Sourcing acrylic flocking fibres from China

Acrylic flock: 2% UK duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 5601 covers wadding and its articles, textile fibres not exceeding 5 mm in length, textile dust and mill neps. Acrylic flock belongs within the other textile flock line, 5601 30 00 90. The table shows acrylic grades within that same line.

The supplied tariff record gives 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no attached import controls. Its 0.00 % suspension is restricted to the named copolymer fibres and excludes mixtures and products containing different components. It does not apply to acrylic flock.

Confirm the fibre composition, cut length and presentation before choosing the commodity code. For a related flock product within the wider heading, see the polyester flocking fibres guide.

Specify the acrylic fibre and flocking process

Specify acrylic composition, precision-cut or ground production, cut-length distribution, linear density, colour, moisture condition and permitted loose dust. Record any conductive finish, its storage conditions and the substrate and adhesive used for approval. Approve a flocked panel as well as a loose fibre sample.

UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or impose conditions on substances placed on the market or used. Ask for the identities of dyes and finishes, then check the applicable restrictions against the intended use. Agree the evidence needed through testing and certification.

HSE identifies ground acrylic flock as presenting a higher explosion risk than precision-cut flock. Employers must plan, manage and monitor substances hazardous to health under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health rules. Include handling information in the supplier brief and assess the actual flocking process.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of dyed acrylic flocking fibres under 5601 30 00 90, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 2% is £324. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,524, so it is £3,304.80. Import taxes total £3,628.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £324 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fibre and cut: compare composition documents with the order, examine cut-length consistency and check for oversized fibres, bundles and loose dust.

Colour and transfer: compare loose fibres and flocked panels with the approved sample under agreed lighting; check dry and wet rubbing for colour transfer.

Flocking performance: trial the delivered batch with the agreed adhesive and substrate; check coverage, upright fibre formation, bald patches and shedding after curing.

Packing and traceability: check net weight, sealed bags, batch identification, moisture damage and contamination. Keep arrival samples and record findings using the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

Uneven cuts and fibre bundles can produce patchy coverage. A batch that matches the loose colour sample may look different once flocked because fibre orientation and coverage change its appearance. Moisture or a changed conductive finish can alter electrostatic performance.

Adhesion failures can come from the fibre finish, adhesive, substrate preparation or curing process. Compare the delivered batch with the retained sample using the same process before attributing the problem to the fibres. Agree acceptance checks on the flocked surface before production.

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.