Sourcing PEEK staple fibre from China

PEEK staple fibre: 0% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5503 covers synthetic staple fibres not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. PEEK is provisionally covered by the residual other synthetic fibres line, 5503 90 00 90. The table shows purchasing variants using that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied snapshot records 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.

Confirm the commodity code using the polymer composition, supplied form and processing history. Keep carded fibre, continuous filament and finished nonwoven material separate from this specification. For the wider heading, see the polyphenylene sulphide staple fibre guide.

Specify the PEEK polymer, cut and finish

Specify polyetheretherketone rather than accepting a quotation for generic heat-resistant fibre. Record the resin grade, whether the fibre is blended, colour, linear density, cut-length distribution, crimp, tensile properties and processing finish. Agree tolerances and test methods with the supplier, and retain an approved fibre sample.

Describe the actual spinning, needle-punching or other process and the intended heat and chemical exposure. Ask for tests on the finished fibre, including dimensional change after the agreed heat exposure. Trial the fibre on your equipment before approving a repeat order.

For supply in Great Britain, UK REACH requires businesses to identify and manage risks from substances they manufacture and place on the market. Obtain composition and finish details to assess your obligations. For textile products covered by labelling rules, labels must show fibre content; confirm the appropriate designation before approving artwork.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 80 kg of uncarded PEEK staple fibre, illustrative only under 5503 90 00 90, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,200, so it is £3,440. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: check batch records and laboratory polymer identification against the agreed PEEK grade; investigate blends or unexplained changes in the test results.

Dimensions: measure linear density, cut-length distribution and crimp across samples from different packs; check for fused bundles and excessive short fibre.

Performance: compare tensile results and heat-exposure dimensional change with the specification, then run the agreed processing trial using the supplied finish.

Packing: check net mass, moisture, foreign fibres, dirt and batch identification on arrival. Keep samples linked to their packs and reports; see quality inspection explained.

What goes wrong

An order described only as heat-resistant staple fibre leaves room for a different polymer or an undisclosed blend. Resin data may also be presented as proof of finished-fibre performance. Require the agreed polymer identity and fibre tests to match the delivered batch.

Uneven cuts, fused bundles or an unsuitable finish can disrupt feeding and web formation. A sample that processes well may differ from the shipment. Compare arrival samples with the approved sample and repeat the agreed processing trial before releasing the batch.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.