Sourcing polypropylene filament yarn from China
Polypropylene filament yarn from China carries 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 5402 lines. The main classification rule is to distinguish textured, single and multiple yarn; sewing thread and retail-packed yarn fall elsewhere. Cambridge China Bridge sources polypropylene filament yarn.
Zero duty on polypropylene filament yarn
Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. For polypropylene filament yarn, the relevant lines distinguish textured yarn, single yarn by twist, and multiple or cabled yarn. See the wider synthetic filament yarn guide for other polymers.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, all the polypropylene lines shown carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT; see UK import duty and VAT.
Ask the factory for the polymer composition, whether the yarn is textured, the single-yarn twist and whether it is folded or cabled. Confirm the commodity code from those details and the packaging, rather than accepting a code based only on the name polypropylene.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textured polypropylene filament yarn | 5402 34 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Polypropylene single yarn, untwisted or up to 50 turns per metre | 5402 48 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Polypropylene single yarn, more than 50 turns per metre | 5402 53 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Polypropylene multiple or cabled filament yarn | 5402 63 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify texture, twist and package build
Specify polypropylene composition, linear density in decitex, filament count, lustre, cross-section, tenacity, elongation and twist direction. For textured yarn, agree bulk, crimp and shrinkage tests. Record the intended weaving or knitting process so the factory supplies a package that unwinds on your equipment.
For coloured yarn, agree the colour reference and whether colour is introduced during spinning. Keep an approved cone and fabric sample. Specify oil pick-up, net yarn weight, tube dimensions, winding build and batch identification. Trial the yarn on your own equipment before approving bulk production.
Textile labelling rules require fibre content to be shown. Agree the fibre description for the yarn and the finished textile. REACH restrictions can limit, ban or condition the marketing or use of substances; ask for the colourant, additive and finish details so applicable restrictions can be checked.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of textured polypropylene filament yarn under 5402 34 00 00, invoiced at £29,000 free on board, with £2,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,600, so it is £6,320. 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
Identity and lot: compare cone and carton identification with the order and lot test report; keep different production batches separate.
Yarn performance: check linear density, filament count, tenacity, elongation and twist against the specification; test crimp and shrinkage for textured yarn.
Colour and appearance: compare unwound yarn and a woven or knitted sample with the approved reference; check shade variation, specks, loops and broken filaments.
Packages and running: check net yarn weight, tube damage, winding build and tail ends; unwind sampled cones and run a production trial. Agree the checks through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A cone can look acceptable while uneven winding or oil pick-up causes breaks and machine stops. Broken filaments and loops can leave faults in the fabric. A changed colour batch can produce visible shade bands even when the carton descriptions match.
Do not approve a repeat order from photographs alone. Compare the new lot with the retained cone, review its test results and run a fabric trial. Keep the agreed texture and twist on the purchase specification so a smooth single yarn is not supplied in place of textured yarn.
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 polypropylene filament yarn from China?
The relevant polypropylene lines in heading 5402 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed.
Which commodity code applies to polypropylene filament yarn?
Textured yarn is 5402 34 00 00. Other single yarn splits by twist between 5402 48 00 00 and 5402 53 00 00; multiple or cabled yarn is 5402 63 00 00.
What should I specify when ordering polypropylene yarn?
Specify polymer composition, linear density, filament count, texture, twist, strength, elongation, colour, oil pick-up and package build. Retain an approved cone.
How do I check polypropylene filament yarn on arrival?
Match batch identification, compare shade with the retained sample, check weight and winding, review yarn test results and run sampled cones on your production equipment.