Sourcing zinc oxide from China
Zinc oxide and zinc peroxide from China, used in rubber, ceramics, paints, animal feed and cosmetics, pay 0% UK duty under the single code 2817 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Zinc oxide is classified as very toxic to aquatic life under GB CLP, so it needs hazard labels, and buyers check purity, lead and cadmium, surface area and the grade for the end use.
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0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, heading 2817 covers zinc oxide and zinc peroxide. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The tariff also attaches a waste import control, answered by a not-waste declaration.
Zinc dust and zinc metal are other headings; confirm the commodity code from the product.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc oxide; zinc peroxide | 2817 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Grades and specification
Zinc oxide has a harmonised classification under the retained CLP Regulation as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, so it needs GB labels and a GB-format safety data sheet.
Specify the process (French, American or wet), zinc oxide content, lead, cadmium and other metal limits, specific surface area, particle size, and packing. Grades for cosmetics, feed or pharmaceuticals must meet those rules, so ask for the grade documents before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of rubber-grade zinc oxide under 2817 00 00 00, invoiced at £50,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £52,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £52,500, so it is £10,500. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Analysis: check zinc oxide content, lead and cadmium on samples.
Physical: check surface area, whiteness and particle size.
Packing: check bags, moisture and caking. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Zinc oxide orders fail on grade and impurities. Industrial grade is supplied for cosmetic or feed use, lead or cadmium is above the limit, and surface area differs from the sample, changing rubber curing.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on zinc oxide from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, zinc oxide under 2817 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Does zinc oxide need hazard labels?
Yes. It is classified as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects under GB CLP.
Can I use industrial zinc oxide in cosmetics?
No. Cosmetic use needs a grade and documents that meet the cosmetics rules.
What is zinc oxide used for?
Rubber curing, ceramics and glazes, paints, animal feed, sunscreen and skin care.