Sourcing sodium LAS from China
Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate from China carries 4% UK duty; the relevant preparation lines also carry 4%. Detergent surfactants are subject to the Detergents Regulation's technical requirements. Specify active matter and verify each batch. Cambridge China Bridge sources sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate.
4% duty on sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents other than soap, and surface-active, washing and cleaning preparations. Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate belongs within the line for linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, 3402 31 00 00. The other table rows cover formulated products containing it, rather than alternative codes for the raw surfactant.
The raw surfactant and the preparation lines shown carry 4% duty on goods from China. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension. The raw surfactant line carries import and export waste controls. If the consignment from China is waste subject to notification controls and is entering England, shipment requires consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved. Confirm the applicable waste requirements with your customs broker.
Give your broker the composition, physical form, intended use and packaging to confirm the commodity code. Do not assume a finished cleaning formulation uses the raw surfactant code. For the wider heading, see our sodium lauryl ether sulphate guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate as a surface-active agent | 3402 31 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Retail surface-active preparations containing sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate | 3402 50 10 00 | 4% | None |
| Retail washing and cleaning preparations containing sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate | 3402 50 90 00 | 4% | None |
| Non-retail washing and cleaning preparations containing sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate | 3402 90 90 00 | 4% | None |
Specify active matter and the sodium salt
Specify sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, rather than the unneutralised sulphonic acid. State whether you need powder, granules, paste or solution. Agree active matter on an as-supplied basis, moisture, sodium sulphate, unsulphonated matter, acidity or alkalinity, colour and odour. Define the test method and acceptance range for each property, including the dilution used for acidity or alkalinity testing.
For powder, agree particle size, bulk density, dust and dissolution behaviour. For paste or solution, agree viscosity and handling temperature. Trial the sample in your own detergent formulation and water conditions. Ask for biodegradability reports matching the supplied material: the Detergents Regulation sets technical requirements for detergents and their surfactants in Great Britain.
Check whether your import requires UK REACH registration. Hazardous material supplied for workplace use needs a safety data sheet; ask HSE to confirm the applicable classification, labelling and packaging requirements for hazardous formulations. Request the full composition, batch analysis and matching safety documents before approving the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 18 tonnes of sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate powder in bags under 3402 31 00 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £29,200. Duty at 4% is £1,168. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,368, so it is £6,073.60. Import taxes total £7,241.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,168 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the sodium salt, physical form, batch references and composition against the purchase specification and safety data sheet.
Composition: independently check active matter, moisture, sodium sulphate and unsulphonated matter against the agreed limits.
Performance: compare dissolution, colour, odour and formulation behaviour with the approved sample; inspect powder for caking and excessive dust.
Packaging: check seals, liners, leakage, net weight and readable batch identification. Keep a retained sample and use the inspection guide to define release checks.
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What goes wrong
A powder can match the sample's appearance while containing less active matter and more moisture or sodium sulphate. This changes the amount needed in the formulation. Damp bags can cake, coarse particles can dissolve poorly, and colour or odour can carry through into the finished detergent.
Confusing the sodium salt with the sulphonic acid changes the formulation and handling needs. A batch analysis that refers to another grade does not establish conformity. Hold batches that miss the agreed specification and resolve the discrepancy before use.
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 sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 4% for 3402 31 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The preparation lines shown also carry 4%.
Does imported sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate need UK REACH registration?
Check whether your import requires registration under UK REACH before ordering. Give your adviser the substance identity, composition and annual import quantity.
What specification should I send a Chinese factory?
State the sodium salt, physical form, active matter, moisture, sodium sulphate, unsulphonated matter, colour and odour. Agree test methods and trial it in your detergent formulation.
Does sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate need a safety data sheet?
Yes, if it is hazardous and supplied for use at work. Check that the sheet describes the supplied grade and composition, and matches the batch and packaging.