Sourcing polyvinylidene chloride resin from China
Polyvinylidene chloride resin from China carries UK duty of 0% to 6%: the specified expansible copolymer beads are duty-free, while other vinylidene chloride polymers carry 6%. Check the composition and physical form before choosing the code, and review monomer registration under UK REACH. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyvinylidene chloride resin.
PVDC resin duty and waste controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3904 covers polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins in primary forms. Within it, vinylidene chloride polymers have a specific branch. The supplied tariff data contains only the relevant lines shown here. For the wider heading, see PVDF resin from China.
Goods from China under 3904 50 10 00 carry 0% duty only for the specified vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile expansible beads of 4 to 20 micrometres. Other vinylidene chloride polymers under 3904 50 90 99 carry 6%. Neither line lists an anti-dumping or countervailing duty, registration measure or tariff suspension. Both attach import and export waste controls.
For waste plastic outside the green-list categories, notification and consent are required before shipment. For a notified import from China into England, the exporter applies to the competent authority in the dispatch country for consent. Ask your broker to confirm the attached controls and waste status before shipping. Confirm the commodity code using the composition and physical form.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer expansible beads, 4–20 micrometres | 3904 50 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other vinylidene chloride polymers in primary forms | 3904 50 90 99 | 6% | None |
Specify the PVDC grade and conversion process
Specify whether you need dry resin or an aqueous dispersion, the copolymer composition, additives and intended coating or extrusion process. Agree particle size for powders and solids content, viscosity and storage conditions for dispersions. Set acceptance criteria for residual monomer, contamination and the barrier performance of the converted film or coating.
Review the UK REACH registration position for the monomers and other reactants rather than treating the polymer itself as the registration target. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct chemical labelling and packaging before sale. Ask for the grade's safety data sheet and arrange a classification review.
If the resin will be converted into food-contact packaging, ask for supporting evidence for the exact formulation and intended use. Trial the resin on your own equipment and test the resulting film or coating before approving the production grade.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 4 tonnes of PVDC resin for a converter's trial production; illustrative values under 3904 50 90 99, 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 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the producer, grade, formulation and batch numbers against the purchase order and certificate of analysis.
Batch properties: check particle size for dry resin, or solids content and viscosity for dispersions, against the agreed methods and limits.
Condition: inspect for foreign particles, discolouration, powder caking, dispersion separation and damaged or leaking packaging.
Conversion: compare a retained sample with the approved grade on your process, checking coating adhesion, film defects and barrier performance. Arrange testing and certification around the intended use.
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What goes wrong
A substitute copolymer or additive package can change processing and coating performance even when the supplier uses the same product name. A batch certificate alone does not show that the resin works on your line. Compare formulation records and trial samples before accepting a replacement grade.
Arrival problems include contaminated powder, leaking dispersion containers and material whose condition has changed during storage. Record the packaging and batch condition before use, isolate suspect stock and compare retained samples. Keep waste status separate from the supplier's claim that material is recycled or reusable.
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 PVDC resin from China?
Other vinylidene chloride polymers under 3904 50 90 99 carry 6%. The specified expansible vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile beads under 3904 50 10 00 carry 0%, according to the supplied tariff reading.
Does PVDC resin need UK REACH registration?
Review registration for the monomers and other reactants comprising the polymer, rather than registering the polymer itself. Ask a chemical compliance adviser to check the exact formulation and supply arrangements.
What should I specify when buying PVDC resin?
Specify the copolymer composition, additives, dry resin or dispersion form, processing application and batch acceptance tests. For dispersions, agree solids content and viscosity; for powders, agree particle size.
Can I import recycled PVDC as ordinary resin?
Confirm whether it is a product or waste before ordering. The tariff attaches waste controls. Waste plastic outside the green-list categories requires notification and consent before shipment.