Sourcing rabbit-skin glue from China
Rabbit-skin glue under 3503 00 80 00 carries 0% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure listed. The tariff attaches veterinary control: confirm the applicable animal by-product import route before ordering. Specify rabbit origin, gel strength and viscosity. Cambridge China Bridge sources rabbit-skin glue.
Buying from China for a business? How our UK China sourcing agent service works · China sourcing agent for small orders and first imports
Zero duty, with animal-origin import checks
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 3503 covers gelatin and its derivatives, isinglass and other animal-origin glues, excluding casein glues. Rabbit-skin glue falls within the other animal-glue line, 3503 00 80 00, subject to confirmation of composition and presentation. Its duty from China is 0%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension listed. The table distinguishes product forms sharing this code.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches veterinary control and waste import and export controls. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for the actual Chinese product with the Animal and Plant Health Agency before ordering. If the non-food gelatine import route applies, production must be at an establishment approved to export to Great Britain. Confirm country eligibility and the applicable documents separately. For animal by-product consignments subject to veterinary checks, entry is through an approved border control post.
For glue classed as waste and imported into England under notification controls, shipment can start only after consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved. Have your broker confirm both tariff waste controls for the proposed shipment. Confirm the commodity code using the formulation, processing details and pack presentation. See technical hide glue for the wider product family.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit-skin glue granules | 3503 00 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify rabbit origin and working behaviour
Ask for a declaration identifying rabbit skin as the raw material and disclosing any other animal species, fillers or preservatives. Agree the supplied form, gel strength, viscosity, moisture, ash and colour. State the concentration and temperature used for the agreed tests so that batch results can be compared.
For canvas sizing, gesso preparation or restoration work, approve a sample in your actual process. Record soaking, dissolution, brush application and the appearance of the dried film. Keep a reference sample and agree storage instructions with the supplier. Before sale in Great Britain, ensure that substances and mixtures are labelled and packaged correctly under the chemical classification, labelling and packaging rules.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 100 kg of rabbit-skin glue granules; values are hypothetical, not a quotation under 3503 00 80 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,900, so it is £780. 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
Origin: check that the species declaration, supplier records and batch certificate describe the same rabbit-skin product.
Performance: compare gel strength and viscosity with the specification, then trial dissolution and application against the approved sample.
Condition: inspect for dampness, caking, mould, foreign particles and differences in colour or odour.
Packing: check sealed moisture-resistant liners, readable batch identification and agreement between bags and delivery documents. Use the inspection guide to define the checks.
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What goes wrong
A rabbit-skin description can conceal a mixed-species glue or an undisclosed formulation change. Different gel strength or viscosity changes application behaviour; moisture damage can leave caked material or visible mould. Compare each delivery with the approved sample rather than accepting the product name as proof of equivalence.
Treat the import route as a purchasing decision to resolve before shipment. Give your broker the species, manufacturing process, formulation and intended use. Ask for confirmation of the veterinary and waste-control requirements attached to the tariff line before releasing the order.
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 rabbit-skin glue from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows 0% for 3503 00 80 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension listed. Veterinary and waste controls are attached.
Can I import rabbit-skin glue from China?
Confirm the route for the actual formulation and processing with your customs broker and the Animal and Plant Health Agency before ordering. Zero duty alone does not establish import eligibility.
How do I check that it is really rabbit-skin glue?
Obtain a species declaration and raw-material records linked to the batch. If rabbit origin is essential, agree suitable independent species testing before approving the supplier.
What should I test before buying rabbit-skin glue?
Compare gel strength, viscosity, moisture and dissolution with your specification. Trial the glue on your intended substrate and inspect the dried film against an approved sample.