Sourcing sodium ethyl xanthate from China

6% on the residual xanthate line

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2930 covers organo-sulphur compounds. The supplied tariff data lists other dithiocarbonates, or xanthates, under 2930 90 95 91 at 6% for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Treat this as the candidate line for sodium ethyl xanthate, subject to confirmation of the actual product.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches controls labelled “Export control on dangerous chemicals” and “Export control - Waste”. Ask your customs broker to confirm any requirement affecting your shipment from China. The Environment Agency states that waste shipment controls apply only where the material being transported is waste; establish the status of any recovered or discarded material before ordering.

The table repeats the same tariff line for different product specifications. Confirm the commodity code using the chemical identity, composition and supplied form. Do not assume that a formulated mixture follows the substance's classification. For other products within this heading, see the wider organo-sulphur guide.

Specify sodium ethyl xanthate by assay and form

Write the full chemical name into the purchase specification. Specify powder, granules or pellets, the assay method and whether the reported assay is on a dry or supplied basis. Agree acceptance criteria for moisture, insoluble matter, free alkali and particle size. Ask the producer to identify additives rather than accepting an unspecified xanthate grade.

Request a batch certificate of analysis and a safety data sheet matching the supplied composition. Review your UK REACH position against your annual imports; HSE's new-registrant guidance covers businesses importing a substance at 1 tonne or more per year. Classification and labelling must be carried out by someone with scientific competence. A safety data sheet is required where a hazardous chemical is supplied for workplace use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 1 tonne of sodium ethyl xanthate powder; order, FOB and freight are illustrative under 2930 90 95 91, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,480. Duty at 6% is £268.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,748.80, so it is £949.76. Import taxes total £1,218.56; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £268.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the chemical name, manufacturer and batch references across the order, packs, certificate of analysis and safety data sheet.

Assay: test a representative batch sample against the agreed method and reporting basis, including moisture and insoluble matter.

Condition: check for dampness, caking, excess fines and damaged seals against the agreed physical specification.

Packaging: check pack integrity, readable labels and batch traceability. Agree a safe sampling procedure before opening packs.

What goes wrong

Screen for a different xanthate being substituted, assay results reported on a different basis, wet or caked material and certificates belonging to another batch. A sample that performs acceptably does not establish the quality of the delivered lot. Hold discrepant stock for investigation and testing before releasing it to the intended process.

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.