Sourcing white spirit from China
White spirit on the supplied tariff line carries 4% UK duty from China, or 0.00 % under a conditional suspension. Check composition and distillation evidence before claiming relief. Imports made from Russian crude are prohibited unless licensed, and hazardous supplies need correct labels; confirm safety data sheet requirements with HSE. Cambridge China Bridge sources white spirit.
White spirit duty and conditional relief
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2710 covers petroleum oils other than crude, specified petroleum preparations and waste oils. The supplied facts contain only one white spirit line: 2710 12 21 20, containing ethyl alcohol produced from agricultural products. That is the only row shown; it must not be treated as covering every white spirit formulation.
The supplied line carries 4% duty from China and lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its 0.00 % autonomous suspension requires a difference of not more than 60°C between the temperatures at which 5% and 90% by volume, including losses, distil. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the listed products. Obtain laboratory evidence and have the broker check eligibility.
The tariff attaches an import control on restricted goods and technologies. Oil products processed in China from Russian crude are prohibited unless licensed. Obtain crude-oil provenance evidence before ordering. Confirm the commodity code against the full composition rather than the trade name. For other products within the heading, see lubricants and motor oils. For heat-transfer applications, see our mineral heat-transfer oil sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| White spirit containing ethyl alcohol produced from agricultural products | 2710 12 21 20 | 4% | None |
Specify the solvent and its intended use
State whether the white spirit is for paint thinning, equipment cleaning or another agreed process. Specify composition, ethyl alcohol content, aromatic content, distillation profile, flash point, colour, odour and non-volatile residue. Agree test methods and acceptance criteria with the factory, and evaluate the sample with your actual paint or cleaning process.
Before supply in Great Britain, the importer must arrange competent classification and ensure correct labelling and packaging. For hazardous substances or mixtures, confirm with HSE whether an English safety data sheet is required, and consult the reference guide when obtaining it. Check the UK REACH registration position for the substances imported, including any coverage arranged through the manufacturer's representative.
Agree pack material, closure, seal, nominal fill and batch identification. Ask the factory to notify changes to feedstock or formulation. Keep the approved sample and batch analysis available for comparison with delivered stock.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pallet order of white spirit in 4 litre packs, without suspension relief under 2710 12 21 20, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,800. Duty at 4% is £192. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,992, so it is £998.40. Import taxes total £1,190.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £192 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the formulation, batch analysis and safety data sheet to the ordered solvent.
Solvent performance: compare distillation profile, flash point, aromatic content and residue with the agreed specification; trial a retained sample in the intended process.
Packs and labels: inspect closures, seals, leakage, fill and batch identification; check that hazard labelling matches the product classification.
Provenance: check that supplier and refinery evidence identifies the shipment and supports the declared crude-oil supply chain.
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What goes wrong
A trade name can hide a different solvent blend. Changed aromatic content or evaporation behaviour can affect paint compatibility, drying and cleaning residue. Set measurable acceptance criteria and compare production samples with the approved sample before release.
A Chinese dispatch address does not establish the origin of the crude oil. Missing refinery evidence can leave the sanctions position unresolved. Separately, a supplier's description of the product as white spirit does not establish eligibility for the duty suspension. Resolve both questions before committing to shipment.
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 white spirit from China?
The supplied line 2710 12 21 20 carries 4% duty, with a conditional 0.00 % suspension. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed. Other formulations need their own classification check.
Does all white spirit qualify for the duty suspension?
No. The listed relief has a distillation condition and excludes mixtures, preparations and multi-component products containing the listed products. Ask your broker to check the formulation and laboratory evidence.
Can I import Chinese white spirit made from Russian crude?
Oil products processed in a third country from Russian crude are prohibited unless licensed. Obtain supply-chain evidence and resolve the sanctions position before ordering.
What should I ask the white spirit factory for?
Ask for composition, a safety data sheet, batch analysis, distillation and flash-point results, crude-oil provenance evidence and pack samples. Trial the solvent in your intended application.