Sourcing Ultramarine Blue Pigment from China
Ultramarine blue pigment from China carries 6% UK duty across the listed ultramarine lines, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. GB buyers should confirm applicable UK REACH registration and chemical hazard documentation requirements with HSE. Agree shade and tinting strength against a retained sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources ultramarine blue pigment.
Ultramarine blue: 6% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, heading 3206 includes ultramarine and preparations based on it. The supplied data contains only the two ultramarine lines shown here. Both carry 6% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls to both lines. Waste shipment controls only apply if the material is waste. For pigment waste from China, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirement before shipment; the tariff attachment alone does not establish the procedure for your consignment.
The named line covers Pigment Blue 29 and preparations containing 90% or more by weight; the other line covers other ultramarine products. Obtain the composition and confirm the commodity code. For other inorganic pigments, see the wider pigments guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigment Blue 29 and preparations containing at least 90% by weight | 3206 41 00 10 | 6% | None |
| Other ultramarine pigments and preparations | 3206 41 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify shade, strength and dispersion
Describe the application, binder or polymer, processing conditions and required finish. Specify ultramarine blue identity, pigment content, any fillers or dispersants, and the agreed reference sample. Set acceptance criteria for shade, tinting strength, dispersion, moisture and coarse particles. Compare samples in your actual formulation before approving bulk production.
Confirm with HSE how UK REACH applies to the pigment's substances or mixtures, including any importer registration requirements. Also confirm applicable hazard labelling and safety data sheet requirements. Ask for documentation matching the actual composition, including additives, rather than relying on the supplier's generic pigment paperwork.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of ultramarine blue pigment under 3206 41 00 10, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,000. Duty at 6% is £1,560. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,560, so it is £5,512. Import taxes total £7,072; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,560 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the product description, pigment content and declared additives to the order and batch analysis.
Colour: compare shade and tinting strength with the retained sample in the agreed formulation.
Dispersion: check for specks, coarse particles and agglomerates after the agreed mixing process.
Packing: inspect liners, seals and moisture damage; weigh sampled bags and match bag batch markings to the analysis certificate.
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What goes wrong
A powder can look like the approved sample yet give weaker tinting strength or a different shade in the finished product. Undeclared filler changes the formulation, while poor dispersion leaves visible specks. Damp or damaged bags can arrive with caked pigment.
Agree the test formulation and acceptance criteria before ordering. Retain an approved sample and compare each batch with it before release. Keep questionable bags separate while investigating discrepancies in colour, composition or batch records.
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 ultramarine blue from China?
Both listed ultramarine lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Which commodity code covers ultramarine blue pigment?
3206 41 00 10 covers Pigment Blue 29 and preparations containing at least 90% by weight. Other ultramarine products fall under 3206 41 00 90; confirm the composition before declaration.
Do I need UK REACH registration for ultramarine?
Confirm applicable UK REACH registration requirements with HSE. Check who covers your imports before ordering.
How do I check ultramarine blue quality?
Compare shade, tinting strength and dispersion with a retained approved sample in your actual formulation. Check batch analysis, bag weights, seals and moisture damage.