Sourcing polyester satin fabric from China

A flat 8% duty on polyester filament satin

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5407 covers woven synthetic filament fabrics. For polyester satin, the relevant lines distinguish textured from non-textured filaments and separate unbleached or bleached, dyed, different-coloured yarn and printed fabrics. Satin describes the weave; the fibre composition and yarn type still determine the code.

The selected polyester lines carry 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. A suspension elsewhere in the heading concerns a specifically described mixed-yarn fabric and does not apply simply because a fabric has a satin weave.

Ask the mill for fibre percentages by weight, filament type, weave and colour process before confirming the commodity code. Staple-fibre, knitted and coated fabrics need a separate classification check. See the wider polyester and nylon woven fabrics guide.

Specify satin sheen, handle and filament type

Specify polyester content, textured or non-textured filament yarn, yarn denier, satin construction, usable width and weight per square metre. Approve a physical sample showing the required face sheen, reverse appearance, opacity and drape. Describe whether the fabric is for lining, dresses or decorative use, and agree washing, rubbing and seam-performance checks.

For fabric sold to consumers by the metre, provide fibre-content labelling. Confirm with HSE which UK REACH azo dye restrictions apply to textiles in direct and prolonged skin contact. Ask for colour-specific test reports and identify any additional finish so its chemistry can be checked.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 30,000 metres of dyed polyester satin for a small fabric wholesaler; illustrative only under 5407 61 30 00, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £39,000. Duty at 8% is £3,120. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £42,120, so it is £8,424. Import taxes total £11,544; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,120 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Face and shade: compare the satin face with the approved sample under consistent lighting; check across the width and between rolls for shade bands, uneven sheen and snagged yarns.

Dimensions and construction: measure usable width, roll length and weight per square metre against the order; check weave consistency and identify the face and reverse.

Performance: test seam slippage on sewn samples, colour transfer during dry and wet rubbing, and dimensional change after the agreed wash.

Rolls and records: check cores, moisture protection, batch and roll identification, declared fibre content and colour-specific reports. Arrange quality inspection before dispatch and compare arrival samples with the retained approval sample.

What goes wrong

Satin can match a colour sample yet differ in sheen or drape because the yarn or finishing process has changed. Snags and pressure marks show on the glossy face, while loose construction can allow seams to slip. Different dye lots can leave adjacent garment panels visibly mismatched.

Retain an approved fabric sample, keep dye lots separate and agree how defects and usable width will be recorded. Check sewn and washed samples before accepting production. A report for another colour or finish does not establish the performance of the delivered fabric.

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.