Sourcing ceramic-coated aramid fabric from China

Duty depends on the coating construction

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5907 covers textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered, and painted scenery canvas. Ceramic-coated aramid fabric is a candidate for 5907 00 00 90, the other coated fabrics line, subject to checking its full construction. A ceramic trade name alone does not establish the classification.

The supplied tariff data gives 4% duty on Chinese-origin goods under 5907 00 00 90, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The embedded-sphere line has a suspension, but this does not give ordinary ceramic-coated aramid fabric relief. Only the other coated fabrics line is relevant to this table.

Give your broker the fibre composition, coating and binder chemistry, cross-section and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Plastic-coated fabrics fall under heading 5903 and rubberised fabrics under 5906, as explained in the reference guides. See the wider heading guide and duty and VAT calculation guide.

Specify the aramid base and ceramic coating

Specify the aramid type, fibre blend, weave, usable width, thickness and mass per unit area. Describe the ceramic material separately from its binder, coating add-on and coated faces. Agree whether the fabric must remain flexible for sewing or hold its shape in an equipment liner. Keep an approved sample with the written specification.

Separate continuous operating conditions from brief heat exposure. Ask for reports identifying the actual fabric grade, exposure method, duration and condition after testing. Assess coating adhesion, residual strength and flexibility after the agreed exposure. For protective clothing, evaluate the finished garment as well as the fabric.

UK REACH applies to chemical substances in articles, and restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances placed on the market or used. Obtain a composition-based restricted-substances statement covering the ceramic layer, binder and finishes. Agree targeted testing through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 150 metres of ceramic-coated aramid fabric under 5907 00 00 90, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,000. Duty at 4% is £120. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,120, so it is £624. Import taxes total £744; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £120 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Base fabric: compare fibre identification, weave, thickness, usable width and mass with the approved specification; check for blends or backing layers that were not agreed.

Coating: inspect across the width and along the roll for bare patches, pinholes and uneven coverage; flex and rub samples to check cracking, powder shedding and separation.

Heat performance: test bulk samples under the agreed exposure conditions; record shrinkage, coating condition, retained strength and flexibility rather than relying on an unqualified temperature claim.

Roll condition: check delivered length, creases, edge damage and moisture; match roll identifiers to the production batch and test reports. Use the inspection guide to define the acceptance checks.

What goes wrong

A heat claim may describe the ceramic ingredient rather than the coated fabric. The binder can degrade or lose adhesion before the buyer expects, while the aramid base can shrink or lose strength. Require test evidence for the complete construction and the exposure conditions relevant to your application.

A satisfactory flat sample can conceal coating cracks after folding or powder shedding during cutting. Compare bulk material with the retained sample, test after representative handling, and agree roll packaging that avoids sharp folds and rubbing against the coated face.

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.