Sourcing offset printing blankets from China
Woven rubberised offset printing blanket material from China normally carries 4% UK duty under heading 5906; the wider heading ranges from 4% to 8%. Confirm classification from the construction and supplied form, and check applicable UK REACH restrictions on the materials. Cambridge China Bridge sources offset printing blankets.
Duty on offset blanket material
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 5906 covers rubberised textile fabrics. Other woven rubberised material under 5906 99 90 90 carries 4% duty for goods from China. The table shows material formats under this same candidate code, rather than separate tariff lines. Confirm the classification of finished blankets with mounting bars separately.
The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no attached import controls for this line. Its 0.00 % suspension is restricted to a specified fabric composition involving polyamide, polyurethane and a copolymer. Do not budget for that suspension unless the material matches the full tariff description.
Send the fabric construction, rubber composition, cross-section and supplied form to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. For the other constructions and rates within this heading, see rubberised fabrics and cloth tapes.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven rubberised offset blanket material in rolls | 5906 99 90 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the blanket for the press and ink
Identify the press model, sheet-fed or web operation, blanket dimensions, clamping arrangement and whether mounting bars are included. Agree thickness and tolerance, backing construction, compressible or conventional construction, surface finish and packing arrangement. Keep an approved sample against which later batches can be compared.
Specify the inks, fountain solution and blanket washes used on the press. Ask the factory to demonstrate compatibility with those materials, including swelling and surface changes after exposure. Agree a print trial covering solids, fine detail, ink transfer and recovery after compression.
UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances used in articles. Ask for material information covering the rubber, backing and bonding materials, and check applicable restrictions before importing or selling the blankets.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of woven rubberised offset blanket material in rolls under 5906 99 90 90, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,500. Duty at 4% is £540. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,040, so it is £2,808. Import taxes total £3,348; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £540 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure the delivered sheet dimensions, check edge squareness and compare mounting bars and clamp positions with the approved drawing.
Thickness: measure across the sheet with the agreed method and pressure; compare the results with the specification and check for permanent compression marks.
Surface and backing: inspect for pinholes, blisters, dents, loose edges and separation between layers; compare surface finish and backing with the approved sample.
Press trial: test representative blankets with the intended ink, fountain solution and wash, recording swelling, ink transfer and compression recovery. Keep batch identification with the inspection record.
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What goes wrong
A blanket can fit the cylinder yet print poorly because thickness varies, the surface transfers ink unevenly or the compressible layer retains dents. Incorrect bars can prevent secure clamping, while unsuitable wash chemistry can swell the rubber or weaken bonding.
Agree acceptance criteria before ordering and compare arrival samples with the approved blanket. Protect sheets from folding and pressure marks during packing, and record defects before putting the batch into service.
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 offset printing blankets from China?
Woven rubberised blanket material under 5906 99 90 90 carries 4% duty in the supplied tariff record. Confirm the construction and supplied form before using this code.
Does the tariff suspension cover printing blankets?
Only if the material matches the specifically listed fabric composition. The suspension under 5906 99 90 90 does not cover every product entered under that code.
What should I send a Chinese blanket factory?
Send the press model, blanket drawing, clamping details, thickness tolerance, backing and surface specification, plus the inks, fountain solution and washes used.
How do I check a replacement blanket will print properly?
Compare dimensions and thickness with the approved sample, then run a press trial using your intended ink and wash. Check ink transfer, swelling, layer adhesion and recovery after compression.