Sourcing stretch power mesh fabric from China
Stretch power mesh fabric from China carries 6% to 8% UK duty under heading 6004; synthetic mesh with elastane and no rubber thread carries 8%. Width and fibre composition determine classification, and fabric sold to consumers needs fibre labelling. Cambridge China Bridge sources stretch power mesh fabric.
UK duty on stretch power mesh
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 6004 covers knitted or crocheted fabric wider than 30 cm containing at least 5% by weight of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, excluding heading 6001 fabrics. Synthetic power mesh with elastane and no rubber thread falls within 6004 10 00 10. The other rows cover alternative fibre compositions and stretch constructions, rather than interchangeable codes.
The supplied tariff lines carry 8% duty for elastomeric-yarn fabrics without rubber thread and 6% for the other line. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is recorded. The other line attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls: importing, exporting or marketing such fur or products containing it is prohibited. Specify the actual fibre content rather than relying on the name power mesh.
Confirm construction, finished width, elastomeric-yarn content and whether rubber thread is present before choosing the commodity code. See the wider knitted fabrics guide for neighbouring fabric categories.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic stretch mesh with elastomeric yarn, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 10 | 8% | None |
| Wool, cotton or artificial-fibre stretch mesh, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 91 | 8% | None |
| Other-fibre stretch mesh with elastomeric yarn, without rubber thread | 6004 10 00 99 | 8% | None |
| Other wide stretch mesh, including rubber-thread constructions | 6004 90 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify mesh resistance and recovery
State whether the mesh is for lingerie panels, shapewear or garment lining. Specify fibre composition, mesh opening, mass per square metre, usable finished width, handle and colour. Agree how stretch resistance and recovery will be measured in the length and width directions. Keep an approved sample showing the required support and openness; stretch alone does not describe how the fabric behaves in a garment.
Fabric sold to consumers by the metre must carry fibre composition using the listed fibre names. For dyed power mesh intended for skin contact, confirm applicable UK REACH dye restrictions with the relevant authority, request relevant testing for the ordered quality and colour, and verify the mill's composition before preparing garment labels.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 rolls of synthetic stretch power mesh fabric, illustrative only under 6004 10 00 10, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,800. Duty at 8% is £384. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,184, so it is £1,036.80. Import taxes total £1,420.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £384 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Stretch and recovery: compare resistance in each direction against the approved sample, then check for residual stretching after repeated extension and washing.
Mesh and surface: inspect relaxed and stretched fabric for uneven openings, broken yarns, needle lines, holes and snagging. Check that seams do not open the mesh excessively.
Weight and width: measure usable width and mass per square metre on sampled rolls after allowing the fabric to relax. Compare roll identification and supplied lengths with the packing list.
Colour and washing: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade against the approved colour sample. Check washing shrinkage, colour bleeding and rubbing transfer. Agree the sampling and reporting through the quality inspection guide.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A mesh can match the colour and weight yet provide too little resistance for a support panel. Poor recovery leaves garments loose after wear, while uneven heat setting changes width and stretch between rolls. Approve a sewn panel as well as a flat swatch before bulk production.
Open mesh can snag during handling, and stretched fabric can hide defects until it relaxes. Shade variation becomes visible when panels from different rolls are joined. Keep dye lots separate during cutting and compare arrival samples with the retained approved sample.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on stretch power mesh from China?
The supplied heading 6004 lines carry 6% to 8%. Synthetic mesh with elastomeric yarn and no rubber thread carries 8%; the other line carries 6%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded.
Is all power mesh classified under heading 6004?
No. This heading requires width exceeding 30 cm and at least 5% elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, excluding heading 6001 fabrics. Confirm the actual construction and composition.
Does power mesh sold by the metre need fibre labelling?
Yes, when sold to consumers, its fibre composition must be given using the listed fibre names. Check the mill's composition rather than copying a generic mesh description.
How do I check whether power mesh provides enough support?
Agree a stretch resistance and recovery test in each direction. Compare bulk samples with the approved mesh and a sewn garment panel, including after washing.