Sourcing tannins and tanning extracts from China
Tanning extracts of vegetable origin and tannins and their derivatives from China, including quebracho, wattle, eucalyptus and gallnut (Galla chinensis) extracts and tannic acid, pay 0% UK duty on all eight lines of heading 3201, with no anti-dumping duty. Tanneries, wine and food users and chemical buyers check tannin content, grade, solubility and moisture.
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0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 3201 covers tanning extracts of vegetable origin, and tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives, with lines for quebracho, wattle, gallnut, eucalyptus and other extracts. All eight lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Synthetic tanning substances are heading 3202; confirm the commodity code from the source and form.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebracho extract | 3201 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Wattle extract | 3201 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Gallnut (Galla chinensis) water-based extract | 3201 90 20 10 | 0% | None |
| Other extracts under 3201 90 20 | 3201 90 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Tanning extracts of eucalyptus | 3201 90 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Tanning extracts from gambier and myrobalan fruits | 3201 90 90 20 | 0% | None |
| Other tanning extracts of vegetable origin | 3201 90 90 30 | 0% | None |
| Other tannins and derivatives | 3201 90 90 80 | 0% | None |
Specifying tannins
Specify the source, tannin content by the stated method, non-tannins, insolubles, moisture, pH, colour, and grade (technical, food or pharmaceutical). Tannic acid used in food or drinks processing must meet the rules for that use, so ask for the relevant grade certificate, and ask for a GB-format safety data sheet for industrial grades.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2 tonnes of gallnut tannic acid extract under 3201 90 20 10, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,500, so it is £3,300. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Analysis: check tannin content and moisture against the certificate.
Solubility: dissolve a sample and check insolubles and colour.
Packing: check lined bags and moisture protection. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Tannin orders fail on content, grade and moisture. Tannin content is below the specification, technical grade arrives for a food use, and damp powder cakes.
Cambridge China Bridge sources natural extracts for UK tanneries, drinks makers and manufacturers from small lots; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on tannic acid from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, tannins and tanning extracts under heading 3201 carried 0% from China.
What is Galla chinensis extract?
An extract of Chinese gallnuts, a traditional source of tannic acid, with its own tariff line.
Are synthetic tanning agents in heading 3201?
No. Synthetic organic tanning substances are heading 3202.
Can tannic acid be used in food processing?
Only a grade certified for that use; ask for the grade certificate.