Sourcing double-sided PET tape from China

Normally 6% duty, with specific suspensions

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3919 covers self-adhesive plastic tape, film and other flat shapes. For double-sided PET tape, classification depends on roll width, adhesive composition and any specific product description. Rolls not exceeding 20 cm wide have separate lines from wider rolls and other shapes. See the wider adhesive tape guide.

The selected lines show 6% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Specified thermal-release polyester grades have a 0% suspension. Their description includes acrylic adhesive debonding from 90 °C to 200 °C and polyester liners. Suspensions on the ordinary residual lines concern specified products; do not assume ordinary PET tape qualifies. The wider residual line also lists relief for offshore wind turbine rotor-blade manufacture, subject to authorised use. Authorisation is required to claim authorised-use relief.

The supplied tariff record attaches import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases to these lines. Confirm the requirement for the China-origin shipment with your customs broker; the record does not establish which declaration applies to ordinary PET tape. Give the broker the layer construction, adhesive composition, width and delivery format to confirm the commodity code and any suspension conditions.

Specify the PET carrier and both adhesive faces

Specify PET carrier thickness separately from adhesive thickness and total thickness excluding the liner. Identify the adhesive on each face, roll width, usable length, colour, liner material and release behaviour. For die-cut parts, provide the drawing, tolerances and liner handling arrangement. State whether the bond is permanent, removable or intended to release when heated.

Name the actual bonded surfaces, their finishes, cleaning method, application pressure, dwell time and service conditions. Agree peel and holding tests on those materials, including exposure to heat and moisture where relevant. Test each adhesive face separately rather than accepting a result for the complete laminate alone.

UK REACH generally covers substances in articles as well as substances and mixtures. Ask for composition information covering the carrier, adhesives and additives, then arrange an assessment for the intended use. If supplied as consumer tape, the businesses importing and selling it are responsible for its safety.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 3,000 rolls of ordinary acrylic-coated double-sided PET tape, illustrative only under 3919 10 80 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 6% is £270. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,770, so it is £954. Import taxes total £1,224; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £270 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Dimensions: unwind sampled rolls to measure usable length and width; measure carrier and total tape thickness separately from the liner against the agreed specification.

Bond: test each adhesive face on the buyer's actual surfaces using the agreed preparation and dwell time; check peel, sustained-load movement and residue after removal.

Liner and winding: check clean liner removal without adhesive transfer, exposed edges, telescoping, crushed cores and adhesive oozing.

Batch and packing: match grade and batch labels to the approved sample and test records; check die-cut alignment, protected roll edges and carton contents. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A tape that grips a clean test panel can lift from powder-coated metal or textured plastic. Reduced adhesive coat thickness can weaken the bond, while a changed liner can pull adhesive away during removal. Short rolls, edge damage and uneven winding also reduce usable material.

Heat can cause adhesive creep or edge ooze, and unsuitable removal behaviour can leave residue or damage the bonded surface. Trial production samples in the actual assembly and repeat the agreed checks on arrival. Keep ordinary bonding tape separate from thermal-release grades when checking specifications and tariff eligibility.

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.