Sourcing prepared UV absorber blends from China

UK duty on prepared UV absorber blends

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3812 covers prepared rubber accelerators, compound plasticisers, anti-oxidising preparations and other compound stabilisers for rubber or plastics. This guide selects prepared UV absorber blends, including absorber and hindered amine combinations. The selected lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls.

The named lines describe particular chemical mixtures and, where specified, composition ranges. Match the full formulation, including solvent and stabiliser components, to the tariff description. A trade name alone does not establish the code. Confirm your commodity code using the composition and safety data sheet.

UK REACH registration applies to substances in mixtures, so assess the constituent substances rather than treating the blend name as registration evidence. Have classification carried out by someone with scientific competence, and ensure correct labelling and packaging before market supply. For related compound stabilisers within this heading, see the hindered amine light stabiliser blends guide.

Specify absorber chemistry and carrier

Specify the absorber chemistry, chemical identifiers, active content and blend ratio, including any hindered amine component. Name the solvent or carrier and agree colour, viscosity, moisture and physical form. Ask for the formulation statement, technical data sheet, English safety data sheet and batch certificate of analysis.

State the target polymer, processing conditions, intended exposure and acceptable colour change. Compare the proposed blend with your approved grade in your own formulation, checking dispersion, clarity, surface deposits and ageing performance. For plastic food packaging, confirm with the Food Standards Agency which authorisation requirements and restrictions apply to each additive for the intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 600 kg of the listed triazine UV absorber preparation under 3812 39 90 38, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £1,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £33,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £33,600, so it is £6,720. 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

Composition: check batch identity, absorber content, blend ratio and solvent against the agreed specification and certificate of analysis.

Condition: check colour, viscosity and homogeneity for liquids; check caking and particle form for powders. Look for separation, sediment or unexpected odour.

Application: compare dispersion, clarity, yellowing and surface deposits with the approved sample in the target polymer, then compare ageing performance.

Packing and documents: check seals, leaks, batch identification, labels and the matching English safety data sheet. Record samples and findings using the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A supplier substitutes the absorber chemistry, changes the solvent or dilutes the active content while retaining the same grade name. The blend then separates, disperses poorly or changes the finished plastic's colour. Matching appearance on arrival does not establish matching ageing performance.

Keep the approved formulation and sample alongside incoming batch results. Investigate composition or carrier changes before releasing material into production. A generic chemical compliance statement does not identify the substances in your blend or establish whether they require UK REACH registration.

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.