Sourcing POM monofilament yarn from China

Zero duty within the monofilament limits

Heading 5404 covers synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more with no cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm, plus synthetic strip of apparent width not exceeding 5 mm. This guide covers POM monofilament yarn, also called polyoxymethylene or acetal monofilament. POM yarn meeting the monofilament description falls within the other-monofilament line, 5404 19 00 90.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, the supplied record shows 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The table describes POM variants sharing this code, rather than separate tariff lines. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the polymer declaration, linear density and measured cross-section. Monofilament exceeding 1 mm belongs to the plastics heading described in the reference guide. For related products within the wider heading, see our PBT monofilament guide.

Specify the POM grade and running behaviour

Specify polyoxymethylene rather than accepting a generic polyester or plastic-yarn description. Agree the resin grade, homopolymer or copolymer, virgin or recycled content, colourants and other additives. Record diameter or cross-sectional dimensions, tolerances, linear density, breaking strength, elongation, spool dimensions, net yarn weight and permitted joins.

Approve a sample on your own weaving, forming or brush-making equipment, as applicable. Agree the required stiffness, recovery and shrinkage under your actual processing conditions, together with the test method. Keep the approved spool and material declaration as the references for repeat orders.

UK REACH generally applies to chemical substances, including those in articles. Its restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances. Ask for the composition and relevant restriction evidence for the grade, colourants and additives supplied; a generic resin statement does not identify the contents of the shipped yarn.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial order of 12 spools of POM monofilament yarn under 5404 19 00 90, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,000, so it is £600. 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: match the material declaration, resin grade, colour and batch identifiers to the purchase specification and approved spool.

Dimensions and surface: measure along sampled spools and across each profile; check diameter variation, ovality, rough patches and visible contamination.

Strength and processing: test breaking strength and elongation by the agreed method; trial the yarn on your equipment and check stiffness, recovery and shrinkage.

Winding and weight: check net yarn weight, spool fit, crossed turns, loose coils and joins; inspect arriving cartons for damage. Use an agreed quality inspection plan.

What goes wrong

A supplier may quote a generic monofilament without fixing the POM resin grade or additives. Substitution or an unapproved material change can leave the yarn behaving differently from the sample. Require approval before changes and compare incoming batches with the retained reference.

Diameter drift, uneven drawing and rough surfaces can cause inconsistent fit or yarn breaks. Crossed winding can stop production even when strength results pass. Trial an arriving spool before releasing the batch, and keep affected lots separate while the cause is investigated.

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.