Sourcing propylene glycol methyl ether from China
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether from China carries 4% UK duty under the residual ether-alcohol line; its listed suspensions cover other substances. Confirm your UK REACH position and obtain the safety data sheet required for hazardous workplace supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources propylene glycol monomethyl ether.
4% duty on propylene glycol monomethyl ether
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols and related compounds. Propylene glycol monomethyl ether falls within the residual other ether-alcohol line, 2909 49 80 90, subject to confirmation of the actual composition. The table shows buying forms of the same substance under the same tariff line.
The supplied tariff data records 4% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing measure on this line. Its suspensions name other substances and do not cover propylene glycol monomethyl ether. The attached control is export control for waste. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste; confirm any waste-related requirement with your customs broker before arranging a movement.
Give your broker the chemical identity, isomer composition and batch analysis to confirm the commodity code. Do not transfer another solvent's suspension to this product. For related ether-alcohol sourcing, see the dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propylene glycol monomethyl ether, drum supply | 2909 49 80 90 | 4% | None |
Specify identity, isomers and solvent quality
Write propylene glycol monomethyl ether in full on the purchase specification. Agree the chemical identity and isomer profile, assay by gas chromatography, water, colour, acidity and permitted impurities. Ask the laboratory to report the isomer profile separately from total purity. Agree whether the material is virgin or recovered, and retain an approved sample for comparison.
Confirm with HSE how UK REACH registration requirements apply to your planned annual substance imports. Confirm that position before ordering through the UK REACH guide. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Use a scientifically competent person for classification and labelling, and check that the sheet describes the actual supplied composition.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: One tonne in drums for a business trial, illustrative only under 2909 49 80 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,980. Duty at 4% is £159.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,139.20, so it is £827.84. Import taxes total £987.04; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £159.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the chemical name, isomer profile and batch reference across the order, analysis certificate, safety data sheet and container labels.
Batch quality: sample the delivered lot and test assay, water, colour and acidity against the agreed specification. Compare the chromatogram with the approved sample.
Containers: check seals, leaks, corrosion and evidence of previous contents. Request cleaning records for bulk transport and check packaging against the transport information on the safety data sheet.
Process trial: test the delivered solvent in your coating or cleaning process before releasing the batch for routine use. Record sampling and acceptance through the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A short trade name can conceal a different ether, an acetate or a solvent blend. Total purity alone can also hide an unacceptable isomer profile. Poorly cleaned containers can introduce water, colour or residues. Require a batch-specific analysis certificate and investigate differences between the delivered sample and the approved material.
A supplier's generic safety data sheet can describe a different composition from the shipment. Hold acceptance while the identity, analysis or paperwork is unresolved. Agree the sampling method and acceptance criteria before dispatch, rather than relying on an appearance check when the drums arrive.
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 glycol monomethyl ether from China?
The supplied tariff data records 4% under 2909 49 80 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Its named suspensions cover other substances.
Does importing propylene glycol monomethyl ether need UK REACH registration?
Confirm your UK REACH registration position with HSE for the planned annual import volume before ordering. Check coverage for your own imports rather than relying on a supplier's general statement.
What should a propylene glycol monomethyl ether specification include?
Chemical identity, isomer profile, assay, water, colour, acidity and permitted impurities. Agree test methods and require a batch-specific analysis certificate.
Is a safety data sheet enough to accept the shipment?
No. It describes hazards and handling, while batch analysis establishes conformity with your buying specification. Match both documents to the actual delivered material.