Sourcing acoustic textile curtains from China
Acoustic textile curtains from China carry UK duty of 6% to 12%, depending on fibre and construction. Fibre composition must be labelled. Agree the acoustic test arrangement and the buyer's fire specification before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources acoustic textile curtains.
Duty on acoustic textile curtains
Heading 6303 covers textile curtains, drapes, interior blinds and curtain or bed valances. This guide focuses on finished acoustic textile curtains. The table gives candidate lines for different constructions; select the line from the actual materials and construction, rather than the supplier's acoustic product name.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied lines carry 6% duty for nonwoven curtains and 12% for the other curtain constructions from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
Before ordering, confirm the commodity code using the fabric composition, construction and finished product description. For another curtain family within this heading, see hospital cubicle curtains.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic-fibre curtains, other than knitted, nonwoven or net curtains | 6303 92 90 90 | 12% | None |
| Synthetic-fibre nonwoven curtains | 6303 92 10 00 | 6% | None |
| Cotton curtains, other than knitted, net or hand-batik printed curtains | 6303 91 00 99 | 12% | None |
| Wool curtains, other than knitted or handmade curtains | 6303 99 90 39 | 12% | None |
Specify the acoustic construction and mounting
Define whether the buyer wants reduced room reverberation or reduced sound transmission through an opening. Ask for acoustic test evidence that identifies the fabric, lining, layer arrangement, curtain fullness, mounting and air gap. Compare those details with the proposed installation rather than accepting an unexplained soundproof claim.
Specify finished width and drop, fabric mass, fibre composition, lining, seams, heading, overlap, colour and cleaning method. Approve a complete hanging sample and agree the supporting track and fixing arrangement for its weight.
Fibre composition must be labelled, and curtains sold for consumer use in Great Britain must also be safe. Contract buyers commonly specify fire performance evidence for the exact fabric and finish, sometimes after washing. Agree that specification before approving materials.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A batch of made-to-measure polyester acoustic curtain panels for a small venue, illustrative under 6303 92 90 90, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,800. Duty at 12% is £1,176. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,976, so it is £2,195.20. Import taxes total £3,371.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,176 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Acoustic evidence: match the tested fabric, lining, layers and mounting arrangement to the approved sample and production goods.
Dimensions and hanging: measure finished panels, hang them on the intended track and check fullness, overlap, coverage and smooth movement.
Fabric and seams: compare shade across cartons, inspect layer alignment and stitching, pull-check heading attachments and wash the complete sample for shrinkage or puckering.
Labels and fire evidence: compare fibre labels with the material specification and match the buyer's fire reports to the fabric, finish and treatment batch. Record these checks at inspection.
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What goes wrong
A report for loosely gathered fabric is supplied with a curtain intended to hang flat, or the production lining differs from the tested sample. Ask the supplier to explain every difference before accepting the acoustic evidence. Keep separate acceptance criteria for room absorption and sound transmission.
Heavy panels strain heading attachments, uneven layers distort hems, and washing changes the drop or puckers the lining. Check a complete hanging sample after the agreed cleaning process. Keep the approved construction and treatment records with the production batch.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on acoustic curtains from China?
The supplied tariff data gives 6% for nonwoven curtains and 12% for other curtain constructions, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code from the materials and construction.
Are acoustic curtains soundproof?
Ask whether the evidence measures room absorption or sound transmission. Check that the tested fabric, layers, folds and mounting match the curtain you will install.
Do acoustic curtains need fire testing?
Contract buyers commonly require fire performance evidence. Agree the required specification and whether testing after cleaning is needed, then match the report to the exact fabric and finish.
Do imported acoustic curtains need fibre labels?
Yes. Textile labelling guidance requires fibre content on the label. Check the factory's material specification against the approved label and the supplied curtains.