Sourcing hand-knotted hemp rugs from China

Duty and classification for hemp rugs

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 13 October 2026, heading 5701 covers knotted carpets and other textile floor coverings, whether or not made up. For hand-knotted hemp rugs, start with 5701 90 90 10, the handmade other-textile line. The recorded duty is 0% for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded.

The table includes neighbouring lines for comparison when a supplier changes the material or manufacturing method. They are not interchangeable hemp-rug codes. Handwoven flatweaves and tufted rugs have different classifications. Confirm the actual construction and fibre composition through finding your commodity code. For the wider knotted-rug context, see hand-knotted jute rugs.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import waste control to the hemp-rug line. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For a shipment from China described as waste, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirements before dispatch. Keep the product description clear about whether you are buying finished rugs or discarded material.

Specify hemp fibre, knots and the finished surface

Specify hemp fibre explicitly rather than accepting an unspecified natural-fibre description. Record the pile, warp, weft, backing and any blends separately in the purchase specification. Agree knot density, pile height, finished dimensions, fringe length, colour variation and the acceptable feel against an approved sample. Ask for photographs of the back showing the knots.

For sale in Great Britain, textile labels must show fibre content. Ask for label artwork and fibre test evidence before production. Consumer rugs must also be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Include checks for curled edges, loose fringe and movement on the intended floor surface in your purchasing brief.

Agree whether the rug is dyed, bleached, washed or backed, and obtain the proposed cleaning instructions. Test the finished sample using the intended care method before accepting claims about easy cleaning or suitability for damp rooms. Keep a sealed reference sample for comparison with production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 100 hand-knotted hemp rugs, illustrative order under 5701 90 90 10, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,500, so it is £5,300. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fibre and labels: compare the agreed hemp composition, test evidence and label artwork with the delivered goods. Check that jute, cotton or synthetic yarn has not been substituted without agreement.

Knots and finish: inspect the reverse for genuine knotted construction, loose knots, repairs and uneven tension. Compare density, surface texture, fringe attachment and shedding with the approved sample.

Shape and colour: measure length, width and diagonals, then lay the rug flat. Check edge curl, distorted patterns, shade differences and colour transfer during agreed dry and damp rubbing checks.

Arrival condition: open packaging and inspect for dampness, mould, stains, odour and crushed folds. Photograph defects against batch references before putting stock into storage. See quality inspection explained.

What goes wrong

A supplier may use hemp as a loose description for a mixed natural-fibre rug, or supply a flatweave against a hand-knotted order. The result can differ in texture, appearance and classification. Resolve the composition and construction from samples and written specifications before approving production.

Uneven knotting can leave thin patches or distorted edges. Rough yarn ends, excessive shedding, colour transfer and rugs that curl after unpacking can make an otherwise acceptable sample unsuitable for sale. Damp packing can also leave stains or mould. Compare arrival stock with the retained sample and record which batches are affected.

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.