for goods from China, no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no separate suspension on this line. It attaches import and export waste controls. For material imported as waste from China into England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the applicable waste procedure with your customs broker before shipment.

Give your broker the polymer identity, composition, additives and supplied form when confirming the commodity code. Do not classify a blend solely by its trade name. See the polysulfone resin guide for the wider heading.

Specify the polyetherimide grade and moulding behaviour

Specify the producer and exact grade, polymer identity, whether silicone-modified, reinforcement and additive content, colour, virgin or recycled content, and intended moulding process. Agree melt flow test conditions, moisture acceptance criteria, drying instructions and the mechanical and thermal properties needed for the finished part. Approve a moulding trial using material traceable to the proposed production grade.

Confirm with HSE how UK REACH registration applies to the polymer, its monomers and other reactants. Obtain composition information and establish the importer's registration position before ordering. Ask HSE to confirm any hazard classification and safety data sheet requirements associated with dust and residual solvents. Request the current safety data sheet alongside the technical datasheet.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot stock of listed polyetherimide resin granules for a small moulding business under 3911 90 19 15, 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 bag labels, producer, grade and batch numbers to the purchase order and certificate of analysis.

Condition: check seals and liners for damage, and sample granules for moisture, fines, black specks and mixed colours.

Properties: compare batch results with agreed melt flow, reinforcement and colour criteria using the agreed test conditions.

Processing: dry a retained sample as instructed and trial it in the intended mould, checking surface finish, filling and part strength. Agree the scope through the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A supplier offers an equivalent grade without evidence that it processes like the approved sample. Changed reinforcement, recycled content or melt flow can alter filling, shrinkage and part strength. Moisture or contamination can produce surface defects, while damaged liners undermine the agreed drying and storage arrangements.

Keep the approved sample, batch certificate and trial results together. Hold a suspect batch until the discrepancy is resolved, and require written approval before any grade or formulation change.

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.