Sourcing fluid-bed dryer filter bags from China
Fluid-bed dryer filter bags in the relevant technical textile lines carry 6% UK duty from China; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 6%. Confirm the finished bag's code and assess UK REACH obligations for its materials and finishes. Cambridge China Bridge sources fluid-bed dryer filter bags.
6% on the relevant filter-bag and media lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5911 covers textile products and articles for technical uses. The table separates possible finished-bag classifications from filter media supplied for manufacture. It is a classification shortlist, rather than confirmation that every fluid-bed dryer bag belongs in the same line.
The selected lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Suspensions elsewhere in the heading concern specified membrane parts, polishing pads and loudspeaker dampers, whose descriptions do not cover these dryer bags.
Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, felt or woven construction, finished assembly drawing and dryer application. The listed polyester spunbond media line requires a match to its full description. For broader bag-filter sourcing, see industrial dust collector filter bags.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felt technical articles; confirm applicability to finished dryer bags | 5911 90 10 00 | 6% | None |
| Other technical textile articles; confirm applicability to finished dryer bags | 5911 90 99 90 | 6% | None |
| Other filtering cloth; potential bag-making media rather than finished bags | 5911 40 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Listed pleatable polyester spunbond filter media; full description must match | 5911 40 00 10 | 6% | None |
Specify the dryer interface and powder conditions
Send the dryer model, an approved sample and a drawing of the complete filter assembly. Specify bag or finger layout, length, diameter, attachment points, cuff, sealing edge and seam construction. Describe the shaking or pulse-cleaning arrangement and the clearance needed around the installed bags.
Specify fibre, weave or felt construction, fabric mass, air permeability at an agreed pressure, finish and working temperature. Describe the powder, moisture, cleaning chemicals and whether bags are washed or replaced. Agree how powder retention, shedding and dimensional change after cleaning will be checked.
Assess UK REACH obligations for substances in the bags, including finishes and coatings, and request supporting supplier information. For food powders, ask for food-contact documentation covering the fibre, thread, finish and intended use. For pharmaceutical powders, agree the processor's material, cleaning and batch-documentation acceptance criteria.
HSE advises preventing static discharges in potentially explosive atmospheres. Where this applies to the dryer, agree the conductive construction, continuity checks and connection arrangements with the equipment operator before approving a substitute bag.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of replacement felt filter-bag sets for a small-business fluid-bed dryer under 5911 90 10 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 6% is £912. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,112, so it is £3,222.40. Import taxes total £4,134.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £912 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure the complete assembly against the drawing and trial-fit it on the intended mounting arrangement, checking seals, attachment points and clearance.
Media: verify fibre identity, fabric mass and air permeability at the agreed pressure; match the test report and batch identification to the ordered grade.
Seams and cleanliness: inspect finger ends, closures and attachment seams for holes, skipped stitches, loose thread and trapped debris; compare with the approved sample.
Cleaning and arrival: check agreed dimensional stability after cleaning, inspect packing for dampness and abrasion, and separate mixed sizes or grades before installation.
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What goes wrong
A bag can match the overall dimensions yet leak around its sealing edge or have fingers that rub against the dryer. Uneven permeability, open seams and unsuitable finishes can compromise powder retention. Cleaning can shrink the assembly or damage its surface. Compare bulk production with the approved sample and trial the material under the agreed process conditions.
A generic antistatic description does not establish the performance of the assembled bag. Ask for results on the specified construction and agree how the installed connection will be checked. Keep approval of media substitutions with the equipment operator, alongside temperature, cleaning and powder-retention checks.
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 fluid-bed dryer filter bags from China?
The relevant bag and filter-media lines carry 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures in the supplied tariff facts. Confirm the finished bag's classification before importing.
What drawing does a fluid-bed dryer filter-bag factory need?
Provide the complete assembly drawing, bag or finger layout, dimensions, cuff, sealing edge, attachment points and seams. Include the dryer model, cleaning arrangement and an approved sample.
Can I use these filter bags for food or pharmaceutical powders?
Agree suitability for the actual process. For food, request food-contact documentation for the materials and finishes. For pharmaceuticals, agree the processor's material, cleaning and batch-documentation criteria.
How do I check an antistatic dryer filter bag?
Ask for results on the actual bag construction and agree continuity and connection checks with the dryer operator. HSE advises preventing static discharges in potentially explosive atmospheres.