Sourcing Sequin Trimming Tapes from China

4% duty on qualifying sequin trims

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 November 2026, heading 5808 covers braids in the piece and non-embroidered ornamental trimmings in the piece, other than knitted or crocheted, plus tassels, pompons and similar articles. The table shows product variants sharing the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity lines.

Goods from China carry 4% across the supplied heading. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control is recorded. Non-embroidered ornamental sequin tapes may fall under 5808 90 00 00; confirm this against the actual construction.

A sequin tape's trade name does not settle its classification. Embroidered trims belong to heading 5810 and narrow woven fabrics to 5806. Confirm the commodity code using a sample and construction details. See braids and decorative trimmings for the wider heading.

Specify the sequins and their backing

Specify backing material, total tape width, usable sewing edge, sequin material, shape, size, finish, spacing and overlap. State whether the tape stretches and how it will be attached to the garment. Approve a physical sample showing both faces, including the stitching that holds the sequins.

Agree colour references, permitted joins, roll length, packing and the intended washing or cleaning method. Ask for the textile fibre composition for garment labelling. Consumer trims must be safe; confirm with the relevant authority whether UK REACH azo dye restrictions apply to the dyed textiles and their intended skin contact. Assess the intended use before approving the sample.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50,000 metres of non-embroidered sequin trimming tape under 5808 90 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 4% is £264. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,864, so it is £1,372.80. Import taxes total £1,636.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £264 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Attachment: inspect missing sequins, loose loops and broken threads; pull and flex sample lengths to identify sequins that detach or stitching that unravels.

Finish and colour: compare backing and sequin colours with the approved sample; check scratched coatings, exposed sharp edges and colour transfer onto the intended fabric.

Sewing and care: sew the tape onto the intended fabric, then follow the agreed care method; check puckering, backing shrinkage, coating loss and attachment after cleaning.

Rolls and packing: measure sampled lengths and widths, check joins and crushed sequins, and match colour and batch references to the packing list. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A matching colour swatch can hide different sequin finishes or backing stiffness. Loose stitching lets sequins shed, damaged coatings lose their shine, and backing shrinkage puckers the garment. Bulk rolls may also contain joins or damaged sections absent from the sample.

Keep an approved sewn sample and compare production against it before shipment. Specify how defects and joins will be handled, and check compatibility with the customer's care method. Importers remain responsible for product safety after placing a product on the market.

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.