Sourcing polyethylene monofilament from China

Zero duty and the monofilament boundary

Heading 5404 covers synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more with no cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm. Polyethylene monofilament meeting those limits falls within the other monofilament line, 5404 19 00 90. The table shows buying formats sharing that code, rather than separate tariff lines.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, the supplied record shows 0% duty for this line on goods from China. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the commodity code using the polymer declaration, linear density and measured cross-section. Monofilament exceeding 1 mm belongs to plastics heading 3916. For comparison within the wider heading, see polypropylene monofilament.

Specify the polyethylene grade and spool

Specify the polyethylene grade, virgin or recycled content, diameter and tolerance, linear density, breaking strength, elongation and colour. Agree the test method and keep an approved sample. For outdoor netting, specify the intended exposure and agree how resistance to sunlight will be checked.

State the spool dimensions, net filament weight, winding direction and how joins should be handled. Trial a sample spool on your weaving or netting equipment before approving production. Agree surface finish and stiffness against the intended process.

UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances. Check the proposed colourants and additives against restrictions relevant to the intended use; a polymer name alone does not identify the complete formulation.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of polyethylene monofilament on industrial spools under 5404 19 00 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,200, so it is £5,040. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Material and identity: compare the supplier's grade declaration, colour and batch labels with the approved specification.

Diameter and surface: measure along sampled spools, check ovality and inspect for scratches, rough patches and visible contamination.

Strength and extension: test breaking strength and elongation against the agreed method, adding knot-strength checks where the filament will be knotted.

Winding and weight: check net filament weight, spool damage, joins and unwinding on your equipment. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.

What goes wrong

Diameter drift changes mesh dimensions and machine behaviour. A change in polyethylene grade or recycled content can change stiffness, strength and elongation even when the colour looks right. Uneven winding, damaged spool edges and unexpected joins cause tangles and production stops.

Keep the approved sample and lot test results, and compare incoming batches before mixing them in production. If a sample runs well but the delivery does not, check the material declaration, diameter variation and winding before adjusting your machinery.

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.