Sourcing PTFE monofilament yarn from China
PTFE monofilament yarn within heading 5404 pays 0% UK duty from China. It must be at least 67 decitex, with no cross-sectional dimension above 1 mm. Confirm the construction and check restricted chemical residues before buying. Cambridge China Bridge sources PTFE monofilament yarn.
Zero duty and the monofilament boundary
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 5404 covers synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, with no cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm, and synthetic strip of apparent width not exceeding 5 mm. This guide concerns PTFE monofilament yarn. Confirm that the sample is a continuous single filament rather than multifilament yarn or slit tape.
For qualifying PTFE monofilament, the candidate line is 5404 19 00 90, carrying 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The table repeats this line for purchasing variants; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Confirm the commodity code using the material declaration, measured cross-section and linear density. Finer monofilament falls outside this heading's monofilament limits. See the related PPS monofilament guide for another product family within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE monofilament yarn, natural colour | 5404 19 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify PTFE grade, dimensions and processing behaviour
Specify polytetrafluoroethylene, the resin grade, virgin or recycled content, fillers, pigments and surface treatment. Agree the cross-sectional shape, diameter tolerance, linear density, breaking strength and elongation. For filter weaving, describe the chemicals, operating temperature, tension and cleaning conditions. Ask for sample yarn to run through your own equipment before approving bulk production.
Agree spool dimensions, net yarn weight, winding direction, unwind tension, permitted joins and lot identification. Specify a test method and acceptance criterion for each performance claim. Check dimensional change after the intended heat exposure and strength after exposure to the actual process chemicals.
Products containing persistent organic pollutants are generally banned from manufacture, sale and use unless an exception applies. Environment Agency guidance gives general unintentional trace-contaminant levels of 0.025 mg per kg for PFOA and its salts, and 1 mg per kg for PFOA-related compounds. Request lot-linked chemical results with suitable detection limits through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1 tonne of PTFE monofilament yarn on industrial spools under 5404 19 00 90, invoiced at £42,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £43,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £43,800, so it is £8,760. 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
Material: compare the resin declaration and lot records with the approved sample; investigate undeclared fillers, pigments or changes of resin source.
Dimensions and strength: measure cross-section and linear density across sampled packages; test breaking strength and elongation against the agreed criteria.
Processing: unwind sample spools on your equipment; check tension, joins, abrasion, filament breaks and dimensional change after the agreed heat exposure.
Packages and evidence: check net yarn weight, spool fit, winding damage and lot labels; match chemical reports to the shipped material. Agree sampling through the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may describe multifilament yarn or slit tape as monofilament. Diameter drift changes mesh openings, while rough surfaces, flattened sections and inconsistent winding cause processing stops. A sample can run acceptably while the shipment uses a different resin grade or surface treatment. Retain an approved sample and compare each production lot with it.
A general chemical declaration can omit the yarn's pigments, finish or actual production lot. A result reported as not detected is difficult to assess when its detection limit is unsuitable. Resolve these gaps before shipment, and keep an arrival sample with the supplier's lot records.
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 PTFE monofilament yarn from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot dated 2 October 2026 gives 0% duty for 5404 19 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the yarn meets heading 5404's monofilament limits.
Is PTFE multifilament yarn covered by this guide?
No. This guide covers monofilament meeting heading 5404's limits. Ask for the filament construction, linear density and measured cross-section before selecting a code.
Is a supplier's PFOA-free statement enough?
Ask for results linked to the actual resin, finish and production lot, covering PFOA, its salts and related compounds. Check the detection limits rather than relying on a general statement.
What should I test before buying PTFE yarn for filter weaving?
Check dimensions, breaking strength, elongation and unwind behaviour. Trial the yarn on your equipment and assess dimensional change and retained strength under your intended heat and chemical exposure.