Sourcing SMS nonwoven fabric from China

4% duty on ordinary SMS rolls

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5603 covers nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. This guide focuses on SMS fabric, with spunbond outer layers around a meltblown layer. The table gives candidate man-made-filament lines by weight and coating. See the wider nonwoven fabric guide for other constructions.

Ordinary polypropylene SMS rolls on the selected lines pay 4% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Listed 0% suspensions cover named products, including medical protective garments or Nomex insulating paper; ordinary SMS rolls do not qualify merely because they will be converted into gowns. Named elastomer-centred nonwovens elsewhere in the heading also have narrow suspensions. The selected lines have no attached import controls in the supplied extract.

Confirm polymer, fibre form, weight and any coating with your customs broker and our commodity code guide. Finished gowns and masks have their own codes. Some specialised heading lines carry a supplementary-unit measure; if your broker selects one, confirm the quantity declaration required.

Specify the SMS layers and barrier

Specify the polymer in each layer, the spunbond and meltblown construction, total weight per square metre and tolerance, and the agreed layer weights. Record width, roll length, core diameter, winding direction, permitted joins, colour and tensile strength in both directions. Agree hydrostatic-head or filtration tests for the intended use, and identify any hydrophilic, antistatic or other surface treatment.

For gowns, drapes or masks, agree the evidence needed for the finished medical or protective product. Fabric intended for food contact needs evidence for that use. Ask for a UK REACH statement covering finishes and additives. UK REACH restrictions can limit or ban substances or set conditions on their use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8 tonnes of 40 g/m² polypropylene SMS rolls under 5603 12 90 90, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 4% is £648. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,848, so it is £3,369.60. Import taxes total £4,017.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £648 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Layer structure: compare cut sections with the approved SMS sample; check meltblown coverage, bonding and signs of delamination.

Weight and strength: weigh test cuts across the full width and compare tensile strength in both directions with the agreed specification.

Barrier and finish: check hydrostatic-head or filtration results against the agreed end-use specification. Match reports to the supplied grade and lot, and check treated material after the agreed ageing conditions.

Rolls and identification: measure width, length and core diameter; check holes, thin spots, gels, crushed cores and wrapping. Match roll labels to batch reports. Include these checks in your quality inspection.

What goes wrong

Correct total weight can hide an uneven meltblown layer. Thin spots, holes and weak bonding can undermine barrier performance even when colour and handle match the sample. Check the layer construction as well as the finished fabric weight, and require approval before any material substitution.

Reports may cover another grade or batch, while surface treatments can deteriorate during storage. Crushed cores and uneven winding can also interrupt converting. Test delivered material against the approved specification and keep suspect rolls separate while the supplier investigates.

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.