Sourcing polyester crepe fabric from China

A flat 8% duty on polyester filament crepe

Heading 5407 covers woven synthetic filament fabrics. For polyester crepe, the relevant distinctions include fibre content by weight, textured or non-textured filament yarn and whether the fabric is unbleached, bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed or printed. A crepe surface alone does not identify the commodity line.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the polyester crepe lines shown carry 8% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control for these lines.

Ask the mill for fibre composition by weight, yarn details, construction and colour treatment before confirming the commodity code. Staple-fibre, knitted and coated fabrics need separate classification checks. See the polyester georgette guide for related fabrics within the wider heading.

Specify the crepe texture and drape

Agree a physical sample showing the intended surface grain, drape, opacity and handle. Specify fibre composition, filament type, yarn twist, weave, usable width, weight per square metre, stretch and recovery, shrinkage and intended care method. Record whether the crepe effect comes from yarn twist, construction or finishing.

Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre-content labelling. Confirm with HSE the applicable UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes releasing aromatic amines in textiles intended for direct and prolonged skin contact. Ask for colour-specific chemical test reports and check any added finish against the relevant restrictions.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 3,000 metres of dyed textured polyester crepe fabric, illustrative only under 5407 52 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,600. Duty at 8% is £768. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,368, so it is £2,073.60. Import taxes total £2,841.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £768 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Surface and drape: compare the crepe grain, opacity and handle with the approved sample, across the width and between rolls.

Shade and colour: compare roll shades with the approved lab dip under the same light; check colour transfer after rubbing and washing.

Dimensions and sewing: measure usable width, weight and roll length; check shrinkage after the agreed care treatment and seam slippage using the intended garment seam.

Roll condition: check snags, pulled threads, creases, dampness and packing damage; match dye-lot and roll identifiers to the packing list. Set these checks out in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A sample can have the right crepe grain while bulk fabric feels flatter or stiffer. Shade differences between rolls become visible when garment panels are joined. Loose construction can open at seams, and cleaning can change dimensions or handle.

Retain the approved sample and inspect bulk rolls against it before shipment. Make a sewn and washed trial from production fabric, and keep rolls with different shades separate when cutting.

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.