Sourcing propionitrile from China
Propionitrile provisionally falls under the residual nitrile code, which carries 0% UK duty from China in the supplied tariff snapshot. Confirm classification before ordering. Chemical suppliers are responsible for hazard classification, correct labels and packaging. Cambridge China Bridge sources propionitrile.
Propionitrile: residual code and 0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2926 covers nitrile-function compounds. Propionitrile is not individually named in the supplied lines; the provisional residual code is 2926 90 70 90, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. The snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty for that line. The table repeats this code for different purchasing specifications, rather than presenting separate tariff lines.
The residual line also records an autonomous suspension restricted to specified substances and an authorised-use suspension. Do not assume either applies to propionitrile. The UK Trade Tariff attaches dangerous-chemical export and waste export controls to this line; ask your customs broker to confirm their relevance to the shipment, particularly for returns or waste.
Confirm the chemical identity, composition and intended use with your broker using our commodity code guide. For other substances within the heading, see the acetonitrile and nitriles guide. Use the supplied snapshot for this guide's duty figure, as the wider guide contains an earlier tariff reading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propionitrile for industrial use, subject to classification confirmation | 2926 90 70 90 | 0% | None |
Specify propionitrile purity and water content
Write propionitrile's chemical identity into the purchase specification, together with assay, water content, related organic impurities, non-volatile residue and the agreed test methods. Ask for actual batch results rather than a generic statement that the material is laboratory grade. Agree container material, closure type and a retained sample from the supplied batch.
Chemical suppliers, including importers, are responsible for hazard classification. Labels and packaging must be correct before market supply. Obtain an English safety data sheet matching the material and intended use; hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet.
Confirm with HSE which UK REACH registration arrangements apply to your planned annual nitrile imports. Registration is assessed per substance and legal entity. Confirm your own position before ordering; a Chinese supplier's general assurance does not establish your coverage.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 kg of propionitrile; illustrative FOB and freight values under 2926 90 70 90, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,980. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,980, so it is £596. 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: match the purchase specification, container labels, safety data sheet and batch certificate to propionitrile.
Analysis: arrange representative sampling by trained personnel and compare assay, water, impurity profile and residue with the agreed specification.
Containers: check seals, closures, leakage, corrosion and batch markings before accepting the delivery.
Documents: match batch references across the certificate, invoice and packing list, and check that the English safety data sheet describes the supplied material.
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What goes wrong
A purchasing failure to guard against is accepting a grade name without agreed test limits. An assay result alone can leave water, related impurities or residue unchecked. Certificates can also describe a different batch. Tie acceptance to batch-specific results and investigate discrepancies before releasing the material for use.
Do not copy acetonitrile's tariff line or handling documents into a propionitrile order. Have your chemical adviser and freight provider review the actual product documents before dispatch. Agree rejection, containment and return arrangements in advance; our quality inspection guide explains how to define acceptance checks.
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 propionitrile from China?
The supplied snapshot gives residual code 2926 90 70 90 a 0% duty rate, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the supplied propionitrile belongs in this code.
Do I need UK REACH registration for propionitrile?
Confirm the applicable UK REACH registration arrangements with HSE for your planned annual imports. Assess the quantity per substance and legal entity.
What should a propionitrile batch certificate show?
Ask for batch identity, actual assay, water content, agreed impurities and non-volatile residue, with the test methods. Match it to the delivered containers.
Can I use acetonitrile paperwork for propionitrile?
Use documents for the actual substance. Match the chemical identity, safety data sheet, batch certificate and labels, and ask your broker to confirm the commodity code.