Sourcing reed diffuser liquids from China
Reed diffuser liquids from China provisionally fall under 3307 49 00 90, with a single duty rate of 6%, plus 20% import VAT. Before sale in Great Britain, importers must ensure correct chemical labelling and packaging under GB CLP. Assess the finished blend before approving artwork. Cambridge China Bridge sources reed diffuser liquids.
UK duty on reed diffuser liquids
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 3307 includes prepared room perfuming and deodorising products. Finished reed diffuser liquids are candidates for 3307 49 00 90. The table shows product variants sharing that line, rather than separate tariff classifications. For the burning preparations within the wider heading, see incense sticks.
The supplied tariff record gives 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. Import VAT is 20%. The line attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases: ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for your formulation. It also lists an export control of mercury; this is labelled as an export measure.
Confirm the commodity code using the full formulation, intended room-fragrance use and presentation. Pure fragrance ingredients and finished diffuser liquids should not be treated as interchangeable descriptions.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished reed diffuser liquid in retail bottles | 3307 49 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the blend and its diffusion performance
Agree the fragrance, solvent base, ingredient identities and concentrations, colour, fill quantity and acceptable variation against retained samples. Specify the bottle, stopper, liner and intended reeds together. Compare fragrance release and liquid consumption using the same bottle, reeds and room conditions; smelling the liquid in its shipping bottle does not establish diffuser performance.
Before sale in Great Britain, ensure correct labelling and packaging under GB CLP. Classification and labelling must be carried out by someone scientifically competent. Check whether the constituent substances require UK REACH registration. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet. Request documentation for the finished blend, rather than only the fragrance concentrate.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 kg of finished reed diffuser refill liquid under 3307 49 00 90, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 6% is £396. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,996, so it is £1,399.20. Import taxes total £1,795.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £396 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Blend: compare batch identity, colour, clarity and scent with the approved sample; investigate sediment, separation or an unexpected solvent smell.
Diffusion: test the production liquid with the agreed reeds and bottle; record fragrance release and liquid loss against the approved sample.
Pack: check fill quantity, stopper fit, liner compatibility and leakage after handling; inspect refill closures after reopening and resealing.
Documents: match the formulation revision, batch records, safety data sheet and approved label artwork; check that labels remain readable after contact with the liquid.
What goes wrong
A substituted solvent or fragrance can change reed uptake, evaporation and scent even when the fresh sample smells similar. A stopper that fits an empty bottle can leak once exposed to the blend. Include filled-pack compatibility checks and production-sample diffusion checks in the purchase specification.
Generic paperwork for fragrance concentrate can leave the finished refill blend unassessed. Stop artwork approval when the formula changes, and have classification and labelling reviewed before accepting the revised product.
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 reed diffuser liquids from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 6% for 3307 49 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension recorded. Confirm the code for the finished blend. Import VAT is 20%.
Do reed diffuser liquids need chemical hazard labels?
Have the finished blend classified by someone scientifically competent. Ensure correct labelling and packaging under GB CLP before sale in Great Britain; assess each formulation rather than copying another scent's label.
Can I use the fragrance concentrate's safety data sheet?
Request a sheet for the finished diffuser blend. The solvent and fragrance concentration affect the assessment. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet.
How do I check reed diffuser refill quality?
Compare production liquid with a retained sample using the agreed bottle and reeds. Check scent release, liquid loss, separation, fill quantity and leakage, including after the refill closure is resealed.