How to export carbon fibre from the UK to China
To export carbon fibre to China, match the specification to the tariff line, check UK dual-use controls and arrange the export declaration. Chinese MFN duty is 17% or 10% by line, with import VAT affecting landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Confirm the import route for the exact material
Carbon fibre and composites need classification by their actual form and specification before you quote. The covered Chinese tariff lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so plan around an importer-led shipment. GACC Decree 280 concerns overseas food manufacturers; its registration requirement does not apply to these materials. Have the Chinese importer confirm the entry requirements for your precise product.
HMRC recorded £32.6m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 681511, 681512, 681513, 681519 in 2025 (2024: £17.2m, +89.2%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £4.6m. January to July 2026: £10.8m against £17.0m in the same months of 2025 (-36.6%).
The largest UK export line to China under HS 681513 was 68151300, articles of carbon fibres for non-electrical purposes, excluding fabrics: £18.6m in 2025. That is the tariff-line total, rather than sales of your particular composite.
Price against the Chinese tariff line
The listed Chinese tariff lines give the MFN rates below. Carbon fibres under HS 681511 and fabrics under HS 681512 attract 17%; non-electrical carbon-fibre articles under HS 681513 have two Chinese lines, both at 17%. The graphite or carbon articles covered by HS 681519 attract 10%. Agree the classification with the importer before using a rate in your quotation.
The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its exceptions. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to this product. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 68151100 | 17% |
| 68151200 | 17% |
| 68151310 | 17% |
| 68151390 | 17% |
| 68151900 | 10% |
Check dual-use controls before quoting
The UK dual-use list includes category 1, materials, chemicals, micro-organisms and toxins. Whether your fibres or finished articles are controlled depends on their technical specification: classify them against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists before quoting. Export and trade licence applications for mainland China are assessed case by case against the UK Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Do not treat an HS classification as the export-control assessment.
Prepare the UK declaration and shipment papers
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and identify the correct commodity code. The online export declaration needs the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Align the declared description with the material specification used for the dual-use assessment.
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Check the Chinese buyer before committing stock
Ask a prospective importer to explain which Chinese tariff line it proposes for your fibres, fabrics or articles and how it has allowed for border taxes. Resolve differences between its proposed classification and your product specification before agreeing a price. Use the technical specification and UK export-control assessment as the basis for shipment discussions.
Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. We check with licensed partners in China; the importer of record stays with those partners, and your own filings stay yours. See our export service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UK export licence for carbon fibre?
It depends on the technical specification. Assess the fibres against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists before quoting; mainland China licence applications are assessed case by case.
What Chinese duty applies to carbon fibre?
The MFN rate is 17% for 68151100, 68151200, 68151310 and 68151390, and 10% for 68151900. Confirm the Chinese tariff line for the actual material before pricing.
Can I sell these materials through cross-border retail imports?
The covered Chinese tariff lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Plan the shipment with a Chinese importer instead of relying on that retail route.
Can you check a Chinese importer that contacted us?
Our own staff in China can check the company before you send stock or sign anything. For these materials, also settle the technical specification, tariff classification and UK export-control assessment.