Sourcing high silica glass fibre cloth from China

Duty and fabric classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected fabric lines under heading 7019 carry 6% duty for goods from China. They record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Heading 7019 covers glass fibres and their articles. These rows are possible fabric classifications, not dedicated high silica cloth codes. For other forms, see the glass fibre and glass wool guide.

The supplied tariff attaches waste import and export controls and a supplementary-unit import measure to 7019 69 90 84. Waste shipment controls apply only to material classed as waste. For Chinese waste entering England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch authority for consent. Ask your customs broker to confirm the waste requirements and supplementary unit for the actual shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the yarn or roving construction, weave, width, coating and impregnation. Do not classify plain-weave yarn cloth as roving cloth merely because both are sold as high silica fabric. Obtain a fabric construction sheet before clearance.

Specify silica content and heat performance

Specify the silica content and composition test method, weave, yarn construction, mass per unit area, thickness, width, usable roll length and edge finish. State whether the cloth is untreated, coated or impregnated, and identify the treatment. Agree tolerances and retain an approved sample.

Describe the intended heat exposure, including duration, contact with hot surfaces and repeated heating. Ask for reports showing dimensional change and retained strength under your agreed conditions. A temperature headline without the test conditions is insufficient for choosing cloth for a removable insulation jacket or heat shield.

Ask for handling advice and coating information. Where cutting or handling could cause harm to health, the law requires the business to control risks to workers. HSE advises considering harmful substances produced by cutting or grinding. Arrange testing and certification support around the intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 6,000 square metres of unimpregnated high silica cloth, subject to classification confirmation under 7019 69 90 84, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,400. Duty at 6% is £1,404. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,804, so it is £4,960.80. Import taxes total £6,364.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,404 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Composition: match the batch identification to the composition report and agreed silica content; confirm that the tested sample has the ordered treatment.

Dimensions: weigh measured fabric cuts, measure thickness and width, and check usable roll length against the order.

Weave and strength: inspect for missing yarns, holes, uneven weave and frayed edges; compare strength and heat-conditioned samples with the agreed acceptance criteria.

Rolls and packing: check coating consistency, creases, contamination, dampness and crushed cores; retain batch labels and arrival photographs. Use a written inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A supplier may substitute a different glass composition, provide a report for untreated cloth while supplying coated cloth, or quote heat resistance without exposure duration. These gaps leave you unable to compare the delivered fabric with the intended application.

Light fabric, weak edges and distorted weaving can cause problems during cutting and sewing. Coating variation or shrinkage after heating can change fit. Check production-batch samples against the agreed composition, dimensions and heat-conditioning tests before accepting repeat deliveries.

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.