Sourcing dust collector bags from China
Industrial dust collector filter bags classified in the relevant technical textile lines carry 6% UK duty from China; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 6%. Confirm the finished bag's code and assess UK REACH obligations for its substances. Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial dust collector filter bags.
6% on the relevant filter bag lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 5911 covers textile products and articles for technical uses. The table distinguishes possible finished-bag lines from filter media. It is a classification shortlist: made-up bags need checking against their material, construction and technical use.
The selected lines carry 6% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Elsewhere in the heading, suspensions cover specified membrane parts, polishing pads and loudspeaker dampers; they do not describe these filter bags.
Confirm the commodity code using the bag drawing, fibre composition, felt or woven construction and intended equipment. For the wider scope, see filter cloth and technical textiles.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical articles of felt, subject to confirmation for finished filter bags | 5911 90 10 00 | 6% | None |
| Other technical textile articles, subject to confirmation for finished filter bags | 5911 90 99 90 | 6% | None |
| Other filtering or straining cloth; check applicability to bag-making media | 5911 40 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Listed pleatable polyester spunbond filter media, subject to the full description | 5911 40 00 10 | 6% | None |
Specify the bag, cage fit and operating conditions
Specify fibre, felt or woven construction, fabric mass, air permeability at an agreed pressure, finish and working temperature. Describe the dust, moisture and cleaning method. Send a drawing showing bag length, diameter, cuff, spring ring, bottom closure and seams, together with the cage and cell-plate interface.
Ask for filtration results on the exact ordered grade and a UK REACH statement covering finishes, coatings and membranes. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles, so assess the relevant obligations rather than treating a supplier statement as the whole compliance check.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of replacement felt filter bags for a workshop dust collector under 5911 90 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 6% is £912. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,112, so it is £3,222.40. Import taxes total £4,134.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £912 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure finished bags against the drawing and trial-fit the cuff and body on the intended cage and cell plate.
Seams: inspect stitching, skipped stitches, loose threads and bottom closures; compare seam construction with the approved sample.
Media: check fibre identity, mass and air permeability at the agreed pressure; compare filtration reports with the ordered grade and batch identification.
Arrival: check for damp packing, abrasion, crushed rings and mixed sizes; retain labelled samples for comparison with later deliveries.
What goes wrong
Bags can fit the cage but fail to seal at the cell plate. Uneven felt density changes permeability, unsuitable fibres soften at operating temperature, and poor seams provide leakage paths. Agree acceptance criteria against a signed sample and inspect the bulk before dispatch.
A change of media can affect the collector's operation. HSE guidance warns that changing a system component or its use may require recommissioning of the whole system. Discuss substitutions with the equipment operator before approving them.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on dust collector filter bags from China?
The relevant lines in the supplied tariff facts carry 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Confirm the finished bag's commodity code before importing.
What measurements does a filter bag factory need?
Send bag length and diameter, cuff and ring details, bottom closure and seam drawings, plus the cage and cell-plate dimensions. Include an approved sample where available.
How do I compare filter bags from different factories?
Compare the exact grades using the same air-permeability pressure and filtration method. Check fibre, fabric mass, seam construction and actual fit, rather than relying on brochure figures.
Can I replace the existing bags with a different material?
Check temperature, dust compatibility, permeability and cleaning behaviour with the operator. HSE warns that changing a system component or its use may require recommissioning.