Sourcing silica gel granules from China
Silica gel desiccant granules from China normally carry 4% UK duty. The related 0% suspension covers qualifying silica filler granules; do not assume it covers a desiccant. Check composition, UK REACH coverage and chemical classification before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources silica gel desiccant granules.
Silica gel duty and the filler suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, heading 2811 covers other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Uncoloured silica gel desiccant granules should be checked against the other silicon dioxide line, 2811 22 00 90. The table shows alternative product forms under that same line. See the wider silica guide.
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for this line on goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its 0% suspension is for silica filler granules containing at least 97% silicon dioxide, excluding mixtures and preparations. A separate authorised-use suspension covers powder for chromatography manufacture. Neither description establishes relief for ordinary desiccant granules.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. England's waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste. For spent or recovered material from China, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import requirements before shipment. Confirm the commodity code using the composition, additives, physical form and intended use.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoloured silica gel desiccant beads | 2811 22 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify moisture uptake and granule strength
Specify uncoloured or indicating material, bead or irregular form, particle-size range, acceptable fines, initial moisture and moisture uptake. Define the test humidity, temperature, exposure period and sample conditioning so the factory's result can be compared with an arrival test. Request the identity and content of any indicator or other additive.
Agree sealed moisture-barrier packing, closure details, batch identification and storage instructions. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and a representative sealed sample. Confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker whether UK REACH registration coverage or an exemption applies, and discuss the supporting evidence with the supplier.
Chemical classification is the responsibility of suppliers, including importers. Review the actual formulation, particularly any colour indicator, and obtain an English safety data sheet and appropriate GB chemical labels where legally required. The published silica guide also identifies dust control as a handling concern.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of uncoloured silica gel desiccant granules under 2811 22 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,440 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,440. Duty at 4% is £217.60. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,657.60, so it is £1,131.52. Import taxes total £1,349.12; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £217.60 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the batch certificate, formulation and indicator declaration to the approved sample and purchase specification.
Performance: test initial moisture and moisture uptake using the agreed conditioning and exposure method; compare results with the batch certificate.
Particles: sieve samples from different bags for size distribution, fines and broken granules; examine colour consistency and visible contamination.
Packing: check liners, seals, bag damage, net weight and batch identification. Keep arrival samples sealed until testing; see quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
Granules can arrive already carrying moisture after poor sealing or damp storage. A dry-looking sample does not establish moisture uptake. Crushing produces dust and changes the usable size distribution, while an unspecified indicator can make the delivered formulation differ from the approved sample.
A supplier may describe any silica granule as eligible for the filler suspension. Compare the product with the actual footnote before budgeting for relief. Retain sealed samples and batch records so a performance complaint can be traced to the delivered lot.
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 silica gel from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% for 2811 22 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its 0% filler suspension should not be assumed to cover desiccant granules.
Does imported silica gel need UK REACH registration?
Confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker whether UK REACH registration, transitional coverage or an exemption applies. Check whether the manufacturer's UK only representative can cover your imports.
How do I check silica gel moisture uptake?
Agree sample conditioning, humidity, temperature and exposure time before ordering. Test a sealed arrival sample by the same method and compare it with the agreed specification.
Should I buy indicating or uncoloured silica gel?
Choose for the intended application. For indicating grades, obtain the indicator's identity and content, review chemical classification and approve the formulation as well as the colour change.