Sourcing flour bolting cloth from China
Flour bolting cloth from China carries a flat 4% UK import duty across the silk and other textile lines. Cloth that contacts flour must be demonstrably safe for that application. Specify aperture, thread diameter and mounting details before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources flour bolting cloth.
Flour bolting cloth: 4% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5911 covers textile products and articles for technical uses. Its bolting cloth lines cover cloth whether or not made up: silk under 5911 20 00 20 and other textile materials under 5911 20 00 90. The table separates roll or cut cloth from made-up cloth within each material line.
Both relevant lines show 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff extract records no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, tariff suspension or attached import control for these lines. Food-contact suitability still needs attention when the cloth is used to sieve flour.
Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, weave, intended flour-sieving use and details of any make-up. For other products within this heading, see the filter cloth and technical textiles guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk flour bolting cloth in rolls or cut lengths | 5911 20 00 20 | 4% | None |
| Other textile flour bolting cloth in rolls or cut lengths | 5911 20 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the aperture and sifter fit
State the fibre, weave, clear mesh opening, thread diameter and thread count with its measurement unit. Agree tolerances, usable width and the supplied form: roll, cut panel or made-up cloth. For mounted panels, provide the frame drawing, attachment method and working tension. Approve a sample using the flour and sifter intended for production.
Cloth that contacts flour is a food-contact material and must be demonstrably safe for that application. Ask for a declaration covering the supplied fibre, finish and any coating, with supporting evidence for the intended contact and cleaning conditions. Include adhesives if panels are bonded to frames. Agree the evidence needed through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,200 square metres of polyester flour bolting cloth in rolls under 5911 20 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 4% is £208. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,408, so it is £1,081.60. Import taxes total £1,289.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £208 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Mesh: measure clear openings and thread diameter across the width and along the roll; check thread count using the agreed unit.
Weave: inspect against transmitted light for broken threads, enlarged openings, pulled yarns and creases; compare with the signed sample.
Fit and tension: check panel dimensions, edges and attachments against the drawing; trial a sample on the intended frame and check for slipping or distortion.
Cleanliness and records: inspect for loose fibres, dirt, oil marks and damp packaging; match roll or panel identifiers to the supplied material and food-contact documents.
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What goes wrong
A mesh count alone can hide a different thread diameter and therefore a different clear opening. Uneven openings can change the flour separation, while oversized openings or broken yarns can let unwanted material through. Cloth that stretches after mounting can sag, distort or rub against surrounding parts.
A report for an unfinished base fabric may not describe the finished cloth supplied. Changes to fibre, finish or bonding adhesive also need checking. Keep an agreed reference sample, trial the finished construction and compare each delivery with the specification before releasing it for use.
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 flour bolting cloth from China?
The supplied tariff extract shows 4% for both silk and other textile bolting cloth, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measure.
Which commodity code covers flour bolting cloth?
Silk bolting cloth is listed under 5911 20 00 20; other textile materials under 5911 20 00 90. Both cover cloth whether or not made up. Confirm the supplied construction before declaring it.
Is a food-grade description enough for flour sieve cloth?
Ask for evidence covering the actual fibre, finish and any coating or adhesive, suitable for the intended flour contact and cleaning conditions. See the food-contact materials guide.
Should I specify mesh count or aperture?
Specify both, together with thread diameter and the counting unit. Check the clear opening on samples and trial the cloth at the intended mounting tension.