Sourcing Polypropylene Wax from China

Zero duty for polypropylene wax under this heading

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3404 covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. For polypropylene wax confirmed within this heading, the relevant line is 3404 90 00 00, Other. The table shows different supply forms using the same tariff line.

The supplied record shows 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control. This describes the tariff record, rather than settling chemical supply obligations.

Ask for the composition, additives and technical description before confirming the commodity code. For wider heading context, see our polyethylene wax guide.

Specify melt behaviour and dispersion

Specify polypropylene wax identity, whether it is modified or blended, intended use, physical form and packaging. Agree melting or softening behaviour, melt viscosity at an agreed test temperature, colour, ash and particle size distribution. Record the test methods and acceptance criteria so the sample and production batches can be compared.

Trial the wax in your own coating, ink or plastics formulation. Check dispersion, surface finish and the processing behaviour you need. Retain the approved sample and require approval before changes to the formulation or manufacturing route.

Before supplying the wax in Great Britain, ensure the substances or mixtures are labelled and packaged correctly. If importing a substance you have not previously imported, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. A hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use needs a safety data sheet.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of bagged polypropylene wax granules 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: check the composition declaration, technical data, safety information and batch certificate describe the ordered grade.

Melt properties: compare melting behaviour and melt viscosity with the approved sample using the agreed methods.

Powder and process: check particle size, coarse particles, caking and dispersion in the intended formulation.

Packaging: check bag seals, moisture, contamination, batch identification and net weight. Plan sampling through our quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

An apparently matching wax can behave differently when its melt viscosity or particle size changes. Coarse particles can leave specks in coatings; poor dispersion can give uneven surface properties. A substituted blend may pass a colour check while failing your process trial.

Compare arrival samples with retained samples before releasing stock into production. Keep suspect batches separate and ask the supplier to explain differences with batch test results. Agree acceptance in the actual application rather than relying on a generic grade name.

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.