Sourcing restaurant tablecloths from China
Restaurant tablecloths from China carry UK duty of 6% to 12% within heading 6302: man-made fibre nonwovens pay 6%, while the other listed table linen pays 12%. Textile labels must show fibre content. Specify finished dimensions after laundering and check bulk fabric against the approved sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources restaurant tablecloths.
Tablecloth duty depends on fabric and construction
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 6302 covers bed, table, toilet and kitchen linen. For restaurant tablecloths, the relevant distinctions include cotton, man-made fibres, flax, ramie and knitted or crocheted construction. See hotel towels and bed linen for the wider heading.
The supplied tariff record shows 6% duty for man-made fibre nonwoven table linen from China and 12% for the other table linen lines. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. These rates concern the textile table linen described in the record.
Confirm the fibre composition and whether the fabric is woven, knitted or nonwoven before choosing a commodity code. For blends or coated products, give your customs broker the composition, construction and coating details rather than relying on the supplier's product name.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton tablecloths, other than hand-printed batik | 6302 51 00 90 | 12% | None |
| Nonwoven man-made fibre tablecloths | 6302 53 10 00 | 6% | None |
| Other man-made fibre tablecloths, including woven polyester | 6302 53 90 00 | 12% | None |
| Flax linen tablecloths | 6302 59 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Ramie tablecloths | 6302 59 90 10 | 12% | None |
| Knitted or crocheted tablecloths | 6302 40 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify table fit and laundering performance
Agree the table shape, finished dimensions, required drop, fabric weight, weave, fibre composition and hem construction. State whether dimensions apply before or after laundering. Approve a sample on the actual table, including corners and any pattern placement, then retain it for comparison with production.
For repeat-use cloths, agree wash and drying conditions with the restaurant or laundry. Check shrinkage, colour transfer, stain removal, creasing and the appearance after pressing. For disposable nonwoven cloths, check drape, tearing at the edge and performance when wet. Treat stain-resistant finishes as claims to test on the supplied fabric.
Textile labels must show fibre content in Great Britain. Agree the label wording with the factory and compare it with composition evidence for the production fabric. Keep care instructions consistent with the laundering checks you have actually completed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 600 cotton restaurant tablecloths; illustrative order, not a quotation under 6302 51 00 90, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,400. Duty at 12% is £1,008. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,408, so it is £1,881.60. Import taxes total £2,889.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,008 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure finished cloths and washed samples against the agreed dimensions; check that corners hang evenly.
Fabric: compare weight, weave, shade and opacity with the approved sample; look for streaks, thin patches and inconsistent pattern placement.
Laundering: check shrinkage, colour transfer, retained stains and creasing using the agreed wash and drying process.
Finish and labels: inspect hems, stitching, loose threads and fibre information; open cartons to check for dampness, odour and packing damage.
What goes wrong
A cloth fits before washing but leaves an uneven drop afterwards. Different fabric lots produce visibly different whites, hems twist after laundering, or a substituted blend behaves differently from the approved sample. Record the fabric and finishing details in the order and compare washed production samples before shipment.
A stain-resistant sample can perform differently from bulk fabric, and pressing can reveal puckered seams or persistent creases. Test the production finish with the restaurant's actual cleaning process and retain samples from each fabric lot for comparison when stock arrives.
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 restaurant tablecloths from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% for man-made fibre nonwoven table linen and 12% for the other table linen lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do restaurant tablecloths need fibre labels?
Yes. Official textile labelling guidance for Great Britain says the label must show fibre content. Compare the wording with evidence for the fabric actually supplied.
How do I stop tablecloths becoming too small after washing?
Specify finished dimensions after the agreed laundering process. Wash and dry samples before approval, then repeat the check on production fabric.
What should I check on a stain-resistant tablecloth?
Test stain removal, colour transfer and appearance after laundering on the production fabric. Agree which spills and cleaning process the test should represent.