Sourcing spun polypropylene yarn from China
Spun polypropylene yarn from China under heading 5509 pays a flat 4% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no listed trade remedy. It must be staple-fibre yarn, other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. Fibre content must be declared under textile labelling rules. Cambridge China Bridge sources spun polypropylene yarn.
A flat 4% duty on relevant yarn lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 9 November 2026, heading 5509 covers yarn of synthetic staple fibres, other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. For spun polypropylene yarn, distinguish single yarn from folded or cabled yarn and record the complete blend. Filament yarn and split-film tape are different products.
The selected lines all carry 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached control on these lines. Elsewhere in this heading, wool or fine animal hair blends have CITES import and export controls. If considering such a blend, confirm the species and requirement with your customs broker. Importing CITES-listed specimens into Great Britain requires a permit.
Send the fibre breakdown, staple construction, yarn structure and packing details to your broker to confirm the commodity code. Do not classify a blend from the supplier's product name alone. Our wider synthetic staple yarn guide covers the other fibre families within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene staple yarn, single, synthetic staple content at least 85% | 5509 41 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Polypropylene staple yarn, folded or cabled, synthetic staple content at least 85% | 5509 42 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other polypropylene staple yarn mixed mainly or solely with cotton | 5509 92 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other polypropylene staple yarn blends, subject to composition | 5509 99 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the staple yarn and its processing conditions
Specify polypropylene content and any blending fibres, yarn count and its measurement system, twist direction, twist level, ply construction, breaking strength, elongation, evenness and hairiness. Agree tolerances and test methods with the mill. Describe cone dimensions, net yarn weight, winding firmness, joins and acceptable contamination.
For coloured yarn, identify the colouring process, approved shade and production lot. State the knitting or weaving process and subsequent heat treatment, then approve a trial panel under those conditions. Ask for reports supporting light resistance or other performance claims rather than accepting a generic fibre description.
Textile fibre content must be declared. Confirm the applicable fibre names and labelling rules with Trading Standards. Check the declaration against a composition report, especially for blends. REACH restrictions can limit or ban substances or set conditions on their use or supply. Ask the mill to identify colouring agents and finishes, and arrange testing and certification appropriate to the intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial pallet of single spun polypropylene yarn on cones under 5509 41 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
Composition: compare the fibre report, order description and batch identification; check that the delivered yarn is spun from staple fibres.
Yarn properties: sample cones from different cartons and check count, twist, strength, elongation, evenness and hairiness against the agreed specification.
Shade and processing: compare production lots with the approved sample and make a knitting or weaving trial using the intended heat treatment.
Cones and packing: check net yarn weight, winding firmness, damaged tubes, tangled ends, mixed lots and contamination; retain identified samples.
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What goes wrong
A mill may quote polypropylene yarn without distinguishing spun staple yarn from filament or tape. The substitute can behave differently on the machine and require a different classification. Approve the construction and a processing sample before ordering.
Uneven count, weak sections, excessive hairiness or poor winding cause breaks and inconsistent fabric. Mixed colour lots create visible shade differences, while unsuitable heat treatment can distort the yarn or fabric. Keep lots separate and trial the delivered yarn before releasing it for bulk 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 polypropylene yarn from China?
The relevant heading 5509 lines carry 4% duty in the supplied tariff data, read on 9 November 2026, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Is polypropylene filament yarn the same as spun yarn?
No. This guide covers yarn spun from polypropylene staple fibres. Confirm the construction from the mill's specification and an actual sample before selecting the commodity code.
Does spun polypropylene yarn need fibre content information?
Yes. Textile fibre content must be declared under the applicable labelling rules. Check the declared composition against the delivered batch, particularly for blended yarn.
What should I test before using the yarn?
Check count, twist, strength, elongation, evenness and shade, then knit or weave a trial panel. Include the intended heat treatment and check winding performance on your machine.