Sourcing jacquard terry fabric from China

Zero duty on woven jacquard terry fabric

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 5802 covers terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, other than narrow fabrics, and tufted textile fabrics. For woven jacquard terrry, the relevant lines are cotton and other textile materials. Both carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

Jacquard describes the patterning, so confirm the fabric construction rather than relying on the supplier's product name. Knitted terry and finished towels have different classifications. Confirm the commodity code using the composition and construction, and see the wider terry fabric guide for the broader heading.

Specify the jacquard repeat and loop construction

Approve a physical woven sample showing the face, reverse and complete pattern repeat. Specify repeat dimensions along and across the roll, pattern direction, usable width, weight per square metre, loop height, yarn composition and finish. For panels cut from the fabric, agree where the motif should fall and how repeats align with the cutting layout.

For fabric sold to consumers by the metre, the label must show fibre content. REACH restrictions can limit or prohibit the marketing or use of substances. Ask the mill for composition evidence and details of dyes and finishes, then agree testing appropriate to the intended skin contact and washing conditions.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 12,000 square metres of cotton jacquard terry fabric in rolls under 5802 10 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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

Pattern: compare the face and reverse with the approved sample; measure repeat dimensions and check motif alignment, missing pattern areas and distortion across the width.

Loops: check for pulled or missing loops, loose yarn floats, uneven pile and damaged selvedges; compare handle and surface coverage with the approved sample.

Dimensions: measure usable width, roll length and weight per square metre across sampled rolls; record roll identities and dye lots against the packing list.

Washing: check shrinkage, pattern distortion, colour transfer and absorbency after washing using the agreed procedure and acceptance limits.

What goes wrong

A repeat that looks correct on a small swatch can leave motifs misplaced when panels are cut. Uneven shrinkage can distort the design, while loose floats and pulled loops spoil its outline. Softener can reduce absorbency, and shade differences between rolls can make adjoining panels visibly different.

Approve the complete repeat before production and wash a sample before releasing fabric for cutting. Keep an approved reference sample and inspect rolls against it on arrival. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.

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.