Sourcing bamboo viscose woven terry from China

Zero duty on bamboo viscose woven terry

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 5802 covers terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, excluding narrow fabrics, and certain tufted fabrics. Bamboo viscose woven terry in the piece falls within the other textile materials description. The relevant supplied line is 5802 20 00 00.

The recorded duty for goods from China is 0%. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, tariff suspension or attached import control for this line. Only this line is shown because the cotton and tufted fabric lines do not describe this product family.

For blends, give your customs broker the full fibre composition and construction before confirming the commodity code. Knitted terry and finished towels need separate classification. See the wider terry towelling guide and the import duty and VAT guide.

Specify the viscose loops and ground weave

Specify viscose made from bamboo, the complete fibre blend, and the yarn used in the loops and ground weave separately. Ask for supporting records for the bamboo feedstock description and a fibre-composition test. A soft handle alone does not establish composition.

Agree mass per square metre, usable width, roll length, loop height and density, whether the fabric has loops on both faces, colour and finish. Set acceptance limits for shrinkage, colour transfer, loop pulling and absorbency using the intended washing method. Keep an approved physical sample.

Textile labels must show fibre content, and information included on labels must be accurate. UK REACH generally applies to chemical substances in articles; ask a laboratory to identify the relevant chemical checks for the dyes, finishes and intended use before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 square metres of bamboo viscose woven terrry fabric in rolls under 5802 20 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,400, so it is £1,280. 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

Composition: compare the fibre report, supplier specification and roll labels; check that the stated loop and ground yarns match the order.

Weight and dimensions: sample rolls for mass per square metre, usable width and length; compare with the order and packing list.

Washing and absorbency: measure dimensional change after the agreed wash and compare water uptake with the approved sample; check colour transfer and shedding.

Loops and packing: inspect for pulled loops, bald patches, weaving faults and shade differences; check roll identification and dry, clean wrapping. Use the inspection guide to plan sampling.

What goes wrong

An order described only as bamboo terry leaves the actual fibre blend and ground yarn unclear. Bulk fabric can differ from the sample in weight, loop density or finish. A softener can mask poor absorbency, while shrinkage changes cutting yield and finished dimensions.

Compare washed bulk samples with the approved sample before cutting. Keep rolls separated by dye lot and hold rolls with shade variation, damaged loops or damp packing for review. Record the agreed remedy for fabric that misses the specification.

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.