Sourcing crepe paper rolls from China

Duty and classification for crepe paper rolls

Heading 4808 covers creped paper in rolls or sheets, excluding paper of the kind described in heading 4803. Creped kraft paper falls under 4808 40 00 00; other crepe paper within this heading falls under 4808 90 00 00. The table separates buying variants within these codes, rather than showing separate tariff subdivisions.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 November 2026, both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Timber due diligence remains a separate consideration for paper within scope.

Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, paper grade and supplied form, rather than the supplier's description alone. See the corrugated board and kraft paper guide for the wider heading.

Specify fibre, creping and colour

State whether the roll is kraft wrapping paper or coloured paper for craft and decoration. Agree fibre composition, grammage, roll width, usable length, core dimensions, winding direction and permitted splices. Define stretch in the direction used, the crepe texture and the strength needed for wrapping or shaping. Retain an approved sample for each colour.

For paper within the UK Timber Regulations, confirm with the relevant authority the timber due-diligence responsibilities of the business first placing it on the GB market. Ask for pulp source, species and country of harvest. For mixed virgin and recycled fibre, the official guidance requires assessment of the virgin component.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative stock order of creped kraft paper rolls for a packaging supplier under 4808 40 00 00, invoiced at £9,500 free on board, with £2,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,100. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,100, so it is £2,420. 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

Roll dimensions: measure width, usable length and core fit against the order; check winding, splice marking and crushed roll ends.

Crepe and strength: compare texture and stretch with the approved sample; trial unwinding, wrapping or shaping to check tearing and uneven creping.

Colour: compare rolls across the batch under consistent lighting; check dry rubbing and damp contact for dye transfer onto adjacent materials.

Condition: inspect wrapping and cartons for wet patches; check the paper for mould, odour, sticking layers and flattened crepe.

What goes wrong

A matching colour photograph can hide a different fibre grade or crepe structure. Paper may tear during shaping, release dye onto pale surfaces or contain less usable length than ordered. Approve physical samples and put the measurement and trial methods in the purchase specification.

Damp storage and compressed packing can leave rolls stained, distorted or difficult to unwind. Record arrival defects by batch and carton, retain affected samples and compare them with dispatch photographs before agreeing corrective action.

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.