Sourcing hemp protein isolate from China
Unformulated hemp protein isolate from China provisionally falls under 3504 00 90 99 at 2% UK duty, with no hemp suspension. Verify its food status before sale: an extracted isolate cannot automatically use the established history of ground hemp seeds. Cambridge China Bridge sources unformulated hemp protein isolate.
Hemp isolate duty and border controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3504 covers protein substances and derivatives not elsewhere specified or included, alongside peptones and hide powder. For unformulated hemp protein isolate, 3504 00 90 99 is the provisional residual line. The table shows purchasing formats under that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied tariff record gives 2% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Its 0.00 % suspension covers zein, not hemp isolate. It also attaches veterinary control and organic import control. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether veterinary control applies to the actual composition. For organic imports from China, confirm Great Britain certificate-of-inspection requirements with your organic control body or customs broker.
Give the broker the composition, seed source and manufacturing process to confirm the commodity code. Keep seed flour, extracted isolate and flavoured preparations distinct in the paperwork. See the potato protein isolate guide for the wider protein heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unformulated hemp protein isolate powder | 3504 00 90 99 | 2% | None |
Specify the seed source and isolation process
Specify hemp seed as the starting material and request a process flow showing dehulling, defatting, protein separation and drying. Record extraction aids, residual fat and fibre, protein assay method and nitrogen conversion factor. Require a complete composition statement confirming whether carriers, flavours or sweeteners are present.
The official hemp guidance for England and Wales identifies ground and partially defatted hemp seeds as non-novel foods; other hemp-derived products are likely to be novel unless the necessary consumption history is demonstrated. Do not assume that this history covers an extracted protein isolate. Businesses must verify novelty status and submit a formal consultation request if unsure. Novel foods require authorisation before sale in Great Britain.
Agree moisture, particle size, colour, flavour, dispersibility and microbiological acceptance criteria with the intended food application in mind. Request batch testing for heavy metals, pesticide residues and cannabinoid contamination. Arrange testing and certification against the actual process and specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 100 kg of unformulated hemp protein isolate under 3504 00 90 99, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £860 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,860. Duty at 2% is £57.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,917.20, so it is £583.44. Import taxes total £640.64; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £57.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the batch certificate, composition statement and process description to the ordered seed-derived isolate.
Assay: check protein content and its reporting basis, moisture, residual fat and fibre against the agreed specification.
Safety: review batch-specific contaminant and microbiological results, including cannabinoid testing, and confirm that the tested sample represents the shipment.
Packing: check sealed liners, dry bags, batch marks and any evidence of wetting, caking or contamination on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may offer milled seed cake as an isolate, or report protein on a different moisture basis from the purchase specification. Residual fibre can change mouthfeel, while fat and storage conditions can affect flavour. Compare the shipment with a retained approved sample and repeat the application trial when the process changes.
The legal failure is assuming that familiar hemp seed foods establish the status of every extracted ingredient. Keep the food-status evidence tied to the supplied process and composition. A tariff classification and a satisfactory laboratory report do not replace any novel food authorisation needed before sale.
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 hemp protein isolate from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 2% under provisional code 3504 00 90 99, with no listed trade remedy. The suspension on that line covers zein, not hemp isolate.
Is hemp protein isolate automatically a non-novel food?
No. The official guidance distinguishes established hemp seed foods from other hemp-derived products. Verify the isolate’s status using its process and consumption-history evidence; request formal clarification if unsure.
What paperwork is needed for organic hemp isolate?
Confirm certificate-of-inspection requirements for organic imports from China into Great Britain with your organic control body or customs broker. Confirm the organic import arrangements before dispatch rather than relying solely on the factory’s organic certificate.
What should I test in a hemp protein isolate batch?
Check protein assay and reporting basis, moisture, fat, fibre, microbiology, heavy metals, pesticide residues and cannabinoid contamination. Compare flavour and dispersibility with the approved sample.