Sourcing Raschel mesh produce sacks from China
Raschel mesh produce sacks from China fall within a 6% to 12% duty range depending on material: knitted polyethylene or polypropylene strip sacks pay 12%, while other knitted man-made textile sacks pay 6%. Plastic food packaging needs written compliance evidence. Cambridge China Bridge sources Raschel mesh produce sacks.
Duty depends on the knitted material
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6305 covers sacks and bags used for packing goods. For Raschel mesh produce sacks, establish whether the knitted material is polyethylene or polypropylene strip, or another textile material. The table includes knitted-material alternatives; it does not mean every mesh sack shares the same classification.
Knitted polyethylene or polypropylene strip sacks under 6305 33 10 00 carry 12% duty on goods from China. Other knitted man-made textile sacks under 6305 39 00 91 carry 6%; the cotton and other textile knitted alternatives shown also carry 6%. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The separate suspension for lined bulk containers does not apply to these lines.
Give your broker a finished sample, material specification and construction photographs to confirm the commodity code. Use the cotton produce sacks guide for wider heading context and material comparisons.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knitted produce sacks of polyethylene or polypropylene strip | 6305 33 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Knitted produce sacks of other man-made textile materials | 6305 39 00 91 | 6% | None |
| Cotton knitted produce sacks | 6305 20 00 10 | 6% | None |
| Other textile knitted produce sacks, excluding used flax or sisal sacks | 6305 90 00 20 | 6% | None |
Specify the mesh, filling method and food contact
State the polymer, strip or yarn construction, sack dimensions, empty sack weight and mesh opening. Identify the produce and intended filled weight. Agree the bottom seam, mouth finish, drawstring or sewing closure, colour and label band. Trial an approved sample on your filling equipment with the actual produce, including the smallest pieces likely to enter the sack.
For plastic food packaging, written evidence of compliance with the special packaging rules is required. Request the supplier’s declaration of compliance and supporting evidence covering the finished mesh, colourants and intended food contact. Agree storage exposure and any UV stabilisation claim before production.
Check whether the imported plastic packaging components are subject to Plastic Packaging Tax. Keep material and recycled-content evidence, and assess packaging producer responsibility separately.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 6,000 Raschel mesh produce sacks under 6305 33 10 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,800. Duty at 12% is £1,176. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,976, so it is £2,195.20. Import taxes total £3,371.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,176 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material and mesh: compare the strip or yarn, sack weight, dimensions and stretched openings with the approved sample; look for skipped stitches and runs.
Seams and closure: fill with the intended produce, lift and handle the sack, then check bottom seams, drawstring anchorage and mouth security.
Produce handling: check whether small produce escapes, rough cut ends damage skins, or the label band obstructs filling and ventilation.
Cleanliness and evidence: check for dirt, loose fragments, odour and colour transfer; match food-contact documents and material records to the delivered design.
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What goes wrong
A lighter mesh can stretch enough to release small produce, while weak bottom stitching opens during handling. Drawstrings can pull free, mouths can snag on filling equipment, and rough ends can mark produce. Test the filled sack rather than judging strength from an empty sample.
A generic food-grade statement can leave the finished colour and construction unsupported. Material substitutions can also change the tariff classification. Hold approval until the specification, sample and documents agree; use quality inspection to define the checks before dispatch.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on Raschel mesh produce sacks from China?
Knitted polyethylene or polypropylene strip sacks carry 12% under 6305 33 10 00. Other knitted man-made textile sacks carry 6% under 6305 39 00 91. Confirm the material and construction before choosing the code.
Do plastic mesh sacks need food-contact evidence?
Plastic food packaging requires written compliance evidence. Request a declaration of compliance covering the finished sack and intended use, rather than relying on a general food-grade claim.
What should I test on a produce sack sample?
Fill it with your actual produce and check mesh stretch, escape of small pieces, bottom seams, closure security and compatibility with the filling equipment.
Should I check Plastic Packaging Tax for empty mesh sacks?
Yes. HMRC says to check each imported plastic packaging component for tax scope. Keep material and recycled-content evidence alongside the purchase specification.