Sourcing supported copper catalysts from China
Supported copper catalysts from China carry UK duty from 0% to 6%, depending on composition and classification. The importer is responsible for chemical hazard classification; a copper content claim alone does not establish tariff relief. Cambridge China Bridge sources supported copper catalysts.
Copper catalyst duty and classification
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 copper catalysts need classification by the complete formulation and support. The cracking-additive and other-preparation rows are comparison lines, rather than interchangeable codes for supported copper catalysts.
The listed copper–bismuth oxide catalyst on magnesium silicate under 3815 19 10 00 carries 0%; other supported catalysts under 3815 19 90 90 have a 6% base duty. The selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Conditional 0% suspensions appear on the residual supported-catalyst and other-preparation lines, but their supplied descriptions are truncated. Confirm the complete eligibility wording before claiming relief.
The residual and comparison lines attach import and export waste controls; the copper–bismuth line lists none. For waste shipments under notification into England, the dispatch, destination and transit authorities must consent before shipment. Confirm the exact requirements for a waste consignment from China with your customs broker. Use the full composition to confirm your commodity code, and compare the wider heading in our supported palladium catalyst guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper–bismuth oxide catalyst on magnesium silicate, meeting the listed specification | 3815 19 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other supported catalysts, including copper grades; confirm composition | 3815 19 90 90 | 6% | None |
| Listed cracking additives containing copper oxide; comparison line | 3815 90 90 55 | 6% | None |
| Other catalytic preparations, including listed copper oxide products; comparison line | 3815 90 90 90 | 6% | None |
Specify copper loading, support and activation
Specify copper loading and whether it is reported as metal or oxide, the support chemistry, promoters, moisture, particle form, size distribution, surface area, pore volume and crush strength. State whether the catalyst is fresh or regenerated and supplied reduced, oxidised or passivated. Agree the activation procedure and an activity test using your feed and operating conditions.
Importers are responsible for chemical hazard classification. Check whether newly imported constituent substances require UK REACH registration. For hazardous mixtures, confirm the applicable hazard label and safety data sheet requirements with HSE. Request an English safety data sheet matching the actual formulation, together with handling and storage instructions, before approving the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of supported copper catalyst, without suspension relief 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: compare batch copper and promoter assays with the agreed specification, checking the reporting basis and support identity.
Particles: check size distribution, fines, crush strength and moisture against the approved sample and batch certificate.
Activity: test a representative sample under the agreed feed and activation conditions, and retain a batch sample.
Packaging: check seals, damage, batch identity and the match between labels, safety data sheet and supplied formulation. Plan checks through our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A copper assay can match while the support, promoter balance or activation state differs from the approved sample. Conversion then falls despite an apparently acceptable certificate. Weak pellets create fines; moisture changes the delivered dry catalyst quantity; regenerated material may be supplied as fresh.
Agree the assay basis and activity acceptance method before ordering. Investigate unexplained colour, dust or packaging changes before charging the reactor. Do not assume that a suspension mentioning copper oxide covers every copper catalyst, or approve a waste shipment using paperwork prepared for fresh product.
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 copper catalysts from China?
The listed copper–bismuth catalyst under 3815 19 10 00 is 0%. Other supported catalysts under 3815 19 90 90 have a 6% base duty. Confirm any suspension against its complete description.
Does every copper catalyst qualify for zero duty?
No. The specific copper–bismuth line requires the listed composition and physical properties. A copper assay alone does not establish eligibility for that line or a suspension.
What should I ask a Chinese copper catalyst factory for?
Ask for the full formulation, support identity, copper assay basis, activation state, batch certificate, safety data sheet and activity results under your agreed process conditions.
Can I import spent copper catalyst as fresh material?
Confirm its status before shipment. The residual line attaches waste controls. If shipped under notification into England, the dispatch, destination and transit authorities must consent before shipment.