Sourcing Sodium Polyacrylate from China

Ordinary sodium polyacrylate carries 6% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, heading 3906 covers acrylic polymers in primary forms. Crosslinked sodium polyacrylate matching the insoluble superabsorbent description falls under 3906 90 90 17, carrying 6% duty from China. Other grades may fall under 3906 90 90 90, also normally 6%. The table shows powder and liquid or granular buying forms sharing these tariff lines.

The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on these lines. The superabsorbent line has no suspension. The residual line has a restricted suspension whose supplied description is truncated, so do not assume sodium polyacrylate qualifies. Both lines carry import and export waste-control flags. Confirm the requirement for the actual consignment with your customs broker. For notified waste entering England, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the dispatch country for consent.

Give your broker the composition, crosslinking information, solubility, physical form and intended use when confirming the commodity code. See the wider acrylic polymers guide for the rest of the heading.

Specify crosslinking and absorbency, not just the name

State whether you need an insoluble, crosslinked superabsorbent or a soluble grade for dispersing or thickening. Specify powder, granules or solution, particle-size distribution, moisture or solids content, residual monomer and packaging. For absorbent grades, agree absorption speed, retention and performance under load using the liquid and conditions relevant to your application.

Approve a sample using the same test method you will use for incoming batches. A water-only result is not a substitute for testing with your process liquid. Confirm with HSE the UK REACH registration position for the polymer, its monomers and additives. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of crosslinked sodium polyacrylate granules under 3906 90 90 17, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: check the grade, composition and batch number against the approved sample and certificate of analysis.

Performance: check absorption speed, liquid retention and gel behaviour against the agreed method; for soluble grades, check dissolution and viscosity.

Condition: check moisture, caking, fines and foreign particles; compare particle-size distribution with the specification.

Packing: check seals, liners, bag damage and batch markings before releasing stock. Use the quality inspection guide to define the inspection scope.

What goes wrong

A soluble grade supplied instead of a crosslinked absorbent can dissolve rather than form the intended gel. Comparing certificates made with different liquids or test conditions can hide a performance mismatch. Excess fines, uneven particle size and moisture-damaged bags can cause dust, caking or inconsistent dosing.

Keep a retained sample from each batch and investigate a failed incoming test before blending or using the stock. Agree how the supplier will identify affected batches and replace material that fails the written specification.

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.