Sourcing low-molecular-weight PTFE wax from China
Low-molecular-weight PTFE wax from China carries 0% UK duty if confirmed under 3404 90 00 00, with no listed trade remedy. Check chemical classification, labelling and contaminant evidence before supply; the name PTFE wax alone does not establish tariff classification. Cambridge China Bridge sources low-molecular-weight PTFE wax.
Duty depends on confirmed wax classification
Heading 3404 covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. For low-molecular-weight polytetrafluoroethylene sold as PTFE wax, the relevant candidate in the supplied tariff data is 3404 90 00 00, other artificial and prepared waxes. Ask for composition, molecular-weight information and technical data before treating the product as a wax for customs purposes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the supplied heading lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The other-waxes line has no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The table repeats that candidate line for different applications; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Confirm the commodity code with your customs broker using the actual material documents. For the wider wax family, see polyethylene wax from China. Chemical compliance still needs a separate check: suppliers are responsible for correct labelling and packaging before placing substances or mixtures on the market.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-molecular-weight PTFE wax powder for coatings, classification to confirm | 3404 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the PTFE wax and its formulation behaviour
Specify whether the material is unblended PTFE wax or a blend, its manufacturing route, molecular-weight information, particle-size distribution, coarse-particle limit, melting behaviour, bulk density and packaging. Agree the test methods and acceptance criteria with the factory. Give the intended coating, ink, plastic or lubricant formulation and processing conditions.
Approve a sample in your own formulation. Compare dispersion, surface finish, slip, wear behaviour and any effect on adhesion or gloss. Ask for batch test results for perfluorooctanoic acid and related compounds, with reporting limits stated. Material containing persistent organic pollutants can only be used within the applicable exceptions to the ban; have the results checked before release.
Polymers are exempt from UK REACH registration. Before relying on that exemption, ask a chemical adviser to check whether this low-molecular-weight material qualifies and assess its monomers, additives and blend constituents. A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for use at work.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 bags of low-molecular-weight PTFE wax powder for coatings, subject to classification confirmation under 3404 90 00 00, invoiced at £20,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £22,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £22,200, so it is £4,440. 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 grade, composition, batch reference and certificate of analysis to the approved sample and purchase specification.
Powder: check particle-size distribution, coarse particles, agglomerates, foreign matter and colour against the agreed methods.
Application: repeat the agreed dispersion and performance trial in your formulation before releasing the batch.
Documents and bags: check chemical classification, applicable labels, safety data and contaminant reports; inspect seals, liners, leakage and net contents. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the inspection scope.
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What goes wrong
A similar-looking powder may disperse differently because its particle distribution, molecular weight or blend has changed. Coarse particles and agglomerates can leave visible defects, while a substituted grade can change slip, gloss or adhesion. Retain the approved sample and compare each shipment in the intended formulation.
A generic safety data sheet or an unsupported contamination claim gives little assurance about the shipped batch. Ask for reports identifying the tested material, method and reporting limit. Hold a disputed batch while the factory and your adviser resolve the evidence, rather than blending it into saleable stock.
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 PTFE wax from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% for 3404 90 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the actual low-molecular-weight PTFE wax belongs in that line.
Is every PTFE powder classified as wax?
Do not classify from the trade name alone. Give your broker the composition, molecular-weight information, manufacturing route and technical data to assess the actual material.
Does PTFE wax need a safety data sheet?
A safety data sheet is required if the chemical is hazardous and supplied for use at work. Ask your adviser to assess the actual grade or blend, and obtain handling information before trials.
How do I check PTFE wax matches the sample?
Compare batch identity, particle-size distribution, agglomerates and contamination evidence, then repeat the agreed dispersion and performance trial in your own formulation.