Sourcing cobalt molybdenum catalysts from China
Supported cobalt molybdenum catalysts from China normally carry 6% UK duty. A listed suspension can reduce duty to 0%, but eligibility needs confirmation. Importers must check chemical classification, labels and packaging before supply in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources supported cobalt molybdenum catalysts.
Duty and classification for supported catalysts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 3815 covers reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Supported cobalt molybdenum catalysts should be checked against the residual supported-catalyst line 3815 19 90 90. The table shows product forms within that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied record gives this line a 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. It also records a 0% suspension restricted to listed products. Its suspension description ends mid-sentence, so it does not establish eligibility for your catalyst. Budget for 6% until your broker confirms the complete conditions. The tariff attaches import and export waste controls; confirm their application to goods from China with your customs broker.
Give your broker the complete composition, support, physical form, intended use and whether the material is fresh, regenerated or spent. Confirm the commodity code before ordering. For the wider heading, see our supported copper catalysts guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported cobalt molybdenum catalysts, extrudates | 3815 19 90 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the cobalt, molybdenum and support
Specify cobalt and molybdenum loading separately, stating whether results are expressed as metals or oxides and on a dry or supplied basis. Define the support, particle shape, dimensions, size distribution, pore volume, surface area, crush strength and attrition acceptance criteria. Agree the sampling and analysis methods, and require a batch certificate of analysis.
State whether the catalyst is fresh or regenerated and supplied in oxide or sulphided form. Agree activation instructions, moisture protection and storage conditions. Test an approved sample under your intended feed and reactor conditions, with an agreed activity test rather than accepting metal loading alone.
For Great Britain, chemical classification is an importer responsibility, and labels and packaging must be correct before supply. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet. Request an English version and check UK REACH obligations for the constituent substances; confirm the registration requirements for your annual import quantities with HSE.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of fresh supported cobalt molybdenum catalyst under 3815 19 90 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,200. Duty at 6% is £1,572. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,772, so it is £5,554.40. Import taxes total £7,126.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,572 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Composition: check the batch certificate and independent analysis against the agreed cobalt and molybdenum loading, reporting basis and support.
Particles: check shape, size distribution, crush strength and fines against the approved sample and purchase specification.
Performance: check batch activity using the agreed feed and activation procedure; retain a sealed sample for any dispute.
Packaging and documents: check seals, moisture ingress, batch identity, labels and the safety data sheet. Compare arrival samples with dispatch samples using your inspection plan.
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What goes wrong
An assay expressed as oxide content can be mistaken for metal loading. A batch can match the headline assay yet perform poorly because its support, pore structure or activation behaviour differs. Weak particles create fines during transport or loading. Record these acceptance criteria before approving production, and investigate discrepancies before using the batch.
Regenerated material can be offered as fresh, while damaged seals allow moisture into the shipment. Establish the material's history before buying. For shipments into England, waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste; do not assume that describing spent catalyst as reusable resolves its status. Ask your broker to confirm the applicable China-to-UK controls.
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 supported cobalt molybdenum catalysts from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 3815 19 90 90 a 6% base duty, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing measure. A listed 0% suspension needs confirmation against the complete product description.
What should I put in a cobalt molybdenum catalyst specification?
State metal loading and its reporting basis, support, particle shape, size distribution, pore properties, crush strength, attrition and supply condition. Agree activation instructions and an activity test.
Does imported catalyst need a safety data sheet?
Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet. Request an English sheet matching the actual catalyst composition and supply condition, and check labels and packaging.
Can I import spent cobalt molybdenum catalyst as ordinary stock?
First establish whether it is waste. The tariff attaches waste controls to this line. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for the actual material and route from China before shipment.