Sourcing polyester georgette fabric from China

A flat 8% on relevant polyester fabric lines

Heading 5407 covers woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. For polyester georgette, distinguish textured from non-textured filaments and record the fibre composition by weight. The table shows possible lines for unbleached, bleached, dyed and printed fabric; georgette is a fabric description, not a separate commodity code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the polyester lines shown carried 8% duty for goods from China. These lines list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control. The heading's suspension for a specifically described high-tenacity fabric does not cover ordinary polyester georgette.

Ask the mill for the yarn specification, composition and colour treatment before confirming the commodity code. For the wider heading, see the polyester taffeta fabric guide.

Specify the crepe texture and drape

Specify polyester content, filament type, yarn size and twist, weave, usable width, weight per square metre and colour treatment. Approve a physical sample for the pebbled crepe surface, transparency, drape and handle. State whether stretch comes from the construction or an added fibre, and agree washing and shrinkage expectations.

Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre-content labelling. Confirm with HSE which UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes releasing aromatic amines apply to textiles that come into direct and prolonged skin contact. Request colour-specific test reports for georgette intended for garments, and identify any added finish before approving production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 3,000 metres of dyed polyester georgette, illustrative only under 5407 61 30 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 texture, transparency and handle with the approved sample; look for flat patches, snagging and weaving streaks.

Shade and print: compare rolls and dye lots under the same light; check print definition, repeat alignment and colour transfer after rubbing and washing.

Seams and washing: sew a sample using the intended garment construction; check seam slippage, puckering, tear resistance and dimensional change after the agreed wash.

Rolls and labels: measure usable width and roll length against the packing list; check holes, pulled threads, damaged edges, batch identification and fibre information. Record arrival findings using the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A sample can have the right colour but the wrong bulk-production handle. Changes in yarn twist or finishing can flatten the crepe texture or alter drape. Keep the approved sample and compare production fabric after washing, as well as straight from the roll.

Shade differences become visible when garment panels come from different rolls. Loose construction can also let yarns slide away from a seam. Separate shade groups before cutting and approve a sewn, washed sample before accepting the shipment.

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.