Sourcing paper-machine dryer fabrics from China

4% duty on the relevant dryer-fabric lines

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5911 covers textile products and articles for technical uses. The table is a classification shortlist for dryer fabrics supplied endless or fitted with linking devices. The papermaking-fabric descriptions distinguish construction, fibre and whether mass is below 650 g/m² or at least 650 g/m².

All selected lines carry 4% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Suspensions elsewhere in the heading concern specified membrane parts, polishing pads and loudspeaker dampers, rather than dryer fabrics.

Confirm the commodity code using the construction drawing, fibre composition, measured fabric mass and seam details. Do not classify from the sales name alone. For related papermaking clothing within the wider heading, see paper-machine forming fabrics.

Specify the dryer position, fabric and seam

Send the dryer-section position and machine drawing. Specify finished width, running circumference at an agreed measurement tension, woven or spiral construction, fibre, fabric mass, thickness and air permeability at a stated pressure. Describe operating temperature, moisture, cleaning chemicals and the existing fabric's performance.

Define seam construction, loop arrangement, joining pin material, edge treatment and installation access. Ask for seam strength, elongation and dimensional-stability results on the ordered grade under agreed heat and moisture conditions. Approve substitutions with the machine operator before production.

UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles, and its restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances placed on the market or used. Obtain fibre, finish and coating information, then assess applicable restrictions for the fabric supplied. A generic supplier statement should not replace that assessment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative replacement man-made-fibre dryer fabric with a linking seam, subject to classification confirmation under 5911 32 19 00, 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

Dimensions: measure width and circumference under the agreed conditions; check edge straightness and seam squareness against the drawing.

Seam: inspect loops, pin fit, damaged yarns and local thickness; trial the joining method using the supplied installation parts.

Fabric: check fibre identity, mass and permeability across the width; match heat-stability and strength reports to the ordered grade and batch.

Arrival: inspect for creases, abrasion, contamination and crushed seam loops; verify batch identification before fitting. Use an agreed inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A fabric can match nominal dimensions yet track poorly because the seam is skewed or the edges stretch unevenly. A raised seam can mark the sheet, while unsuitable permeability can change drying behaviour. Heat-related shrinkage or elongation can put the finished loop outside the machine's adjustment range.

Compare bulk fabric with an approved sample and the agreed test conditions. Confirm the factory can make the required construction and seam, rather than supplying a visually similar grade. Check its production and testing capability through factory verification.

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.