Sourcing multiaxial glass fabrics from China

UK duty and fabric classification

Heading 7019 covers glass fibres and their articles. Multiaxial reinforcement needs classification by its actual construction: stitched layers are different from woven rovings with added stitching. The table includes neighbouring woven classifications for comparison. For the wider heading, see the unidirectional fibreglass fabric guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected fabric lines carried ordinary duty of 4% to 6% for Chinese-origin goods, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded in the supplied data. The listed stitched-fabric line expressly covers consignments from Türkiye. Its code should not be copied for a shipment dispatched directly from China; confirm the appropriate direct-shipment line.

The supplied line 7019 69 90 84 carries supplementary-unit import and waste import and export controls. Its supplementary unit is not specified in the supplied data, so ask your customs broker to confirm it. For waste or scrap, also confirm which shipment controls apply. Confirm the commodity code using a construction drawing, material composition, impregnation details and dispatch country.

Specify layer directions, stitching and sizing

Specify each reinforcement layer's direction and mass per unit area, the layer sequence, total fabric weight, glass type and roving linear density. Identify any chopped-strand backing, stitching yarn and binder. Agree width, usable width, roll length, permitted joins and tolerances. Keep a labelled approved sample showing the fabric faces and roll direction.

Name the resin and processing method, then agree sizing compatibility, drape and wet-out acceptance checks using production fabric. UK REACH generally applies to individual substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Ask for the sizing and coating composition, a UK REACH statement and handling advice; assess the actual formulation rather than accepting a generic declaration.

If fabric is being imported from China as waste under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent. Ask the broker to establish the applicable waste route before shipment. Keep the purchase description clear about whether the goods are usable reinforcement rolls or waste.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot order of dry multiaxial glass-fibre fabric rolls, subject to confirmation of classification; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 7019 69 90 84, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,900. Duty at 6% is £174. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,074, so it is £614.80. Import taxes total £788.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £174 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Layer arrangement: compare fibre directions, layer sequence, backing and face identification with the approved construction drawing; look for missing bundles, gaps and displaced fibres.

Weight and dimensions: weigh measured fabric cuts, check usable width and roll length, and compare layer weights and total weight with the specification and batch records.

Stitching and processing: check broken stitches, puckering and layer separation; trial production cuts with the agreed resin for wet-out, drape and handling.

Packing and arrival: inspect wrapping, cores and roll ends for crushing, moisture and contamination; match roll labels to batch records and record findings using the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A matching total fabric weight can conceal the wrong balance between reinforcement directions or extra backing. Layer movement and tight stitching can make the fabric distort when cut or laid into a mould. Compare the actual layer construction with the approved sample, then trial the fabric in the buyer's process before accepting the batch.

Sizing that does not suit the resin can leave poorly wetted bundles. Damp rolls, crushed cores and undisclosed joins can interrupt cutting and lay-up. Check production fabric rather than a showroom sample, agree how joins will be identified, and photograph arrival damage before unwrapping or repacking affected rolls.

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.