Sourcing polyester elastane jersey from China
Polyester elastane jersey from China carries 8% UK duty when it meets heading 6004; the wider heading ranges from 6% to 8%. Fabric sold to consumers must carry fibre composition information. Specify elastane content, usable width and stretch recovery before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyester elastane jersey fabric.
8% duty on polyester elastane jersey
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6004 covers knitted or crocheted fabrics wider than 30 cm containing by weight 5% or more elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, excluding fabrics of heading 6001. Polyester elastane jersey of synthetic fibres, without rubber thread, falls under 6004 10 00 10 when it meets that description. The table shows fabric variants within this same commodity line.
The relevant line carries 8% duty on goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control. The wider heading includes an other-fabric line at 6%, with cat and dog fur import and export controls attached. Imports and exports of cat and dog fur and products made from it are banned; that control concerns fur-containing goods rather than the polyester elastane jersey specified here.
Confirm the commodity code using the tested fibre composition, elastane share, finished width and fabric construction. Do not select a code from the word stretch alone. See the cotton elastane jersey guide for the wider heading and different fibre mixtures.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyed polyester elastane jersey, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 10 | 8% | None |
Specify jersey stretch and recovery
State the polyester and elastane proportions, yarn type, jersey construction, mass per square metre and usable width after finishing. Describe the intended garment and agree stretch and recovery in both fabric directions. Keep an approved sample showing the required handle, opacity under stretch and surface finish; agree whether the fabric is dyed, yarn-dyed or printed.
Fabric sold by the metre to consumers needs fibre composition information; confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. For garment production, verify the mill's composition before using it for garment labels. Ask HSE to confirm any applicable UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes that release aromatic amines in textiles in direct and prolonged skin contact. Ask for applicable chemical test reports for each dyed or printed quality, alongside performance checks.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 8,000 metres of dyed polyester elastane jersey in rolls, illustrative only under 6004 10 00 10, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,200. Duty at 8% is £1,056. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,256, so it is £2,851.20. Import taxes total £3,907.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,056 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Composition and dimensions: compare fibre test results with the order, measure mass per square metre and usable width on sampled rolls, and check roll identification against dye lots.
Stretch and stability: compare extension and recovery with the approved sample in both directions. Wash samples using the agreed care conditions and check shrinkage, spirality, edge curl and residual bagging.
Shade and printing: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade against the approved colour sample under agreed lighting. Check washing and rubbing colour fastness, print registration and cracking when stretched.
Surface and packing: inspect for barré, needle lines, holes, snagging and pilling. Check roll lengths, joins, dampness and packaging condition on arrival. Agree the sampling and acceptance method through the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A jersey can stretch easily yet recover poorly, leaving knees, elbows or waistbands baggy. Low weight or narrow usable width reduces cutting yield, while excessive stretch can expose the garment beneath. Heat-setting differences can change width, handle and wash stability between production lots.
Rolls that look alike when packed may show shade differences after cutting. Spirality twists garment seams, curled edges disrupt laying up, and printed surfaces may crack under extension. Keep rolls separated by dye lot and compare arrival samples with the approved fabric before bulk cutting.
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 polyester elastane jersey from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows 8% for 6004 10 00 10, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. This applies to qualifying synthetic-fibre stretch fabric without rubber thread.
Is every polyester stretch jersey in heading 6004?
No. This heading requires width exceeding 30 cm and at least 5% elastomeric yarn or rubber thread by weight, excluding heading 6001 fabrics. Confirm the construction and composition before declaring.
Does polyester elastane fabric sold by the metre need a fibre label?
When sold to consumers, fibre composition information must be provided; confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. Verify the polyester and elastane proportions rather than copying an untested mill description.
How do I check whether the jersey will go baggy?
Agree an extension and recovery test in both directions, compare bulk samples with the approved fabric, and repeat checks after washing. Check residual deformation as well as how far the fabric stretches.