Sourcing aramid filament yarn from China
Aramid filament yarn within heading 5402 pays 0% UK duty from China across the relevant lines, with no listed trade remedies. Classification depends on high-tenacity status and yarn construction; sewing thread and retail yarn fall outside this heading. Cambridge China Bridge sources aramid filament yarn.
Zero duty on the relevant aramid yarn lines
Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. High-tenacity aramid yarn has the dedicated code 5402 11 00 00. The other polyamide rows are classification alternatives only where the yarn meets their descriptions and does not belong in the high-tenacity line.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 18 October 2026, all the selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the polymer identity, high-tenacity status, twist, construction and packaging. Do not classify from the supplier's product name alone. For the distinct staple-fibre family, see aramid staple fibre.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-tenacity aramid filament yarn, whether or not textured | 5402 11 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other polyamide single yarn, untwisted or twist up to 50 turns per metre | 5402 45 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other polyamide single yarn, twist exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 51 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other polyamide multiple or cabled yarn | 5402 61 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify aramid type, strength and finish
State whether you need para-aramid or meta-aramid, continuous filament construction, linear density, filament count, minimum tenacity, elongation at break and the agreed test methods. Specify twist direction, twist level, ply construction and acceptable variation. Keep an approved package as the comparison sample.
Agree the surface finish or sizing with the intended weaving, braiding or composite process. Specify package dimensions, core type, net yarn weight and winding condition. Ask for batch-linked test results and finish information rather than accepting a general product brochure.
For finished textiles sold to consumers, labels must show fibre content; confirm permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances placed on the market or used. Ask the supplier to identify dyes and finishes so the applicable chemical restrictions can be checked.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 packages of high-tenacity aramid filament yarn, illustrative only under 5402 11 00 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,200, so it is £5,040. 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
Identity and traceability: match the aramid type, grade, batch and package labels to the purchase specification and batch test report.
Strength and count: test sampled packages for linear density, tenacity and elongation using the agreed methods; compare results with the approved specification.
Twist and running: check twist direction and level, broken filaments and fuzz; unwind samples through the intended process to assess tension and snagging.
Packages and finish: check net yarn weight, crushed cores, winding damage, contamination and finish consistency. Keep packages from different batches identifiable during quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A yarn described simply as aramid can arrive in the wrong grade or construction. A strength result without a matching batch reference does not establish the quality of the shipment. Mixed batches, damaged winding and broken filaments can cause uneven running and processing stops.
A finish that works for weaving may be unsuitable for your resin or bonding process. Trial the actual yarn with your intended materials before approving bulk production, retain reference packages and agree how failed batches will be separated and investigated.
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 aramid filament yarn from China?
The relevant heading 5402 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data, read on 18 October 2026. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed for those lines.
Which commodity code covers high-tenacity aramid yarn?
5402 11 00 00 covers high-tenacity aramid yarn, whether or not textured. Confirm that the goods are filament yarn rather than sewing thread or retail yarn.
What should I put in an aramid yarn specification?
Aramid type and grade, linear density, filament count, tenacity, elongation, twist, ply, finish, package dimensions and net weight, with agreed test methods and batch traceability.
How do I check aramid yarn before accepting it?
Match packages to batch reports, test count and strength, inspect winding and broken filaments, and run samples through your intended weaving, braiding or composite process.