Sourcing acrylic conformal coatings from China
Solvent-based acrylic conformal coatings from China carry UK duty of 0% to 6%, depending on their composition and tariff form. Finished acrylic coatings normally fall under the 6% line. Hazardous mixtures must be classified, labelled and packaged before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources solvent-based acrylic conformal coatings.
Acrylic coating or qualifying resin solution?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 3208 covers polymer-based paints and varnishes in a non-aqueous medium and specified polymer solutions. For this guide, distinguish finished solvent-based acrylic circuit-board coatings from acrylic solutions meeting chapter note 4. The application variants in the table share a tariff line; brushing, spraying or dipping does not describe a different binder.
For goods from China, 3208 20 90 00 carries 6% duty and 3208 20 10 90 carries 0%. Neither line shows anti-dumping or countervailing duty or a tariff suspension. Both carry an ozone-depleting-substances restriction and waste import and export controls. Check the formula for controlled substances and confirm the entry requirement with your customs broker. Importing ozone-depleting substances requires a licence and is restricted to permitted uses.
If material from China is waste subject to notification controls, the exporter must seek consent through the authority in the dispatch country. Confirm applicability before shipping rejected or recovered material, including any return shipment. Give your broker the binder, solvent composition and supplied form to confirm the commodity code. See the wider solvent-based paints guide for other binders.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished solvent-based acrylic conformal coating for brushing | 3208 20 90 00 | 6% | None |
| Other acrylic solutions meeting chapter note 4, subject to composition checks | 3208 20 10 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the coating around your circuit-board process
Specify the acrylic binder, solvent blend, solids content, viscosity at an agreed temperature, application method and permitted thinner. Agree dry-film thickness, drying conditions, adhesion, electrical insulation and moisture-resistance acceptance criteria. Include fluorescence if you use ultraviolet inspection, masking requirements for connectors and test points, and the removal method needed for repairs.
Trial the sample on your actual board materials, solder mask, flux residues and component markings. Inspect coverage around component edges and underneath accessible gaps. Agree how to assess bubbles, pinholes, tackiness and solvent damage, then retain the approved sample and application record.
For supply in Great Britain, hazardous mixtures need classification, labelling and packaging under the chemical classification rules. Obtain an English safety data sheet matching the formula. Check the UK REACH registration position for non-exempt constituent substances as annual imports approach 1 tonne per substance. Ask your forwarder to confirm the transport classification and packaging before booking.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business trial order of acrylic conformal coating in sealed tins under 3208 20 90 00, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,500. Duty at 6% is £330. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,830, so it is £1,166. Import taxes total £1,496; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £330 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Batch identity: match tin markings, formulation revision and batch certificate to the approved material; compare viscosity, solids content and appearance using the agreed methods.
Applied film: coat representative boards using your production process; check dry-film thickness, adhesion, drying, edge coverage, bubbles and pinholes against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Board compatibility: check solder mask, component markings, plastics and masked contacts after application and drying; run the agreed insulation and moisture-resistance tests.
Packing and documents: check seals, leaks, damaged tins, batch traceability, storage instructions and remaining shelf life; match hazard labels and the English safety data sheet to the supplied formula.
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What goes wrong
A sample can coat well while the delivered batch has different viscosity or solids content. This can leave thin coverage, pooling or a film that remains tacky. Residual flux, trapped solvent and poor masking can cause adhesion problems, bubbles or contaminated contacts. Compare batches through the same board preparation and application process.
A general acrylic varnish report does not establish performance on your assembly. Ask for results tied to the supplied formulation, substrate and test conditions. Keep a retained batch sample and photographs of trial boards, and agree how the supplier will handle a failed batch before placing the order.
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 acrylic conformal coating from China?
Finished acrylic coatings under 3208 20 90 00 carry 6%. Other acrylic solutions qualifying under 3208 20 10 90 carry 0%. Confirm the composition and tariff form before using either rate.
Is solvent-based acrylic conformal coating automatically duty-free?
No. Dissolving an acrylic binder in solvent does not establish eligibility for the qualifying solution line. Have your broker check the composition and chapter note against the supplied product.
What documents should I request from the factory?
Request the formulation specification, English safety data sheet, proposed hazard label, batch certificate and application instructions. Ask for test results tied to the actual coating and your board materials.
How do I test a coating sample before ordering?
Apply it to representative boards using your intended cleaning, masking and coating process. Check coverage, drying, adhesion, solvent compatibility and the agreed electrical and moisture-resistance performance.