Sourcing PP impact copolymer resin from China

Ordinary impact copolymer resin: 6% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3902 covers polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. This guide concerns polypropylene impact copolymer resin supplied as pellets. Ordinary propylene copolymers under 3902 30 00 99 carry 6% duty from China. The table includes neighbouring classification entries for comparison; they are not interchangeable codes for the same resin.

The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Listed suspensions give 0% only to qualifying goods. The suspension under 3902 30 00 99 describes a polystyrene and ethylene-propylene block copolymer, rather than ordinary impact polypropylene. Its footnote excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing those products. Do not budget for suspension relief from the supplier's trade name alone.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For material from China whose waste status is uncertain, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before shipping. Give the broker the composition, datasheet and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading comparison, see our random copolymer resin guide.

Specify cold impact performance and moulding behaviour

Name the existing reference grade, intended moulded part and service temperature. Specify impact copolymer type, melt flow rate, flexural modulus and notched impact performance, with the test method and temperature for each result. Compare the proposed resin with your approved material using the same methods, then trial it in your mould.

Agree whether the resin is unfilled or compounded, its filler content, colour, additives and permitted recycled content. Ask the supplier to identify the producer and manufacturing grade, with a batch certificate of analysis. For recycled material, agree the source and contamination limits in writing.

Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration obligations apply to the polymer, monomers and additives, and whether upstream registration covers the actual formulation. For food-container applications, ask for a grade-specific declaration of compliance, supporting migration tests and details of dual-use additives. Our testing and certification service can help define the evidence to request.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 24 tonnes of injection-moulding polypropylene impact copolymer pellets under 3902 30 00 99, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,000. Duty at 6% is £1,680. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,680, so it is £5,936. Import taxes total £7,616; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,680 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match producer, grade and batch numbers on bags, delivery documents and certificates; retain samples from different bags and lots.

Flow and stiffness: compare melt flow rate, density and flexural modulus with the approved grade, using the agreed test conditions.

Cold impact: mould test specimens and trial parts, then compare notched impact and cracking at the agreed service temperature.

Pellets and packing: inspect for black specks, foreign granules, fines and colour variation; check sealed liners and damaged bags. Use our quality inspection guide to plan sampling.

What goes wrong

A substitute homopolymer can mould acceptably yet crack in cold use. A matching melt flow rate alone does not establish equivalent impact strength or stiffness. Changes in filler content can also alter the part's behaviour. Require approval before any producer, grade or formulation change.

Mixed lots and contaminated pellets can produce inconsistent moulding or visible defects. Keep incoming batches separate until the checks and moulding trial are accepted. A suspension claim can also fail when the composition does not match its description; have the broker check eligibility before costing the order.

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.