Sourcing graphite-coated cotton fabric from China

Duty on graphite-coated cotton fabric

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5907 covers textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered, and painted scenery canvas. For graphite-coated cotton fabric confirmed under 5907 00 00 90, duty from China is 4%. The table shows purchasing variants sharing that commodity line, subject to confirmation of their construction.

The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import controls for this line. The 0% suspension belongs to 5907 00 00 10, for adhesive-coated fabric with embedded spheres, and should not be assumed for graphite-coated cotton. See the wider coated-fabric guide.

Supply the cotton construction, graphite and binder composition, coating method and intended use when confirming the commodity code. Plastic-coated fabrics fall under heading 5903 and rubberised fabrics under 5906, so the name 'graphite-coated' alone is insufficient. Check the actual coating rather than relying on the supplier's suggested code.

Specify the cotton base, graphite and binder

Specify the cotton fibre composition, weave, usable width, base-cloth mass, finished mass, thickness and coated face. Ask the factory to identify the graphite grade, binder and other additives. Agree coating coverage, flexibility and acceptable rub-off against a signed sample. If electrical conductivity or friction performance matters, agree a test method and acceptance criteria for the intended application.

UK REACH generally covers substances in articles, and restrictions can limit, ban or condition their use or supply. Ask for a coating composition statement and evidence addressing applicable restrictions for the intended use. Check whether textile labelling rules cover the intended sale; where they apply, the label must show fibre content. Keep composition information separate from coating performance claims.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of graphite-coated cotton fabric in rolls under 5907 00 00 90, 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 4% is £608. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £15,808, so it is £3,161.60. Import taxes total £3,769.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £608 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Base cloth: check weave, fibre composition, usable width, finished mass and thickness against the agreed specification; inspect for holes, weak yarns and distorted edges.

Coating: inspect across the width and along sampled rolls for bare patches, streaks and uneven coverage; compare dry and damp rub-off and flexing behaviour with the approved sample.

Performance: test the property being purchased on bulk samples using the agreed method and conditions; include abrasion or repeated flexing where these reflect the application.

Rolls and packing: check roll lengths, joins, batch identification and coating transfer between layers; inspect for dampness, mould and crushed cores. Use the inspection guide to organise the checks.

What goes wrong

A dark surface can conceal patchy graphite coverage. Watch for coating that sheds during handling, cracks on folding or transfers onto the reverse face in the roll. A change in binder or coating mass can also change flexibility and the performance that justified buying the fabric.

Keep an approved sample and retain bulk samples for comparison. Require the supplier to disclose changes to the base cloth or coating formulation, and inspect the batch before dispatch. Treat conductivity, low friction and heat-resistance claims as properties to test on the finished coated cotton.

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.