Sourcing EVA-laminated fabric from China
EVA-laminated textile fabric within heading 5903 carries 8% UK duty from China across the relevant lines. UK REACH applies to substances in articles, so check the fabric, laminate and finishes against the intended use. Specify the bond and roll tolerances before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources EVA-laminated textile fabric.
UK duty on EVA-laminated textile fabric
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5903 covers textile fabrics impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, other than heading 5902. For EVA laminates, the relevant other-plastics branches distinguish fabric forming the right side from other constructions. The table shows construction examples sharing those tariff lines; confirm the actual laminate before using a code.
The relevant lines carry 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no attached import controls. The suspension under 5903 90 99 00 is restricted to a specified polyester fabric with acrylic latex foam backing. It is not general relief for EVA-laminated fabric. The authorised-use suspension for the specified polyurethane vehicle-roof fabric does not describe an EVA laminate.
Send your broker the fibre composition, laminate polymer, layer drawing, face photographs and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Plastic sheet whose textile backing is secondary may fall in chapter 39. See the wider laminated-textile guide for related constructions.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVA-laminated woven fabric, textile forming the right side | 5903 90 91 00 | 8% | None |
| EVA-laminated woven fabric, other face construction | 5903 90 99 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the fabric, EVA layer and bond
State whether the EVA layer is film or foam, the base fabric fibre and weave or knit, usable width, fabric mass, laminate thickness and finished mass. For foam, agree density and compression recovery. Identify the exposed face, adhesive and surface finish. Supply an approved sample and agree tolerances and test methods in writing.
UK REACH applies to chemical substances in articles. Ask for a UK REACH statement covering the textile, EVA layer, adhesive, colourants and finishes, with test reports selected for the intended use. Where textile labelling rules apply, the label must show fibre content, including any fur or other animal parts. Record the textile composition separately from the laminate description.
Trial cutting, stitching, folding and any proposed heat bonding with your actual equipment. Agree bond-strength acceptance criteria after conditioning that reflects storage and use. If you need cushioning or water resistance, test those properties on the finished laminate rather than accepting results for the EVA layer alone.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 m² of EVA-laminated fabric with the textile forming the right side under 5903 90 91 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £15,200. Duty at 8% is £1,216. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,416, so it is £3,283.20. Import taxes total £4,499.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,216 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Construction: compare cut sections with the approved sample; check the textile, laminate type, adhesive coverage and exposed face.
Dimensions: measure usable width, roll length, thickness and mass; check variation across the width and along the roll.
Bond: test peel adhesion and inspect folded and stitched samples for separation, bubbles, cracking and adhesive bleed.
Roll condition: check shade, creases, blocking, edge curl and contamination; match roll identities to batch records. Use an agreed inspection plan.
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What goes wrong
A laminate can look acceptable flat but separate when folded or stitched. Uneven bonding leaves bubbles or loose edges, while compression during packing can leave foam with poor recovery. Rolls may stick together, curl during cutting or vary in thickness enough to affect assembly.
A supplier may change the foam, adhesive or fabric while retaining the same product name. Keep the approved construction and sample tied to the purchase specification, compare bulk samples before dispatch and inspect again on arrival. Investigate a strong smell through material records and suitable testing; smell alone does not establish chemical compliance.
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 EVA-laminated fabric from China?
The relevant heading 5903 lines carry 8% duty. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The acrylic-latex-backed fabric suspension is not general relief for EVA laminates.
Which commodity code covers EVA-laminated textile fabric?
Check 5903 90 91 00 where the textile forms the right side, and 5903 90 99 00 for other constructions within the heading. Confirm the complete layer structure with your broker.
What tests should I request for EVA-laminated fabric?
Agree peel adhesion, thickness, mass and checks after folding and stitching. For foam-backed grades, add compression recovery. Match chemical and performance testing to the intended use.
Does EVA-laminated fabric need fibre-content labelling?
Where textile labelling rules apply, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Confirm applicability to your laminate and how it will be supplied.