Sourcing spunlace nonwoven fabric from China

Ordinary spunlace rolls pay 4%

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5603 covers nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. The table shows candidate lines for staple-fibre spunlace. Confirm the fibre construction, weight band and finish rather than classifying from the word spunlace alone.

The supplied tariff records show 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Narrow suspensions list 0.00 % for specified products, including certain polyester fabrics, elastomer laminates and surgical or medical protective garments. They are not a general exemption for spunlace rolls. Some suspension descriptions are incomplete, so have your customs broker confirm eligibility. No import controls are attached to the selected table lines.

Finished wipes, masks and bags have their own codes. Confirm your commodity code using the actual material and imported form. For filament fabrics and other nonwoven processes, see the wider nonwoven fabrics guide.

Specify the fibre blend and wiping performance

State the fibre blend, water-entangled construction, mass per unit area and tolerance, thickness, width, roll length and core dimensions. Identify whether the surface is plain, embossed or apertured. Agree absorbency, wet and dry tensile strength in both directions, elongation and lint release using named test methods and an approved sample.

For wipe conversion, trial the fabric with your intended liquid and converting equipment. Check liquid uptake, wet handling, cutting, folding and fibre shedding. Specify any finish or treatment and require approval before the factory changes fibres, formulation or subcontractor.

GOV.UK textile guidance requires labels to show fibre content, including animal parts. Check the composition information against the supplied blend. Ask for a UK REACH statement covering finishes and other chemical treatments. Medical, protective and food-contact uses need the evidence applicable to the finished product; the fabric specification alone does not establish that compliance.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8 tonnes of uncoated staple-fibre spunlace rolls under 5603 92 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

Weight and uniformity: weigh test cuts across the full width and from different rolls; compare thickness, thin spots and aperture pattern with the agreed specification.

Wet performance: compare absorbency, wet tensile strength and lint release with the approved sample using the intended liquid.

Roll condition: measure width, length and core dimensions; check winding tension, crushed cores, damaged edges and declared joins.

Cleanliness and records: inspect for holes, specks, odour and damp wrapping; match roll batch labels to composition records and test reports. Use the inspection guide to define the checks before dispatch.

What goes wrong

A roll can match the sample when dry but stretch, tear or shed fibres when saturated. Uneven fibre distribution leaves weak edges and thin patches. A changed fibre blend can alter absorbency and feel, while inconsistent winding or concealed joins interrupt converting.

Keep an approved sample and compare production material in both dry and wet conditions. Record defects by batch and roll before conversion mixes the stock. Do not accept a report for a different blend, weight or treatment as evidence for the shipment.

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.