Sourcing elastane filament yarn from China
Elastane filament yarn from China under heading 5402 carries 0% UK duty across the listed lines, with no trade remedies recorded. Confirm the yarn construction and fibre composition information before ordering; sewing thread and retail yarn fall outside this heading. Cambridge China Bridge sources elastane filament yarn.
Zero duty, with construction checks
Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. Elastomeric single yarn, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre, is described by 5402 44 00 00. The other table entries are construction-dependent alternatives for assessment, rather than interchangeable codes for ordinary elastane yarn.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 19 October 2026, the listed lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Give your broker the polymer composition, texturing, twist, yarn construction and packaging details to confirm the commodity code. Do not assume covered or blended stretch yarn has the same classification as bare elastane. See synthetic filament yarn for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastomeric single yarn, untwisted or up to 50 turns per metre | 5402 44 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other textured synthetic yarn, subject to construction checks | 5402 39 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other synthetic single yarn, twist exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 59 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other synthetic multiple or cabled yarn, subject to construction checks | 5402 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify stretch and processing performance
Specify bare elastane or a covered construction, linear density, filament count, lustre, twist, finish and cone weight. Agree elongation, recovery after repeated stretching and residual extension using a documented test method. Supply the mill's intended knitting or weaving process and its dyeing and heat-setting conditions.
Approve yarn after a fabric trial using the intended companion yarn and finishing process. Compare stretch force and recovery before and after heat treatment. For textile products sold in Great Britain, fibre labelling must show fibre content. Agree the composition information with the supplier before approving packaging.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Elastane yarn on cones for a production trial; values illustrative under 5402 44 00 00, invoiced at £29,000 free on board, with £2,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,600, so it is £6,320. 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
Identity: match cone and carton labels to the approved grade, linear density and production lot; compare shipment records with the lot test certificate.
Elastic performance: check elongation, stretch force and recovery against the agreed method, including samples processed through the intended heat treatment.
Unwinding: run sampled cones on the intended equipment and check sticking, broken filaments, tension changes, tail ends and package build.
Arrival condition: check net yarn weight, crushed tubes, contamination and damp cartons; retain labelled samples from each lot. Arrange quality inspection before releasing stock to the mill.
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What goes wrong
Elastane can look acceptable on the cone yet lose elastic power after heat setting. A yarn-only stretch check can miss this failure. Approve the processed fabric, retain the reference sample and repeat the trial when the grade or finishing conditions change.
Uneven finish or package density causes erratic feeding, while broken filaments can produce holes and machine stops. Mixed lots make tracing defects harder. Keep lots identifiable and store cones in their cartons away from heat and damp.
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 elastane yarn from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for 5402 44 00 00 and the other listed construction-dependent lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded.
Does covered elastane use the same commodity code?
Do not assume so. Give your broker the covering fibre, construction, twist and packaging details before confirming the code.
How do I check elastane survives heat setting?
Make a fabric trial using the intended companion yarn and finishing process. Compare stretch force, recovery and residual extension with the approved sample.
What should I check when elastane cones arrive?
Check grade and lot labels, net yarn weight, tube damage, contamination and dampness. Run sampled cones to check unwinding and retain samples by lot.