Sourcing silk crepe de chine fabric from China
Silk crepe de chine from China carries 6% UK duty across the listed silk-crepe lines, with no anti-dumping duty shown. Textile labels must show fibre content. Specify momme weight, usable width, shade and seam performance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources silk crepe de chine fabric.
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UK duty on silk crepe de chine
Heading 5007 covers woven fabrics of silk or silk waste. The crepe lines shown here cover fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste other than noil silk. Separate lines distinguish unbleached, scoured or bleached fabric from other finishes, and handloom fabric from other production.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all the listed crepe lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The lower rates elsewhere in the heading do not apply merely because a supplier calls the fabric silk.
Confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, weave, finish and production method. A blend below the stated silk threshold needs a separate classification check. For related fabrics within the heading, see our silk georgette guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk crepes, unbleached, scoured or bleached, other than handloom | 5007 20 11 90 | 6% | None |
| Silk crepes, other finishes, other than handloom | 5007 20 19 90 | 6% | None |
| Handloom silk crepes, unbleached, scoured or bleached | 5007 20 11 10 | 6% | None |
| Handloom silk crepes, other finishes | 5007 20 19 10 | 6% | None |
Specify the double-crepe texture and finished weight
Describe silk crepe de chine by its fine crepe surface, drape and intended garment use. Agree fibre composition, momme weight, usable width, dye shade or print artwork, finish and acceptable variation against an approved sample. Ask for a sample after the proposed finishing process so that a soft handle does not conceal a weight difference.
Check mass per unit area and fibre content rather than relying on the supplier's fabric name. Agree tests for seam slippage, washing, rubbing and perspiration fastness for the intended use. For dyed silk, confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions and any necessary azo-dye testing with the relevant authority, using the site's silk-fabrics guide to prepare your questions. Textile labels must show fibre content.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 square metres of dyed silk crepe de chine under 5007 20 19 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
Weight and width: compare finished fabric with the approved sample and agreed momme weight; measure usable width without including the selvedges.
Shade and surface: compare dye lots and both edges with the roll centre; inspect for streaks, slubs, water marks and persistent creases.
Seams and care: test seam slippage and colour fastness; check shrinkage and changes in texture using the proposed care method.
Roll identity: match roll labels, dye lots and fibre information to the order and test reports; inspect tubes and protective bags for crushing or moisture.
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What goes wrong
A sample can have the right drape while bulk fabric is lighter or has a different finish. Shade variation between rolls can become visible only after garment panels are joined. Approve bulk shade samples before cutting and keep dye lots identifiable through production.
Smooth silk yarns can slip at seams even when the fabric surface looks sound. Check a sewn trial in the intended garment construction before accepting bulk fabric. Record defects by roll and agree how unusable lengths will be handled before dispatch.
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 crepe de chine from China?
The listed silk-crepe lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing measures.
Which commodity code covers dyed silk crepe de chine?
5007 20 19 90 is the other-finish, non-handloom crepe line for fabrics meeting the 85% silk-content threshold. Confirm composition, weave and finish before declaring.
How do I check the momme weight?
Check mass per unit area against the agreed momme specification and approved finished sample. Do not judge weight from handle alone.
What should I test before making silk dresses?
Check fibre content, seam slippage, shrinkage and colour fastness for the intended care method. For dyed silk, arrange restricted azo-dye testing.