Sourcing xylenols from China
Xylenols from China carry 2% UK duty, reduced to 0% for eligible 2,6-xylenol under a product-specific suspension. Match the isomer and purity to the tariff description, and check UK REACH registration before importing into Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources xylenols.
Xylenol duty and suspension conditions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2907 covers phenols and phenol-alcohols. This guide covers xylenols and their salts: 2907 19 10 20 names 2,6-xylenol of 99% or more purity by weight; 2907 19 10 90 covers other xylenols and their salts. For related products within the wider heading, see cresols from China.
Both lines have a 2% base duty for goods from China and a 0% autonomous suspension limited to the named 2,6-xylenol. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing it. Neither line lists anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The tariff attaches an export waste control; confirm its relevance with your customs broker. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemical identity, CAS number, isomer composition and assay. Ask your broker to confirm suspension eligibility for the actual material rather than assuming that every product described as xylenol qualifies.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,6-Xylenol, purity of 99% or more by weight | 2907 19 10 20 | 2% | None |
| Other xylenols and their salts | 2907 19 10 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the xylenol isomer and assay
Specify the exact isomer or agreed isomer composition, whether the product is a free phenol or a salt, and the intended process. Agree assay, water, colour, residual phenol and other isomer limits with the supplier. Require a batch certificate of analysis and an agreed gas chromatography method; a total purity figure alone does not establish the required isomer composition.
For Great Britain, ask HSE to confirm UK REACH registration requirements for your annual substance imports. Registration is per substance and per legal entity. Before supply, check chemical classification and ensure correct labelling and packaging. A safety data sheet is required for hazardous chemicals supplied for use at work.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial lot of other xylenols in sealed drums, excluding suspended material under 2907 19 10 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,480. Duty at 2% is £69.60. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,549.60, so it is £709.92. Import taxes total £779.52; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £69.60 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the drum label, certificate and purchase specification to the same isomer or salt and batch.
Analysis: compare assay, isomer composition, water and colour with the agreed limits; arrange independent testing where needed.
Packaging: inspect closures, seals, leakage and contamination, and check that packaging matches the agreed material and handling arrangements.
Documents: check labels and the safety data sheet against the actual chemical; retain a labelled batch sample for comparison.
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What goes wrong
An offer says only “xylenol”, leaving the isomer composition unclear. A certificate reports total assay but omits the unwanted isomers. The material can meet that headline assay and still miss your process specification. Approve a representative sample against the same analytical method used for incoming batches.
A supplier treats the suspension as covering every xylenol or supplies paperwork for a different grade. Leaking seals and colour changes also need investigation before release. Keep affected stock separate while identity, quality and documents are checked; use testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.
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 xylenols from China?
The supplied tariff reading gives both xylenol lines a 2% base duty. Eligible named 2,6-xylenol has a 0% suspension. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Does every xylenol qualify for the duty suspension?
No. It is limited to the named 2,6-xylenol and excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing it. Confirm eligibility with your broker.
Do I need UK REACH registration for xylenols?
Ask HSE to confirm registration requirements for your annual substance imports into Great Britain. Registration is per substance and per legal entity; confirm your position before ordering.
What should a xylenol certificate of analysis show?
Ask for batch identity, assay, isomer composition, water and colour against your agreed specification and test methods. Match it to the supplied material and retain a batch sample.