Sourcing curved upholstery needles from China
Curved steel upholstery sewing needles from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant product variants, with no listed anti-dumping duty. Needles intended for or likely to be used by consumers must be safe in Great Britain. Specify the curve, eye finish and secure packaging. Cambridge China Bridge sources curved upholstery sewing needles.
UK duty on curved upholstery sewing needles
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7319 covers iron or steel hand sewing needles and related hand tools, plus safety pins and other pins. Curved steel upholstery sewing needles fall within sewing, darning or embroidery needles, code 7319 90 10 00.
The supplied tariff data records 2% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or import control. The table shows product variants sharing the same commodity code, rather than separate tariff lines.
Confirm the material and hand-sewing use through finding your commodity code. For wider hand-needle coverage, see hand embroidery needles. Sewing machine needles have a separate classification.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp-point curved steel upholstery sewing needles | 7319 90 10 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the curve, eye and upholstery application
Provide a drawing and an approved sample showing the curve radius, opening between the ends, needle length, wire diameter and point profile. State the upholstery fabric, backing and thread to be used. Specify eye dimensions, steel, finish and pack assortment. Compare samples by measured geometry, because a supplier's size name alone may not describe the same curve.
The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 apply to needles intended for or likely to be used by consumers in Great Britain. Confirm the applicable safety and traceability obligations with the relevant authority. Specify packaging that contains the points and warnings to keep needles away from young children. As a purchasing specification, request the producer's name and address and the product reference or applicable batch on the product or packaging where practical.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Retail packs of sharp-point curved steel upholstery sewing needles; illustrative order under 7319 90 10 00, invoiced at £1,200 free on board, with £344 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,544. Duty at 2% is £30.88. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,574.88, so it is £314.98. Import taxes total £345.86; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £30.88 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Curve and dimensions: compare sampled needles with the drawing and approved sample; check that the curve is consistent and the eye has not been flattened during forming.
Eye and point: inspect under magnification for burrs, hooked tips and cracks; pass the intended upholstery thread through the eye and sew the agreed material stack.
Strength and finish: check for permanent distortion or fracture during the agreed sewing trial; examine plating for flaking, exposed steel and rust.
Packaging and identification: check pack counts, assortments, secure point containment and agreed traceability details. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.
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What goes wrong
A curve that differs from the approved sample can make blind stitching awkward. Rough eyes fray upholstery thread, hooked points snag fabric, and poorly tempered needles bend or snap under sewing pressure. Plating defects can leave rust marks on pale covers. Reject mixed curves, damaged points and packs that release loose needles before accepting the batch.
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 curved upholstery sewing needles from China?
The supplied tariff data records 2% for curved steel hand-sewing needles under 7319 90 10 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which measurements should I give the factory?
Specify curve radius, opening between the ends, needle length, wire diameter, eye dimensions and point profile. Supply an approved sample and the intended upholstery fabric and thread.
How do I check whether the needle eye cuts thread?
Inspect the eye under magnification, then repeatedly pass the intended thread through it and sew the agreed upholstery stack. Check for fraying, snagging and thread breakage.
What packaging should I specify for retail needles?
Specify secure packaging that contains the sharp points, clear assortment details and warnings to keep needles away from young children. Include producer and product or batch identification where reasonable.