Sourcing propylene gas from China
Propylene gas from China carries 0% UK duty on the relevant liquefied and gaseous lines, with no trade remedy listed. Correct hazard labelling and packaging remain required before sale in Great Britain. Specify purity, impurities and cylinder connections before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources propylene gas.
Propylene duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. Liquefied propylene is included in 2711 14 00 00; the gaseous-state line is 2711 29 00 00. Both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for either line.
The table shows purchasing variants sharing the liquefied line, rather than separate tariff classifications for each grade. Confirm the commodity code using the composition and physical state of the shipment. For the wider product family, see bulk propane sourcing.
Zero customs duty does not settle chemical or cylinder compliance. Confirm the UK REACH registration position and English safety data sheet requirements for hazardous supplies with HSE, and obtain the applicable documentation before shipment. Keep duty and import VAT separate in your calculation; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquefied propylene for industrial use | 2711 14 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Propylene in gaseous state | 2711 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify propylene purity and cylinder supply
Specify the intended use, propylene purity, maximum propane content, moisture, sulphur compounds and other agreed impurities. Require a batch certificate of analysis showing results and test methods, rather than a generic grade sheet. For polymer production, agree impurity limits with the process operator before accepting the supplier's grade.
Specify liquefied or gaseous supply, net contents, cylinder ownership, valve connection and compatibility with your receiving equipment. Agree who handles empty cylinders and how batch identity remains traceable. Compare the actual valve specification with your regulator or manifold drawing.
Before placing chemicals on the Great Britain market, the supply chain must ensure correct labelling and packaging. Check UK REACH responsibilities against your annual imports. For transportable pressure equipment being placed on that market, a Rho marking is required; confirm the proposed cylinders and their documents with your compliance adviser before shipment.
Employers must assess risks from dangerous substances before work starts. Include receipt, storage and connection of propylene in that assessment before arranging delivery.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 kg of liquefied propylene in cylinders under 2711 14 00 00, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,600, so it is £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
Analysis: match the batch certificate to the shipment and compare purity, propane, moisture and agreed impurity results with the purchase specification. Arrange specialist sampling where independent analysis is needed.
Cylinders: check serial numbers, conformity documents, markings, inspection records, valve protection and visible damage through a competent gas handler.
Connections and contents: verify valve type against the receiving equipment and reconcile declared net contents with the delivery records.
Labels and documents: match the product identity and hazard label to the English safety data sheet and batch records. Use the quality inspection guide to define acceptance records.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A supplier's grade name can hide a different impurity profile. Excess propane, moisture or sulphur compounds can make a lot unsuitable for the intended process even when its stated propylene purity looks acceptable. A generic analysis sheet leaves the delivered batch unverified.
Wrong valve connections, damaged valve protection or missing cylinder conformity documents can prevent acceptance at the receiving site. Resolve the cylinder supply and return arrangement before ordering, and have a competent gas handler assess suspect cylinders before connection.
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 propylene gas from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty for liquefied propylene under 2711 14 00 00 and gaseous propylene under 2711 29 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed.
Is propylene the same as propane?
No. Specify propylene by composition and intended use. Ask for the actual batch analysis, including propane content, rather than accepting a general fuel-gas description.
What should a propylene certificate of analysis show?
Batch identity, propylene purity, propane content, moisture and other agreed impurities, with results and test methods matched to your purchase specification.
What cylinder checks should I agree before shipping?
Agree valve connections, net contents, ownership and returns. Confirm conformity documents, required markings and inspection records before shipment, then check identity and condition on arrival.