Sourcing silk georgette fabric from China

Duty on silk georgette

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 5007 covers woven fabrics of silk or silk waste. The crêpe lines shown here cover fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste other than noil silk. Confirm that the actual georgette meets this description rather than relying on its trade name.

These crêpe lines carry 6% duty for goods from China, whether handwoven or otherwise. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Lower-silk blends need a separate classification check.

Confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, weave, processing and loom method. For other fabrics within the heading, see our silk fabrics guide.

Specify the georgette texture and drape

Agree silk content, momme weight, usable width, colour or print, transparency and the dry, crinkled handle against an approved sample. Specify whether the fabric is for an unlined layer, a lined garment or an accessory. Trial cutting and sewing should establish whether the drape and seam behaviour suit that use.

Agree checks for fibre content, mass per unit area, seam slippage and colour fastness. For dyed silk, confirm any applicable UK REACH azo dye restrictions and suitable testing with the relevant authority. Textile labels must show fibre content; match the composition information to the tested fabric.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 square metres of dyed silk georgette 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 mass per unit area and usable width with the approved specification; assess handle after the agreed care treatment.

Shade and print: compare rolls within each dye lot and across the width under consistent lighting; check print clarity and alignment.

Seams and stability: sew trial seams and check slippage, puckering, distortion and shrinkage after the agreed care treatment.

Roll condition: inspect against light for snags, holes, yarn irregularities, water marks and persistent creases; check roll identification and protective packing.

What goes wrong

A sample can have the right drape while bulk rolls are lighter, more transparent or unevenly finished. Colour differences become obvious when panels from different rolls are sewn together. Keep an approved sample and shade references for each lot, and compare arrival stock before cutting.

Seam slippage and yarn distortion can make acceptable-looking fabric unsuitable for the planned garment. Approve sewn trials as well as loose swatches. Keep rolls on tubes with protective bags to reduce crushing and water marks.

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.