Sourcing silk twill fabric from China
The silk twill lines covered here carry 6% UK duty from China, so the duty range is a single rate. Fibre-content labelling is required when selling textiles in Great Britain. Specify the diagonal weave, momme weight and finish, then check shade and seam slippage. Cambridge China Bridge sources silk twill fabric.
UK duty on silk twill fabric
Heading 5007 covers woven fabrics of silk or silk waste. This guide concerns twill fabric in rolls, identified by its diagonal weave. The selected lines distinguish unbleached, scoured or bleached fabric from dyed, yarn-dyed and printed fabric, and separate fabrics containing at least 85% silk from other fabrics within the heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected silk twill lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The wider heading includes other weaves with different rates; see the silk fabrics guide.
Confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, weave, finish and whether the fabric is handloom-made. A blend needs classification checks before using an other-fabrics line within this heading. Finished scarves and garments belong elsewhere. Silk fabric is declared in square metres.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk twill, at least 85% silk, unbleached, scoured or bleached, other than handloom | 5007 20 51 90 | 6% | None |
| Silk twill, at least 85% silk, dyed, other than handloom | 5007 20 59 90 | 6% | None |
| Silk twill, at least 85% silk, yarns of different colours, other than handloom | 5007 20 60 90 | 6% | None |
| Silk twill, at least 85% silk, printed, other than handloom | 5007 20 71 90 | 6% | None |
| Other silk twill fabrics within heading 5007, dyed, other than handloom | 5007 90 30 90 | 6% | None |
| Other silk twill fabrics within heading 5007, printed, other than handloom | 5007 90 90 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the diagonal weave and finish
Provide an approved cutting showing the twill direction, diagonal prominence, face and reverse. Specify silk content, momme weight, usable width, shade, finish and intended use. For printed fabric, agree motif size, repeat, placement and alignment against the weave. Keep an approved sample after finishing rather than relying on a photograph.
Agree tests for fibre content, mass per unit area, seam slippage and colour fastness appropriate to the intended use. For dyed silk, request restricted azo-dye testing under UK REACH, as described in the wider silk guide. Textile labels must show fibre content when selling in Great Britain; check that the wording agrees with the tested composition.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 square metres of dyed silk twill 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
Weave and surface: compare the diagonal direction and texture with the approved cutting; inspect for broken picks, slubs, water marks and permanent creases.
Weight and dimensions: measure mass per unit area, usable width and roll length against the agreed specification; keep results linked to each roll.
Shade and print: compare samples across the width and between dye lots; check print alignment, smudging and colour transfer.
Performance and packing: review seam-slippage, fastness and fibre-content results; check roll identification, labels, tubes and sealed bags. Use the inspection guide to agree the reporting scope.
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What goes wrong
A sample can have a clear diagonal and firm handle while bulk fabric feels softer or lighter after a different finish. Bowing or skew can make printed motifs drift when the fabric is cut. Shade variation between rolls becomes visible when adjacent garment panels come from different dye lots.
Smooth silk yarns can slip at seams even when the fabric looks sound. Agree acceptance criteria using the intended seam construction and care method. Record defects and keep affected rolls separate on arrival before cutting; retain roll samples and photographs for the supplier discussion.
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 twill from China?
The selected silk twill lines carry 6% duty from China in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or import controls are listed for these lines.
Which commodity code covers printed silk twill?
5007 20 71 90 is a candidate for printed twill containing at least 85% silk, other than handloom-made fabric. Confirm composition and classification before declaring it.
How do I check silk twill weight?
Specify momme weight and verify mass per unit area against the approved finished sample. Check bulk rolls rather than accepting the supplier's sample alone.
Does silk twill need a fibre label?
Textile labels must show fibre content when selling in Great Britain. Match the composition wording to the fibre test; a silk blend should not be described as pure silk.