Sourcing antifouling paints from China

Duty by binder and product form

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 8 November 2026, heading 3208 covers paints and varnishes based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers in a non-aqueous medium, and defined polymer solutions. For solvent-based antifouling paints within this heading, the table gives candidate lines by binder. It does not mean every listed binder is suitable for your hull or that an antifouling claim determines classification.

For goods from China, the listed polyester paint line carries 0%; the acrylic or vinyl, other synthetic-polymer and chemically modified natural-polymer paint lines carry 6%. These selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The wider heading contains suspensions for specified polymer solutions; do not assume a finished antifouling formulation qualifies. Confirm the binder and form using finding your commodity code, and see the wider solvent-based paints guide.

The tariff attaches an ozone-depleting-substances restriction and waste import and export controls. Check the formulation and confirm the ozone declaration with your customs broker. For paint shipped from China to England as waste under notification controls, the exporter must seek consent through the dispatch authority; shipment requires consent from the relevant authorities. Ask your broker to confirm waste classification and the attached export control before returning rejected stock. See UK import duty and VAT for costing.

Specify the hull, coating system and biocide

Specify hull material, existing primer, operating waters and whether the vessel remains afloat or is regularly hauled out. Agree the binder, solvent blend, colour, viscosity, solids content, application method, film thickness, recoating conditions and immersion window. Ask for compatibility and immersion trials on the proposed primer and substrate, rather than accepting a colour sample as proof of antifouling performance.

For biocidal antifouling paints, establish the applicable approval route before ordering. Products remaining under the Control of Pesticides Regulations need approval before advertising, sale, supply, storage or use; products moving to the biocidal regime need the applicable authorisation. Check the exact product and proposed use. Approval conditions apply throughout the supply chain, and changes to the product may fall outside its approval.

Check the active substance supply against the GB Article 95 requirements and obtain an auditable supply trail. Agree batch testing for active substance content as well as coating properties. Obtain the English safety data sheet and applicable hazard labels; arrange dangerous goods packaging and shipping for flammable formulations. Use testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of synthetic-polymer solvent-based antifouling paint under 3208 90 91 00, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £35,500. Duty at 6% is £2,130. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £37,630, so it is £7,526. Import taxes total £9,656; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,130 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the product name, formulation reference, batch number and intended use to the agreed documentation and applicable approval.

Contents: compare viscosity, solids content, colour and active substance assay with the agreed batch specification; check for hard sediment that cannot be redispersed.

Coating: apply a retained sample over the agreed primer; check drying, adhesion, recoating and immersion behaviour against the approved sample and application instructions.

Packaging: inspect tins, lids and seals for leaks or corrosion; reconcile batch labels, the English safety data sheet and dangerous goods paperwork before dispatch and on arrival.

What goes wrong

An acceptable colour and finish can conceal the wrong active substance content or poor immersion performance. A changed solvent blend can affect the primer, while reduced solids change film build. Request retained batch samples and comparative panels, and agree how the factory will investigate sediment, blistering or adhesion failures.

Paperwork can also describe a different product from the one supplied. A factory may offer an existing approval without showing that it covers the formulation you are buying. Changes may fall outside that approval. Resolve product identity and active substance supply before shipment; an arrival inspection cannot repair a missing approval.

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.