Sourcing roll-on deodorants from China
Roll-on deodorants and antiperspirants from China carry 6% UK duty, so the duty range for this family is a single rate. Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a UK Responsible Person and confirm the applicable safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources roll-on deodorants.
UK duty on roll-on deodorants
Heading 3307 includes personal deodorants and antiperspirants alongside other toilet preparations. Roll-on deodorants and antiperspirants fall within 3307 20 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing that commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, the relevant line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. Import VAT is 20%. The supplied tariff record attaches an export control of mercury; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to the transaction.
Confirm the formulation, intended use and presentation against the commodity code guide before declaring the goods. For the wider cosmetics obligations and other products within the heading, see the beauty and personal care guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fragranced roll-on deodorants | 3307 20 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify the formula and rolling pack together
State whether the product is a deodorant, an antiperspirant or both. Agree fragrance, colour, viscosity, drying feel and residue against retained samples. Obtain the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor under confidentiality, and require approval before changing ingredients, fragrance or the manufacturing site.
Specify bottle material, roller ball, retaining socket, cap, fill quantity and closure settings. Test filled packs for rolling action, leakage and compatibility with the actual formula after storage and temperature cycling. A roller that works with a thin sample may drag or stop with the production formula.
Before sale in Great Britain, settle the UK Responsible Person and confirm the applicable qualified safety assessment, product information file and cosmetic product notification requirements with the relevant authority. Support deodorising and antiperspirant claims with evidence. Approve the artwork against the safety assessment before printing.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 6,000 filled roll-on bottles; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. under 3307 20 00 00, 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
Formula and batch: compare batch records, colour, fragrance and consistency with the approved formula and retained sample; investigate separation or unexpected odour.
Roller and cap: check that the ball rotates and wets evenly, stays retained and does not leak around the socket; inspect cap fit and leakage after handling.
Fill and packing: check fill quantity against the agreed specification, damaged bottles, stained cartons and mixed variants; retain samples from the delivered batch.
Label and traceability: compare printed ingredients, warnings, function, durability information, batch identification and Responsible Person details with the approved artwork and records.
What goes wrong
Formula and packaging changes can turn an approved sample into a different product. A changed thickener can affect ball movement; a substituted socket or cap can cause leakage. Require written approval for substitutions and assess the filled production pack, rather than relying on empty packaging samples.
A factory ingredient list does not replace the quantitative formula needed for assessment. Missing formula access, unsupported claims or incorrect artwork can delay sale while documents and labels are corrected. Keep the approved formula, assessment, artwork and batch records connected.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on roll-on deodorants from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% duty under 3307 20 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Import VAT is 20%.
Do own-brand roll-on deodorants need a UK Responsible Person?
Yes, for sale in Great Britain. Agree who holds the Responsible Person role and confirm with the relevant authority which safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements apply before sale.
What formula information should I request from the factory?
Request the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor, under confidentiality if needed. An ingredient list alone is insufficient for the assessment.
How do I check roll-on bottles for leaks?
Test filled packs with the production formula. Check the roller socket, cap fit and leakage after handling and storage, then compare delivered batches with retained samples.