Sourcing elastane rib fabric from China
Elastane stretch rib-knit fabric within heading 6004 pays 8% UK duty from China; the heading's wider range is 6% to 8%. This scope covers fabric wider than 30 cm with at least 5% elastomeric yarn by weight, without rubber thread. Consumer sales require fibre composition labelling. Cambridge China Bridge sources elastane stretch rib-knit fabric.
8% duty on elastane stretch rib-knit fabric
Heading 6004 covers knitted or crocheted fabric wider than 30 cm containing at least 5% elastomeric yarn or rubber thread by weight, excluding fabrics of heading 6001. This guide concerns elastane stretch rib-knit fabric without rubber thread. The table separates common fibre families; different fabrics can share a commodity code.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the elastomeric-yarn lines without rubber thread carried 8% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The other line, 6004 90 00 00, carried 6% and had cat-and-dog-fur import and export controls attached. If considering that line, confirm the control requirements with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, elastane share, construction, width and presence of rubber thread. Describe whether the fabric is supplied open width or tubular. For broader stretch-fabric coverage, see the cotton-elastane jersey guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester-elastane rib-knit fabric, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 10 | 8% | None |
| Cotton-elastane rib-knit fabric, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 91 | 8% | None |
Specify the rib structure and recovery
Specify the base fibre and elastane content, rib structure, yarn count, mass per square metre, usable width after relaxation, and open-width or tubular supply. State the intended use, such as fitted tops, cuffs or neckbands. Approve a fabric sample with the required handle and rib definition.
Agree how stretch and recovery will be measured across and along the fabric, including the load, hold time and recovery period. Specify acceptable residual growth, wash shrinkage and twisting. Assess the fabric relaxed as well as stretched: ribs can open enough to affect opacity and appearance.
Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre composition labelling; confirm the appropriate fibre names with the relevant authority. For garment production, verify the mill's composition before using it on garment labels. Confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes in textiles in prolonged skin contact with the relevant authority; request relevant test reports for each dyed or printed quality.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 metres of polyester-elastane stretch rib-knit fabric under 6004 10 00 10, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,200. Duty at 8% is £1,056. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,256, so it is £2,851.20. Import taxes total £3,907.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,056 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Width and weight: relax samples before measuring usable width and mass per square metre against the order; record the roll identity and check the supplied length.
Stretch and recovery: follow the agreed method, compare both fabric directions with the approved sample, and check for bagging or visible elastane damage.
Washing and shade: check shrinkage, twisting and rib distortion after washing; compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade, and test washing and rubbing colour fastness.
Surface and packing: inspect for dropped stitches, needle lines, holes, uneven ribs and oil marks; check roll labels, dye-lot identification and dry wrapping. Use an agreed inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A rib fabric can feel stretchy yet recover poorly, leaving cuffs loose or fitted garments baggy. Excess tension during finishing or rolling can hide later width and length changes. Cutting before relaxation can then produce panels that shrink, twist or differ in size.
Shade changes between dye lots, uneven rib definition and exposed or broken elastane can make otherwise matching panels look different. Keep the approved sample, separate dye lots and test an arrival sample before bulk cutting. Agree acceptance criteria and how rejected rolls will be handled before ordering.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on elastane rib-knit fabric from China?
The relevant heading 6004 elastomeric-yarn lines without rubber thread carried 8% duty on 30 September 2026, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension.
Are cotton and polyester elastane ribs under the same code?
Not necessarily. The supplied tariff lists synthetic-fibre fabric under 6004 10 00 10 and wool, cotton or artificial-fibre fabric under 6004 10 00 91. Confirm the composition and classification before shipping.
Does rib-knit fabric sold by the metre need a fibre label?
Yes, when sold to consumers, fibre composition must be given. Confirm the appropriate fibre names with the relevant authority. Check the mill's declared composition against a relevant test report.
How do I stop elastane rib fabric becoming baggy?
Approve recovery criteria as well as stretch. Test relaxed samples using an agreed load and recovery period, then wash-test them and assess residual growth before accepting the bulk fabric.