Sourcing lyocell single jersey from China

Flat 8% duty on the relevant fabric lines

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6006 covers other knitted or crocheted fabrics. For lyocell single jersey qualifying as artificial-fibre fabric within this heading, the relevant lines distinguish unbleached or bleached, dyed, different-coloured yarns and printed fabric. Each carries 8% duty for goods from China.

The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control on these artificial-fibre lines. Its CITES controls attach to other lines in the heading, rather than the lines shown here. These rows are for qualifying lyocell fabric; confirm a blend separately.

Check fibre composition, construction, finished width and elastane content before confirming the commodity code. Knits wider than 30 cm with 5% or more elastane fall under heading 6004. For the wider heading context, see cotton single jersey fabric.

Specify the lyocell yarn and finished jersey

Specify lyocell content and every blend fibre, yarn count, single jersey construction, finished mass per square metre, usable width and roll length. State whether elastane is included. Agree stretch and recovery, shrinkage, spirality, pilling and the intended garment care method against a retained sample.

Agree the surface finish as well as softness and drape. Compare samples after washing for fibrillation, where fine fibres produce a fuzzy or whitened surface. State whether this appearance is wanted and approve the finishing route before bulk production.

Fabric sold by the metre to consumers needs fibre-composition labelling; confirm the permitted fibre names with the relevant authority. For garment production, verify the mill's composition before using it for garment labels. Confirm with the relevant authority whether UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes apply to the intended skin-contact use; ask for relevant chemical testing on dyed or printed fabric.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,800 metres of dyed lyocell single jersey under 6006 42 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,200. Duty at 8% is £1,056. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,256, so it is £2,851.20. Import taxes total £3,907.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,056 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity and dimensions: compare roll labels and composition reports with the order; measure weight, usable width and length after allowing the fabric to relax.

Wash behaviour: wash samples using the agreed care method, then measure shrinkage and spirality. Compare fuzzing, whitening and pilling with the approved washed sample.

Shade and colour transfer: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade against the approved lab dip. Check washing and rubbing fastness, especially on dark shades and prints.

Knitting and packing: inspect for barré, needle lines, holes and curled edges. Check that roll protection is dry and intact, and retain roll identities for cutting. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A soft unwashed sample can conceal excessive shrinkage, twisting or surface change. Lyocell jersey may develop unwanted fuzzing or whitening after washing and rubbing. A bulk finish that differs from the approved sample can change both handle and appearance.

Narrow usable width, curling edges and shade differences disrupt cutting even when the roll weight matches the invoice. Keep dye lots separate, compare bulk fabric with retained samples and resolve failed checks before bulk cutting.

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.