Sourcing polyester taffeta fabric from China
Polyester taffeta fabric from China carries a flat 8% UK duty across the relevant heading 5407 lines. Classification depends on filament type and colour treatment. Confirm applicable UK REACH dye restrictions with the Health and Safety Executive and check consumer fibre labelling. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyester taffeta fabric.
Duty on polyester taffeta fabric
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5407 covers woven synthetic filament fabrics. The polyester lines shown carry 8% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control recorded for those lines.
The table distinguishes non-textured polyester from textured polyester and separates colour treatments. Confirm filament composition, yarn type and finishing before choosing a commodity code. Coated fabrics can fall outside this heading. See the wider woven-fabric guide for other polyester and nylon constructions.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbleached or bleached fabric, at least 85% non-textured polyester filaments | 5407 61 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Dyed fabric, at least 85% non-textured polyester filaments | 5407 61 30 00 | 8% | None |
| Yarn-dyed fabric, at least 85% non-textured polyester filaments | 5407 61 50 00 | 8% | None |
| Printed fabric, at least 85% non-textured polyester filaments | 5407 61 90 00 | 8% | None |
| Dyed fabric, at least 85% textured polyester filaments | 5407 52 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the yarn, handle and finish
Specify polyester filament composition, whether the yarn is textured, yarn denier and filament count, plain-weave construction, usable width and weight per square metre. Approve a sample for handle, sheen and opacity against the intended lining or outer-fabric use. Agree shrinkage, colour fastness, tear strength and seam slippage before production.
Record any water-repellent treatment or coating separately. Confirm with the Health and Safety Executive which UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes and aromatic amines apply to the fabric and its intended skin contact. Ask for colour-specific reports and check finish chemistry against applicable restrictions. Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre-content labelling.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 30,000 metres of dyed textured-polyester taffeta, illustrative only under 5407 52 00 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
Construction: compare filament composition, width, weight and weave density with the approved specification; test tear strength and seam slippage using the intended seam.
Shade: compare rolls with the approved lab dip under standard light; check shade across the width and keep different dye lots identifiable.
Performance: check colour transfer by rubbing, washing and dimensional change; wash-test any water-repellent treatment against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Rolls: inspect for missing yarns, snags, creases and stains; measure length against the packing list and check cores, wrapping and batch identification. Arrange fabric inspection before dispatch.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A smooth sample can hide weak seams or a bulk fabric with different weight and handle. Shade differences between rolls become visible when panels are sewn together. Loose construction can slip at seams, while poorly protected rolls arrive creased or stained.
Keep an approved fabric sample and lab dip, specify acceptance criteria and compare bulk rolls before cutting. Check arrival stock against the packing list and isolate rolls with shade or finish differences. A water-repellent finish should be tested after the agreed washing, rather than accepted from an initial demonstration.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on polyester taffeta from China?
The relevant heading 5407 polyester lines carry 8% duty. The supplied tariff data records no trade remedy, suspension or attached import control for the lines shown.
Which commodity code covers dyed polyester taffeta?
5407 61 30 00 covers dyed fabric containing at least 85% non-textured polyester filaments. Textured yarn or a coating can change classification; confirm the actual construction.
Does polyester taffeta need fibre labels?
Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre-content labelling. Agree the composition declaration and check it against the fabric supplied.
What should I check before cutting taffeta rolls?
Check shade across and between rolls, usable width, length, weight, creases and yarn defects. Test seam slippage and shrinkage using the intended sewing and washing conditions.