Sourcing silk taffeta fabric from China
The silk taffeta lines shown carry 6% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty recorded. Textile labels must show fibre content. Specify the plain weave, momme weight and crisp handle, then check shade consistency and seam slippage against approved samples. Cambridge China Bridge sources silk taffeta fabric.
UK duty on silk taffeta fabric
Heading 5007 covers woven fabrics of silk or silk waste. This guide focuses on silk taffeta supplied as fabric rather than finished garments. The selected lines cover other fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste other than noil silk, distinguished by their processing and colour treatment.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all the selected lines carried 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The wider heading ranges from 2% to 6%; its lower rates should not be assumed to apply to taffeta.
Confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, weave, finish and whether the fabric is handwoven. The table gives candidate lines rather than a classification based solely on the name taffeta. For another fabric within this heading, see silk dupion.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk taffeta, unbleached, scoured or bleached, not handwoven | 5007 20 51 90 | 6% | None |
| Dyed silk taffeta, not handwoven | 5007 20 59 90 | 6% | None |
| Silk taffeta woven from different-coloured yarns, not handwoven | 5007 20 60 90 | 6% | None |
| Printed silk taffeta, not handwoven | 5007 20 71 90 | 6% | None |
Specify silk taffeta's weave and handle
Agree fibre composition, plain weave, momme weight, usable width and the intended crispness. Distinguish piece-dyed fabric from taffeta woven with contrasting warp and weft colours. Keep an approved sample showing the face, reverse, sheen and colour change when viewed from different directions.
Agree checks for seam slippage, rubbing fastness and behaviour under the intended pressing and cleaning method. Consider restricted azo dye testing, as described in our published silk fabric guide, and confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions with HSE. Textile labels must show fibre content, and manufacturers and retailers are responsible for complying with the labelling requirements.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 square metres of dyed silk taffeta; illustrative FOB and freight values under 5007 20 59 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 the fibre test and measured mass per unit area with the specification; check usable width and received roll lengths.
Shade and sheen: compare rolls and dye lots with the approved sample under consistent lighting; inspect across the width and in different viewing directions.
Weave and seams: inspect for missing yarns, uneven ribs, snags and yarn movement; test seam slippage on a sample sewn for the intended use.
Finish and packing: check crispness, water marks and persistent creases; inspect tubes, protective bags and batch identification before releasing the fabric.
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What goes wrong
A sample can feel crisp while the bulk fabric arrives softer, heavier from finishing agents or uneven in shade. Contrasting yarn colours can also make panels look different when cut in different directions. Approve the bulk handle and cutting direction before garment production.
Smooth yarns can move at seams, and crushed rolls can leave visible creases or marks. Inspect the delivered rolls before cutting and retain labelled samples from each lot. Use testing and certification support to agree checks that match the intended garment.
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 taffeta from China?
The selected silk taffeta lines carry 6% duty in the supplied tariff data, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the code from composition and finish.
How do I check that taffeta is real silk?
Use a laboratory fibre composition test and compare it with the supplier's specification and label. Appearance and crispness alone cannot confirm silk content.
What should I specify for shot silk taffeta?
Specify the warp and weft colours separately, the viewing direction and the approved colour-changing effect. Compare bulk rolls with the sample before cutting.
Why do silk taffeta seams pull apart?
Smooth yarns can shift at stitched seams. Agree seam slippage testing and assess a sewn sample using the intended seam construction before accepting the bulk fabric.