Sourcing PVA wood glues from China
PVA wood glues from China normally pay 6% UK duty under the relevant retail or polymer-based adhesive codes; the wider heading includes specialised products at 0%. Importers are responsible for chemical classification, so assess the actual formula before agreeing labels. Cambridge China Bridge sources PVA wood glues.
6% duty for ordinary PVA wood glue
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3506 covers prepared glues and adhesives. PVA wood glue put up for retail sale with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg falls within 3506 10 00 00; other prepared polymer-based wood glue normally falls within 3506 91 90 99. The table repeats these codes for different pack formats.
Both relevant lines carry 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. The retail line has no suspension. The other polymer-based adhesive line has a narrowly described suspension for specialised products; do not assume ordinary PVA wood glue qualifies. That line also carries a fluorinated greenhouse gas import control: ask your customs broker to confirm the declaration requirement for the actual formula.
The tariff attaches waste import and export controls to both lines. Official guidance for England says waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For glue from China that is waste, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before shipping. Confirm the commodity code using the composition, net pack weight and retail presentation. See the wider adhesives guide for other products within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVA wood glue in retail bottles, net weight not exceeding 1 kg | 3506 10 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Other prepared PVA wood glue in workshop packs | 3506 91 90 99 | 6% | None |
Specify the wood joint and glue formula
Specify the timber species, joint type, application method and intended exposure to moisture. Agree viscosity, solids content, open time, clamping instructions, cured appearance and storage conditions against an approved sample. Ask for test results on your actual timber and joint rather than accepting a general claim of water resistance.
Importers are responsible for chemical classification. Obtain the actual formula information and an English safety data sheet for review before approving artwork. Check whether the formula needs hazard labels using the classification assessment described in our wider adhesives guide. Ask a chemical compliance adviser to assess UK REACH obligations for the imported ingredients.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed pallet order of workshop tubs of PVA wood glue under 3506 91 90 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Glue condition: compare flow and appearance with the approved sample; check for lumps, skinning, separation and unusual odour.
Bond performance: make joints using the agreed timber, glue application and clamping procedure; check cured strength and any claimed moisture resistance.
Containers: check net contents, cap seals, dispensing nozzles, leakage and carton damage.
Batch records: match batch markings, manufacture dates and remaining shelf life to the agreed specification; compare labels and safety data sheets with the approved versions.
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What goes wrong
Water-based glue can freeze and separate during winter transport. Agree protection against freezing and a receipt check before shipment. A batch that looks acceptable in its container may still produce weak joints, so assess bond performance as well as appearance.
A sample tested on different timber or under different clamping conditions may not represent your use. Record the test method and retain samples from production batches. Unapproved formula changes also undermine the agreed performance and the basis of the chemical classification review.
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 PVA wood glue from China?
Ordinary PVA wood glue carries 6% duty under the relevant retail or other polymer-based adhesive codes in the supplied tariff data. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure is recorded.
Does water-based PVA glue avoid chemical classification?
Importers remain responsible for chemical classification. Assess the actual formula rather than treating a water-based description as a classification.
How do I check a water-resistant wood glue claim?
Agree a test method and test production samples on the timber and joints you intend to use. Compare the results with the claimed moisture exposure.
What should I check if PVA glue arrives separated?
Hold the affected batch for assessment. Compare it with retained samples, review possible freezing during transport and check bond performance before releasing it.