Sourcing greenhouse film from China
The selected greenhouse-film lines carry 6% UK duty from China, with listed suspensions potentially reducing it to 0% only where their descriptions are met. Match the code to the polymer and construction, and check UK REACH restrictions on additives. Cambridge China Bridge sources greenhouse film.
Greenhouse-film duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3920 covers non-cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip that are not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. This guide concerns greenhouse covering film. Reinforced covers need a separate classification check.
The selected polyethylene and plasticised PVC lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists suspensions to 0% on these lines, but these are specification-dependent, not a general greenhouse-film concession. Some suspension descriptions are incomplete in the supplied extract: ask your customs broker to confirm eligibility before claiming relief. No anti-dumping measure or attached import control is recorded for these selected lines.
The table gives possible classifications, not interchangeable codes. The supplied snapshot omits the general thicker polyethylene-film lines, so it cannot settle their duty. Confirm the commodity code using composition, thickness and construction. See plastic film and sheet for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin lower-density polyethylene film, other | 3920 10 25 90 | 6% | None |
| Other thin ethylene-polymer film | 3920 10 40 99 | 6% | None |
| Listed ultraviolet-stabilised plasticised PVC film | 3920 43 10 92 | 6% | None |
| Other thin plasticised PVC film | 3920 43 10 99 | 6% | None |
Specify the greenhouse covering and exposure
Specify polymer, virgin or recycled material, thickness tolerance, unfolded width, roll length, core and winding. Describe the greenhouse frame, fixing method, crop and expected exposure. Agree light transmission, diffusion, tear resistance and whether anti-drip or heat-retention performance is wanted. Request weathering evidence for the actual formulation, with exposure conditions and acceptance criteria.
UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances in articles. Ask for the additive composition and evidence addressing applicable restrictions, especially for plasticised film. Treat this chemical check separately from the supplier's claims about outdoor life.
Approve a sample fitted to the intended fixing system. Agree how the anti-drip face is identified, how folds open and how rolls are protected during transport. Record the sample and formulation so later batches can be compared.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 rolls of thin polyethylene greenhouse film, illustrative only under 3920 10 25 90, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,500. Duty at 6% is £210. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,710, so it is £742. Import taxes total £952; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £210 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure thickness across the unfolded width and along sampled lengths; check width, length and roll weight against the agreed specification.
Surface: unwind sample rolls and inspect against light for pinholes, gels, creases and contamination; check that folded film opens without blocking.
Performance: compare light transmission, diffusion, tensile and tear results with the approved sample; check weathering reports identify the supplied formulation.
Identification: check grade, batch and roll labels, anti-drip face markings where specified, core damage and protective wrapping. Use a written inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Uneven gauge leaves weak areas at fixings, while pinholes and damaged folds cause leaks. Tight winding can make film stick together and tear during opening. A clear-looking sample does not establish the agreed light diffusion, anti-drip performance or resistance to outdoor ageing.
Problems also arise when a supplier changes recycled content or additives after sample approval. Keep batch samples and compare production evidence before accepting the shipment. Record installation conditions and agreed exclusions so a failure can be investigated against the specification.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on greenhouse film from China?
The selected lines carry 6%. Listed suspensions can reduce duty to 0% only if their descriptions are met. The supplied snapshot does not include the general thicker polyethylene-film lines.
Does reinforced greenhouse film use the same commodity code?
Heading 3920 covers film that is not reinforced or similarly combined with other materials. Have your broker check reinforced covers separately against their construction.
How do I check a greenhouse film lifespan claim?
Request weathering evidence for the actual formulation, including exposure conditions and acceptance criteria. Agree installation, chemical exposure and warranty exclusions before ordering.
What should I check when greenhouse film arrives?
Check thickness across the unfolded width, roll dimensions, pinholes, blocking, batch labels and damaged cores. Compare optical and mechanical test results with the approved specification.