Sourcing salbutamol inhalers from China
Salbutamol inhalers from China fall under the other-medicaments line, with 0% UK duty and no additional trade remedy recorded. Import into Great Britain needs a manufacturer's licence covering import; ordinary UK sale requires a marketing authorisation. Check the medicine and inhaler together before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources salbutamol inhalers.
Salbutamol inhalers: duty and attached controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 10 October 2026, heading 3004 covers medicaments in measured doses or retail packs. Finished salbutamol inhalers are candidates for 3004 90 00 00, the other-medicaments line: 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded. The table shows product variants sharing that line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
The line attaches Home Office controlled-drug import control, a restriction on entry into free circulation, CITES import control and seal-product import control. A licence is needed if the formulation contains controlled drugs. Listed species can require CITES permits. Obtain the full formulation and propellant declaration; ask your customs broker to confirm the ozone-depleting-substance restriction and seal-product requirements for the actual goods. These broad tariff controls require a product-specific check.
The line also lists export controls for controlled drugs, CITES and mercury, and an export restriction concerning torture and repression goods. Ask your broker to confirm their relevance before re-export. Confirm the commodity code using the complete formulation, dosage form and retail presentation. The wider medicines sourcing guide explains the licence and batch-release route.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol pressurised metered-dose inhalers | 3004 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the medicine and inhaler together
For ordinary UK sale, confirm the marketing authorisation needed with MHRA and settle the licensed import route before ordering. Importing medicines from China into Great Britain requires a manufacturer's licence covering import; confirm the Qualified Person’s batch-certification responsibilities with MHRA and the licensed importer. Check the Chinese manufacturing site's good manufacturing practice status and inspection history against the product's authorisation.
Specify the active substance and salt, delivered dose, labelled dose count, formulation, propellant where used, valve, actuator and mouthpiece. Distinguish pressurised aerosol from dry-powder delivery. Agree tests for delivered-dose consistency, particle delivery, leakage and operation throughout the labelled life. Match the medicine, device and pack to the authorised specification; a similar-looking housing is insufficient.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative consignment of authorised salbutamol metered-dose inhalers under 3004 90 00 00, invoiced at £80,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £84,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £84,000, so it is £16,800. 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
Batch records: match certificates of analysis, executed batch records, batch numbers and expiry dates to the consignment. Check the licensed importer's batch-certification documents before release.
Dose delivery: review agreed laboratory results for delivered-dose consistency and particle delivery. Sample the actuator, valve or powder mechanism for sticking, blockage and inconsistent operation.
Device condition: check canisters, mouthpieces, caps and powder chambers for damage, leakage or loose components. Where fitted, check the dose counter against the agreed operating specification.
Packs and transport: compare cartons and patient leaflets with approved text. Read shipment temperature records against labelled storage conditions and check seals and pallet condition.
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What goes wrong
An inhaler can look correct while its valve, actuator or powder mechanism delivers an inconsistent dose. Ask for results from the finished inhaler assembly, and agree how component substitutions are reviewed before production. Check leakage, blocked mouthpieces and counter operation alongside the medicine's batch results.
Other failure points include documents that identify a different manufacturing site, pack text that differs from the authorisation, mismatched batch numbers and unreviewed transport excursions. Hold the affected stock for the licensed importer's quality review. Supplier samples and a commercial inspection support purchasing decisions; route batch release through the importer's Qualified Person.
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 salbutamol inhalers from China?
The candidate line 3004 90 00 00 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension; import controls remain attached.
Do I need a licence to import salbutamol inhalers from China?
For import into Great Britain, use a manufacturer's licence covering import, either held by your business or by the licensed importer handling the goods. Arrange batch certification through that importer.
Can I sell a Chinese salbutamol inhaler under my own brand?
Confirm the marketing authorisation needed for ordinary UK sale with MHRA. Agree the exact formulation, inhaler assembly, manufacturing site and approved pack text before ordering branded stock.
What should I check when salbutamol inhalers arrive?
Match batch documents and packs, review dose-delivery results, inspect for leaks or device damage, check counters where fitted and review transport records before the licensed importer releases stock.