Sourcing aramid-nylon tyre cord from China

Duty and classification for hybrid cord fabric

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 October 2026, heading 5902 covers tyre cord fabric of high-tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, polyesters or viscose rayon. The supplied record shows 0% duty on every line for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls listed.

For this hybrid, document the aramid and nylon content, cord construction and whether the fabric is impregnated with rubber. Compare the polyamide descriptions with the actual product. The table's other-fibre rows are classification comparisons, not confirmed codes for this hybrid. Confirm the commodity code before ordering; HMRC offers non-binding classification advice if uncertainty remains.

For wider heading context, see the hybrid nylon-polyester tyre cord fabric guide. Keep the description of the fabric separate from descriptions of finished tyres or loose cord yarn.

Specify the hybrid cord and rubber interface

Describe whether aramid and nylon are combined within each cord or used as separate cords in the fabric. Specify the fibre proportions, yarn counts, ply arrangement, twist direction and level, cord spacing, weft construction, usable width and roll length. Approve a construction drawing and retain a matching sample.

Agree breaking strength, elongation at a stated load, heat shrinkage, dip pick-up and adhesion to your rubber compound. State the conditioning, dipping and curing conditions used for acceptance tests. Ask for the finished fabric's UK REACH substance declaration: Candidate List inclusion brings obligations for suppliers, so the declaration should cover the finish as well as the fibres.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial order: 1,200 square metres of rubber-impregnated hybrid aramid-nylon tyre cord fabric, subject to code confirmation under 5902 10 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 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £15,200, so it is £3,040. 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

Construction: compare the aramid and nylon arrangement, yarn identification, twist and cord spacing with the approved drawing and sample.

Batch performance: match roll labels to lot test reports; check strength, elongation, shrinkage and adhesion using the agreed methods and your compound.

Roll condition: inspect usable width, winding, creases, broken cords, knots, weft faults and contamination before releasing material to production.

Packing and storage: check sealed moisture-resistant wrapping, roll identification and production dates against the agreed storage conditions and shelf life.

What goes wrong

A supplier may describe different cord constructions using the same hybrid name. A sample with the expected fibre content can still have the wrong ply arrangement or twist. Approve the construction and test the finished dipped fabric rather than accepting yarn strength figures alone.

Adhesion can disappoint when the dip system and cure conditions do not match your compound. Heat, moisture and ageing can also undermine an approved sample's performance in production stock. Compare arriving lots with retained material and investigate changes before use. See quality inspection explained.

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.