Sourcing starch collar interlining from China

6% duty, subject to classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 5901 covers gum or starch-coated fabrics for book covers, tracing cloth, prepared painting canvas, and buckram and similar stiffened fabrics for hat foundations. For collar interlining, confirm that the actual construction and finish fit the heading rather than relying on the supplier's product name.

Both supplied commodity lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Only the Other line is presented here for classification checking; the book-cover line is outside this guide's product focus.

Send the base-fabric description, coating composition, sample and intended use to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. For comparison with adhesive-backed alternatives, see the nonwoven fusible interlining guide.

Specify the collar's stiffness and care performance

Specify fibre composition, weave, base-fabric mass, finished mass, thickness, starch formulation and any added resin or adhesive. Agree stiffness in both fabric directions, shade, usable width and roll length. Describe how the interlining will be sewn into the collar and approve a sample made with your actual outer fabric.

Agree pressing conditions and the intended washing or dry-cleaning process before approving bulk production. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles, and its restrictions can limit, ban or condition their use or placing on the market. Ask for the coating formulation and evidence addressing applicable restrictions, with support from testing and certification where needed.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 8,000 metres of starch-coated collar interlining in rolls, illustratively classified here under 5901 90 00 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £15,200. Duty at 6% is £912. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,112, so it is £3,222.40. Import taxes total £4,134.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £912 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fabric: compare fibre information, weave, mass, thickness and usable width with the purchase specification; check skew and weaving faults.

Coating: compare stiffness across and along the roll; fold and rub samples to check for powder shedding, cracking and uneven starch deposits.

Collar trial: sew and press a sample with the intended outer fabric, then apply the agreed care process; check puckering, shrinkage, shape and remaining stiffness.

Packing: check for dampness, mould, crushed cores and creases; match roll and batch identification to the packing list. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.

What goes wrong

A crisp incoming sample can soften after washing, while excessive stiffness can make collar edges bulky or uncomfortable. Uneven coating gives different handle within a roll; shrinkage differences between the interlining and outer fabric can distort the finished collar.

Approve a finished collar after the intended care process, retain the signed fabric sample and compare bulk samples against it. Treat a proposed change to the starch, resin, base fabric or finishing process as a change requiring your approval.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.