Sourcing solvent-based alkyd enamels from China
Finished solvent-based alkyd enamel paints from China carry 6% UK duty on the synthetic-polymer paint line; wider heading rates range from 0% to 6%. For decorative grades, confirm the applicable volatile organic compound limits and label rules in Great Britain with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources solvent-based alkyd enamel paints.
Duty on finished alkyd enamel
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 3208 covers paints and varnishes based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers in a non-aqueous medium. The published companion guide places finished alkyd enamel under 3208 90 91 00. This line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The table shows finishes sharing this line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
The tariff attaches an ozone-depleting substances restriction and waste import and export controls. Obtain the formulation evidence for the declaration that the goods neither contain nor rely on ozone-depleting substances, and confirm the entry requirement with your customs broker. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the exporter starts the consent application in China; destination, dispatch and transit authorities must consent before shipment. Confirm waste export controls before arranging any return.
Confirm the binder and product form using finding your commodity code. Resin solutions and alternative binders have different tariff lines and may have different rates or suspensions. See the wider solvent-based paints and varnishes guide for those alternatives.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based alkyd gloss enamel | 3208 90 91 00 | 6% | None |
Specify the enamel and its coating system
Specify the substrate, primer, indoor or outdoor use, colour reference, gloss, application method and permitted thinner. Agree viscosity, solids content, coverage, drying, recoating and adhesion acceptance criteria on panels prepared like the buyer's actual surface. Keep an approved painted panel and a retained liquid sample for comparison with production.
For decorative paints and vehicle refinishing products sold in Great Britain, confirm the applicable volatile organic compound limits and label rules with the relevant authority. Confirm the intended category before approving the formula. Obtain an English safety data sheet and check the UK REACH position for the ingredients. For flammable grades, ask the forwarder to confirm dangerous goods shipping requirements and suitable packaging. Resolve these points before approving labels or booking freight.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of alkyd enamel in 5 litre tins; illustrative FOB and freight values under 3208 90 91 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
Colour and gloss: compare each batch with the approved painted panel using the agreed substrate, primer and application method.
Liquid condition: check viscosity, solids, skin formation, sediment and whether settled pigment can be mixed back into the paint.
Coating performance: check coverage, drying, recoating and adhesion against the agreed panel results; record the application conditions.
Tins and documents: check fill, lids, seals, dents and leaks; match batch references to test records, labels and the safety data sheet. Check hazard labels and packaging before sale.
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What goes wrong
A colour match in the tin can still dry to the wrong shade or gloss. Changes to solvent or solids can reduce coverage, delay drying or alter application behaviour. Testing paint over an unsuitable primer can hide the cause of poor adhesion. Compare production with the approved coating system, rather than accepting a colour sample alone.
Leaking lids and damaged tins can make otherwise acceptable paint unusable. Missing hazard information or incomplete dangerous goods paperwork can stop a freight booking. Hold affected batches while the supplier resolves the cause. Use quality inspection explained to agree checks and testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.
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 alkyd enamel paint from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 6% for synthetic-polymer paints under 3208 90 91 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Do alkyd enamel paints need volatile organic compound labels?
For decorative paints and vehicle refinishing products, confirm the applicable content limits and label rules in Great Britain with the relevant authority. Confirm the intended product category before approving the formula and artwork.
Can solvent-based alkyd enamel be shipped by sea?
For flammable grades, ask the forwarder to confirm the necessary dangerous goods arrangements, packaging, safety data sheet and transport paperwork. Ask the forwarder to review the actual formulation before booking.
What should I test before accepting a batch of alkyd enamel?
Compare colour, gloss, viscosity, solids, coverage, drying and adhesion with the approved sample and coating system. Check tin seals and batch records as well as the painted result.