Sourcing modal-elastane jersey from China

8% duty on modal-elastane jersey

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6004 covers knitted or crocheted fabrics wider than 30 cm containing at least 5% elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, excluding heading 6001. Modal-elastane jersey without rubber thread falls within the artificial-fibre line 6004 10 00 91, subject to confirmation of the complete composition. The table shows finishes sharing that line.

Goods from China under that line carry 8% duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The wider heading includes a separate 6% line, 6004 90 00 00, with cat and dog fur import and export controls. Imports and exports of cat and dog fur and products made from it are banned.

Send the broker the fibre breakdown, finished width and construction to confirm the commodity code. For the wider product family, see viscose-elastane jersey fabric.

Specify composition, recovery and wash stability

Specify modal and elastane separately, with their proportions, yarn details, finished weight, usable width and colour reference. Approve a finished sample with the intended drape and opacity. Agree stretch and recovery in each direction, shrinkage and spirality after the intended wash, and whether the finish is brushed or unbrushed.

Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre composition; confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. Match the mill's composition declaration to testing rather than relying on the fabric's handle. Confirm with HSE or a chemical compliance adviser which UK REACH restrictions apply to azo dyes that may release aromatic amines in textiles in prolonged skin contact; request relevant testing for each dyed or printed quality. Arrange testing and certification around the intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 metres of dyed modal-elastane jersey under 6004 10 00 91, 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

Composition: compare the tested fibre breakdown with the order and roll records; check that the supplied quality matches the approved modal-elastane sample.

Weight and width: measure conditioned fabric weight and usable width after relaxation; inspect for curling edges, holes, needle lines and barré.

Wash and recovery: wash samples using the agreed care method, then check shrinkage, spirality, pilling and recovery after stretching.

Shade and packing: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade against the approved colour sample; check rubbing and washing colour fastness, roll lengths and dry wrapping. Use an agreed inspection plan.

What goes wrong

A soft sample can hide poor recovery, low weight or excessive transparency. Jersey may shrink or twist after washing, and stretched areas can remain baggy. Check washed samples before approving bulk fabric and keep a signed reference sample.

Mixed dye lots create mismatched garment panels. Heavy edge curl reduces cutting width, while uneven tension can disguise width and length shortfalls. Keep dye lots separate and compare relaxed measurements with the order before 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.