Sourcing polypropylene monofilament from China

Zero duty on polypropylene monofilament

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, polypropylene monofilament under 5404 12 00 00 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line.

Heading 5404 covers synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more with no cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm. Polypropylene strip is a separate line within the heading. The table shows applications sharing the polypropylene monofilament code, rather than separate tariff classifications.

Confirm the commodity code using the polymer, linear density and measured cross-section. Do not classify yarn from its trade name alone. See the polyester monofilament guide for wider heading context.

Specify the filament and the spool

Specify polypropylene grade, whether recycled material is permitted, diameter and tolerance, cross-sectional shape, linear density, breaking strength and elongation. For brush use, agree stiffness and recovery; for outdoor netting, agree the evidence needed for UV resistance. Keep an approved sample and state the test method for each agreed property.

Specify spool dimensions, net yarn weight, winding direction, acceptable joins and the colour reference. Trial a spool on your own equipment before approving bulk production. For retail textile packs, labels must show fibre content. UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substance use; ask the supplier to identify colourants and additives for your compliance review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 1 tonne of spooled polypropylene monofilament yarn, illustrative under 5404 12 00 00, invoiced at £2,600 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,800, so it is £760. 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

Dimensions: measure diameter along sampled spools and across the batch; check ovality, linear density and surface marks against the approved specification.

Performance: test breaking strength and elongation using the agreed method; check stiffness and recovery where the yarn will become brush filaments.

Winding: unwind sampled spools on your equipment and check tension, tangles, joins, damaged flanges and net yarn weight.

Colour and identity: compare shade with the approved sample and match spool and carton batch labels to the supplier's records. Agree sampling through the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

Diameter drift changes mesh openings or brush feel. Weak filament, surface damage and inconsistent elongation can cause breaks during processing. Uneven winding and concealed joins can interrupt production even when a short sample looks acceptable.

A supplier may offer polypropylene tape or multifilament yarn against a monofilament enquiry. Obtain a cross-section sample and construction description before approving the order. Keep batches identifiable and compare arrival samples with the approved spool before releasing stock to production.

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.