Sourcing spun aramid yarn from China
Spun aramid yarn from China within heading 5509 pays a flat 4% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. This heading covers staple-spun yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. Fibre composition must follow UK textile labelling rules. Cambridge China Bridge sources spun aramid yarn.
A flat 4% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 9 November 2026, heading 5509 covers yarn of synthetic staple fibres, other than sewing thread and not put up for retail sale. For spun aramid, check the polyamide-rich single and folded yarn categories first; blends need their own classification. Continuous filament products are covered in our aramid filament yarn guide.
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty on goods from China throughout this heading, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing measures or suspensions. The selected rows have no attached import controls. Wool or fine animal hair blend lines carry CITES controls: listed species can require permits. Confirm the species and applicable requirements with your customs broker before ordering such a blend.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete fibre breakdown, staple construction, single or folded form and packaging. The table gives candidate categories, rather than a classification for every aramid blend.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single spun aramid yarn, containing at least 85% polyamide staple fibres | 5509 11 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Folded or cabled spun aramid yarn, containing at least 85% polyamide staple fibres | 5509 12 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other spun aramid yarn mixed mainly or solely with cotton | 5509 92 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other spun aramid blends outside the preceding categories | 5509 99 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the aramid type and spinning construction
State whether the yarn uses meta-aramid, para-aramid or a defined blend, and identify every companion fibre. Agree virgin or recycled feedstock, staple length, yarn count, ply, twist direction, twist level, breaking force, elongation, evenness and hairiness. Specify shade, finish, cone dimensions, net yarn weight and batch identification.
UK textile labelling rules require fibre content to be stated. Match the composition information to the tested blend. Request batch-linked composition and strength reports, then knit or weave a trial panel using your intended process. Agree any heat or flame performance tests around the intended finished application through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial consignment of single spun aramid yarn on cones under 5509 11 00 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 4% is £144. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,744, so it is £748.80. Import taxes total £892.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £144 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check fibre type and blend against the order and laboratory report, with traceability from cartons to spinning batches.
Yarn: sample cones across cartons and test count, twist, breaking force and elongation against the agreed tolerances.
Winding: check cone fit, package hardness, unwinding, knots, splices and net yarn weight.
Condition: check shade consistency, contamination, damp packaging and batch separation; run a trial panel before bulk production.
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What goes wrong
An unspecified aramid type or changed companion fibre can alter the fabric's strength, handle and response to heat. A supplier's general fibre brochure does not establish the performance of your delivered yarn batch or finished fabric. Tie acceptance to batch reports and an approved production trial.
Uneven count, excessive hairiness, weak splices or unsuitable winding cause breaks and inconsistent fabric. Mixed shade batches can show as barring. Keep suspect cones separate and compare the defect with retained samples before releasing the shipment for production.
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 spun aramid yarn from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for heading 5509, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. Confirm the code from composition and yarn construction.
Is spun aramid yarn classified like aramid filament yarn?
Staple-spun yarn and continuous filament yarn use different tariff categories. Confirm how the yarn is made before choosing a code.
What should I ask the Chinese yarn mill to specify?
Ask for aramid type, companion fibres, blend, staple length, count, ply, twist, breaking force, elongation, finish and cone winding, supported by batch-linked reports.
Does spun aramid yarn need fibre composition information?
Yes. UK textile labelling rules require fibre content information. Check that it matches the tested yarn blend rather than relying on a trade name.