Sourcing silk brocade fabric from China
The silk brocade lines covered here carry 6% UK duty from China; the wider silk heading ranges from 2% to 6%. Textile labels must show fibre content. Confirm the silk proportion, woven pattern and finish before choosing a code. Cambridge China Bridge sources silk brocade fabric.
Duty and classification for silk brocade
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected dyed and multicoloured-yarn brocade lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.
Heading 5007 covers woven fabrics of silk or silk waste. Brocade describes the patterned weave, rather than a separate tariff line. The table distinguishes dyed fabric from fabric woven with yarns of different colours, and separates handloom production. The silk-content threshold for the listed 5007 20 lines is 85% by weight of silk or silk waste other than noil silk.
Confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, weave, colouring method and loom type. Do not classify a polyester imitation by its silk-like appearance. See the wider silk fabrics guide for other weaves and the duty and VAT guide for the calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brocade with at least 85% silk, yarns of different colours, other than handloom | 5007 20 60 90 | 6% | None |
| Handloom brocade with at least 85% silk, yarns of different colours | 5007 20 60 10 | 6% | None |
| Dyed brocade with at least 85% silk, other than handloom | 5007 20 59 90 | 6% | None |
| Other silk-blend brocade, yarns of different colours, other than handloom | 5007 90 50 90 | 6% | None |
| Other handloom silk-blend brocade, yarns of different colours | 5007 90 50 10 | 6% | None |
| Other dyed silk-blend brocade, other than handloom | 5007 90 30 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the woven motif and silk composition
Describe the ground weave, motif, pattern repeat, usable width, weight and face of the fabric. Supply an approved woven sample, with the repeat direction and acceptable reverse-side floats marked. State whether the pattern uses contrasting yarn colours or the fabric is dyed after weaving. Record every fibre used in the ground and decorative yarns.
Agree seam-slippage, snagging and colour-fastness checks for the intended use. Make a trial seam and press a sample before approving bulk fabric. Textile labels must show fibre content. As covered in the wider silk guide, consider restricted azo-dye testing for dyed silk and confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions with HSE; a visual roll inspection cannot replace this testing.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 3,000 square metres of silk brocade fabric, illustrative order under 5007 20 60 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,900. Duty at 6% is £1,494. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,394, so it is £5,278.80. Import taxes total £6,772.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,494 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Composition and weight: compare fibre-test results and measured mass per unit area with the specification and approved sample.
Pattern and width: measure usable width and repeat size; check motif alignment, missing pattern yarns, weaving faults and distorted selvedges.
Surface and shade: inspect the face and reverse for loose floats, snags, pulled yarns, water marks and shade changes across and between rolls.
Seams and packing: check trial seams for yarn movement; inspect roll tubes, protective bags and batch identification on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A sample can show the right motif while bulk fabric changes in repeat size, silk content or weight. Decorative floats can catch during cutting and handling, and shifted yarns can open a seam. Shade differences between rolls become visible when neighbouring panels are sewn together.
Keep an approved sample and shade references for each production lot. Record defects by roll and keep differing shades separate before cutting. Specify rolls on tubes with protective bags to reduce crushing, moisture marks and persistent creases.
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 silk brocade from China?
The dyed and multicoloured-yarn brocade lines listed here carry 6% duty from China. The supplied tariff snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures for these lines.
Is all brocade fabric made from silk?
No. Brocade describes the patterned weave. Ask for the composition of both ground and decorative yarns, then verify it with a fibre test.
What should I specify for a silk brocade order?
Specify fibre composition, usable width, weight, woven motif, repeat size, pattern direction, shade and acceptable reverse-side floats. Approve a woven sample and trial seam.
What should I check when silk brocade arrives?
Check roll identity, shade, width, repeat alignment, loose floats, snags and moisture marks. Compare weight and fibre-test results with the approved specification before cutting.