Sourcing polyvinylcaprolactam resin from China
Polyvinylcaprolactam resin has candidate UK tariff lines carrying 0% to 6% duty from China. Confirm whether the material is a homopolymer or a specified copolymer, and check its monomer obligations under UK REACH before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyvinylcaprolactam resin.
Candidate resin lines: 0% to 6% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3905 covers vinyl polymers in primary forms. Polyvinylcaprolactam homopolymer should be assessed against the residual other-vinyl-polymer line, 3905 99 90 99, carrying 0%. The listed caprolactam-containing copolymer lines and other-copolymer line shown here carry 6%. These are classification candidates, not interchangeable codes.
The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for these selected lines. It attaches import waste controls and, for these lines, export waste controls. For waste from China imported into England under notification controls, the exporter must seek consent from the competent authority in the dispatch country. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable waste requirements, including any proposed return shipment.
Give your broker the full polymer composition, solvent, concentration and physical form to confirm the commodity code. The listed copolymer descriptions include composition conditions that a trade name alone cannot establish. For wider heading context, see polyvinylpyrrolidone resin.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other vinyl polymers: candidate line for polyvinylcaprolactam homopolymer | 3905 99 90 99 | 0% | None |
| Listed vinylcaprolactam/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer in butoxyethanol | 3905 91 00 25 | 6% | None |
| Listed vinylcaprolactam/vinylpyrrolidone/methacrylate copolymer | 3905 91 00 60 | 6% | None |
| Listed vinylcaprolactam-containing copolymer solution with ethanol | 3905 91 00 70 | 6% | None |
| Other vinyl copolymers: candidate line for unlisted caprolactam copolymers | 3905 91 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify polymer identity and solution behaviour
State whether you need polyvinylcaprolactam homopolymer or a caprolactam-containing copolymer. Specify the chemical identity, comonomers, supplied form, solvent, solids content, residual monomer, moisture and viscosity, with agreed test conditions. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and safety data sheet that describe the actual supplied material.
Agree how the resin should dissolve and behave in your formulation as temperature changes. Test clarity, clouding, viscosity and film performance using your own ingredients. Record the mixing sequence and storage conditions alongside the approved sample.
Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration requirements or exemptions apply to the polymer, its monomers and additives. Obtain the supplier's composition information and establish the importer's REACH position. Classification and labelling of substances and mixtures placed on the Great Britain market must follow mandatory classifications where relevant.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial-production consignment of polyvinylcaprolactam homopolymer; FOB and freight values are hypothetical under 3905 99 90 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,500, so it is £4,100. 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 purchase specification, batch certificate and container labels identify the same homopolymer or copolymer.
Composition: check solids, solvent, moisture and residual monomer against the agreed specification; retain a sealed sample for independent testing.
Performance: check dissolution, clarity and viscosity under the agreed conditions, then trial the batch in your formulation.
Packing: check seals, liners, leaks, powder lumps, batch identification and production dates before releasing stock.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may offer a caprolactam-containing copolymer when the buyer expects a homopolymer. Similar descriptions can conceal different solvents, solids content or solution behaviour. Comparing viscosity results without matching test conditions can also make unsuitable batches appear acceptable.
Hold material with unexplained clouding, contamination, damaged seals or a certificate that does not match the batch. Resolve the discrepancy and repeat the formulation trial before production. Use a written inspection brief so the checks follow the agreed grade.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on polyvinylcaprolactam resin from China?
The candidate homopolymer line 3905 99 90 99 carries 0%; the selected caprolactam-containing copolymer lines carry 6%. Confirm composition and classification before using either rate.
Is polyvinylcaprolactam the same as a caprolactam copolymer?
No. Specify whether you need a homopolymer or a copolymer, and obtain the full comonomer and solvent composition rather than relying on the supplier's trade name.
Does polyvinylcaprolactam need UK REACH registration?
Confirm with HSE whether registration requirements or exemptions apply to the polymer, its monomers and additives. Establish your importer's position using the actual composition.
What should I test before accepting a resin batch?
Check identity, solids or moisture, residual monomer and viscosity against agreed methods. Trial dissolution, clarity and temperature response in your own formulation.