Sourcing Triethyl Phosphite from China
Triethyl phosphite from China has a 6% UK tariff rate, with an eligible suspension reducing duty to 0%. The suspension excludes mixtures and preparations. Settle the UK REACH route and chemical labelling before supply in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources triethyl phosphite.
Triethyl phosphite duty and suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2920 covers esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals and their salts, excluding hydrogen halide esters. Triethyl phosphite has the dedicated code 2920 24 00 00. The comparison rows distinguish it from similarly named phosphites; they are separate substances.
The supplied tariff record shows 6% duty for goods from China and an autonomous suspension at 0.00 %, excluding mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the substance. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure is recorded. It also attaches an export waste control. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste; ask your customs broker to confirm the attached control's relevance to your shipment.
Confirm the chemical identity and composition using our commodity code guide, rather than copying a supplier's generic phosphite code. For the wider heading, see the dimethyl phosphite guide. Have the broker confirm suspension eligibility before calculating the landed cost.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triethyl phosphite | 2920 24 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Diethyl phosphite, for comparison | 2920 22 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Trimethyl phosphite, for comparison | 2920 23 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Dimethyl phosphite, for comparison | 2920 21 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify triethyl phosphite by identity and batch
Write the full chemical name and chemical identity identifier into the purchase specification. Distinguish triethyl phosphite from diethyl phosphite and triethyl phosphate. Specify assay and its test method, water content, acidity, colour, permitted impurities and whether any other components are added. Agree acceptance limits for your process rather than accepting an undefined industrial grade.
Request a batch certificate of analysis and a safety data sheet matching the supplied composition. Agree drum material, closure, seal, storage conditions and sampling arrangements. Confirm with HSE whether a Great Britain importer needs UK REACH registration or coverage through an only representative for the substance and annual import volume. GB chemical labelling and packaging responsibilities also need settling before supply.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: One tonne of triethyl phosphite; illustrative values, with suspension eligibility checked separately under 2920 24 00 00, invoiced at £5,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,500. Duty at 6% is £450. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,950, so it is £1,590. Import taxes total £2,040; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £450 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the purchase order, drum labels, invoice, safety data sheet and batch certificate to triethyl phosphite.
Analysis: independently check assay, water and acidity against the agreed specification, using a traceable sample from the supplied batch.
Drums: check closures, seals, leakage and visible damage before accepting delivery; compare the packaging with the agreed specification.
Release: reconcile batch identifiers and chemical labels before stock release. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before market placement. Plan the checks using our inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Similar chemical names can lead to the wrong material or commodity code being ordered. A generic analysis certificate may omit water or acidity, while a damaged closure can leave the buyer unable to establish whether the contents still meet specification. Hold a disputed batch pending investigation and independent testing.
A suspension can be incorrectly assumed for a blend containing triethyl phosphite. Require disclosure of composition before shipment, and keep the certificate, labels and customs description consistent. A satisfactory assay alone does not settle chemical compliance or suspension eligibility.
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 triethyl phosphite from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% under 2920 24 00 00, with an eligible autonomous suspension to 0.00 %. Mixtures and preparations are excluded from that suspension.
Do I need UK REACH registration for triethyl phosphite?
For Great Britain, confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration or coverage through an only representative is needed for your substance and annual import volume. Confirm the route before ordering.
What should a triethyl phosphite certificate of analysis show?
Ask for batch identity, assay and test method, water, acidity, colour and the impurities relevant to your process. Compare the results with agreed acceptance limits.
Is diethyl phosphite the same as triethyl phosphite?
No. They have separate chemical identities and tariff lines. Match the full substance name and composition across your specification, labels and shipping documents.