Sourcing nickel-coated fabric from China
Nickel-coated conductive textile fabric from China, when classified under 5907 00 00 90, carries 4% UK duty with no listed trade remedy. Check UK REACH restrictions for the coating and whether textile fibre-labelling rules apply before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources nickel-coated conductive textile fabric.
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Duty on nickel-coated conductive fabric
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5907 covers textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered, as well as painted scenery canvas. For nickel-coated conductive fabric accepted under 5907 00 00 90, the duty on goods from China is 4%. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for that line.
The heading's suspension belongs to the separate line for adhesive-coated fabrics with embedded spheres. Nickel coating alone does not match that description. Only the relevant commodity line is shown here. For related conductive fabrics within the heading, see the silver-coated conductive fabric guide.
Confirm the commodity code using the base textile, coating composition, backing, adhesive and supplied form. Include details of any plastic or rubber layers rather than relying on the supplier's description of the fabric as conductive.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel-coated conductive textile fabric, subject to construction checks | 5907 00 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the nickel coating and electrical performance
Specify the base fibre, woven or knitted construction, usable width, thickness, mass per area and complete coating stack. Ask whether nickel is the exposed layer or sits over another metal. Agree surface resistance in both fabric directions, the electrode arrangement and contact pressure, and the conditions for testing after flexing or abrasion.
For shielding applications, agree the frequency range, sample mounting and test method. A surface-resistance result alone does not establish shielding performance in the finished assembly. Keep an approved sample and request reports identifying the supplied grade and production lot.
UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on placing substances on the market or using them. Ask for a coating and finish declaration covering the intended use. For skin-contact applications, ask a laboratory to assess nickel release and suitability. Where textile labelling rules apply, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,800 metres of nickel-coated conductive textile fabric under 5907 00 00 90, 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 4% is £608. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £15,808, so it is £3,161.60. Import taxes total £3,769.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £608 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Conductivity: measure across the width and along sampled roll lengths in both fabric directions, using the agreed contact pressure and electrode arrangement.
Coating durability: inspect for bare patches, flaking and transfer onto a clean cloth; repeat resistance measurements after the agreed flexing and abrasion treatment.
Roll condition: check usable width, thickness, creases, edge damage and moisture; compare the fabric's handle and construction with the approved sample.
Traceability: match roll identifiers to the lot report, coating declaration and purchase specification; check fibre information where labelling rules apply.
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What goes wrong
Uneven plating can leave conductive and poorly conductive areas in the same roll. A sample tested with firm electrode pressure may give a misleading comparison with fabric used under light contact. Tight creases and coating loss during cutting or flexing can interrupt the conductive path.
Do not approve a skin-contact application from resistance data alone. Dermal contact with nickel or nickel compounds can cause sensitisation and contact dermatitis. Agree the intended exposure and supporting tests before approving the grade, and compare bulk fabric with the retained sample.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on nickel-coated conductive fabric from China?
It is 4% when classified under 5907 00 00 90. The supplied tariff record lists no trade remedy, suspension or attached import control for that line.
Does nickel-coated fabric qualify for the heading's duty suspension?
Nickel coating alone does not match the suspended line's description of adhesive-coated fabric with embedded spheres. Confirm the actual construction before claiming a suspension.
How do I compare conductive fabric samples?
Use the same electrode arrangement, contact pressure and conditioning. Measure in both fabric directions and repeat after the agreed flexing or abrasion treatment.
Can nickel-coated conductive fabric touch skin?
Do not assume suitability. Nickel can cause skin sensitisation. Give the laboratory the intended exposure and coating details, and ask it to assess nickel release and applicable UK REACH restrictions.