Sourcing tooth powders from China
Tooth-cleaning powders from China carry 0% UK duty under the dentifrices line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Ordinary powders intended to clean teeth are cosmetics: before selling in Great Britain, confirm the UK Responsible Person, safety-assessment and notification requirements with OPSS. Cambridge China Bridge sources tooth powders.
Tooth powders: 0% UK import duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, tooth-cleaning powders fall within the dentifrices line, 3306 10 00 00, of heading 3306. Duty on goods from China is 0%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. The table shows formulation variants sharing this commodity line.
The supplied tariff record attaches an export control of mercury. Environment Agency guidance says mercury-added-product controls apply where mercury or a mercury compound has been intentionally added. The importer should confirm with their customs broker whether any mercury-related requirement affects the particular formulation or shipment from China.
Confirm the formula, intended use and commodity code before ordering. Denture fixative powders serve a different purpose from tooth-cleaning powders. See the toothpaste and oral care guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride tooth-cleaning powder | 3306 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the powder and its dispensing pack
Specify the complete formula, abrasive material, particle texture, flavour, colour and declared fill weight. State whether fluoride or charcoal is included. Agree test methods and acceptance criteria for abrasiveness, moisture, microbiological quality and contaminants with the safety assessor. Keep an approved sample of the powder and its final retail pack.
Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with OPSS the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, an English product information file with a safety assessment, and notification before sale. Ask OPSS and the safety assessor to confirm the applicable fluoride restrictions rather than relying solely on the existing oral care guide. Have the assessor review the actual tooth-powder formula and directions before printing.
Choose a jar or dispensing pack that limits moisture entry and releases powder predictably. Trial the seal, closure and dispenser with the actual powder, including use with a damp toothbrush. Agree storage instructions and check stability in the final pack.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative wholesale order of 26,000 retail jars of tooth powder under 3306 10 00 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £28,400, so it is £5,680. 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
Powder: compare colour, odour and texture with the approved sample; check for hard lumps, foreign particles and uneven blending.
Batch evidence: match laboratory results to the supplied formula and production batch; check fluoride where included, microbiological quality and agreed contaminant tests.
Pack: weigh sampled fills, inspect seals and closures, and check for powder escaping into cartons or blocking the dispenser.
Artwork: compare ingredients, directions, precautions and batch identification with the approved artwork; check that printing remains legible after handling.
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What goes wrong
Moisture entry can turn a free-flowing powder into hard lumps. Fine powder can collect in closure threads, escape through poorly fitted lids or discharge unevenly. Test dispensing after transport and repeated opening, and examine arrivals for damaged seals, damp cartons and powder residue.
A sample can match the desired flavour while the production batch differs in abrasive texture or ingredient distribution. Approve the formula and test criteria as well as the sample. Cosmetic labels and advertising must not imply effects the product does not have; review whitening claims against supporting evidence before approving artwork.
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 tooth powder from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for dentifrices under 3306 10 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded.
Do tooth powders need cosmetic safety paperwork?
Ordinary tooth-cleaning powders are cosmetics. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with OPSS the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, a product information file with a safety assessment, and notification before sale.
What should I specify for a tooth-powder factory?
Specify the formula, abrasive texture, flavour, fluoride status, fill weight, pack seal and dispensing method. Agree laboratory checks and retain an approved sample in the final packaging.
How do I check tooth powder for moisture damage?
Inspect cartons and seals, look for hard lumps and powder around lids, and trial dispensing. Compare arrival samples with the approved powder and review stability evidence for the final pack.