Sourcing synthetic filament tow from China

0% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 5501 covers synthetic filament tow, split by polymer, with aramid tow separate from other nylon. All six lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The section notes set out when a tow qualifies, including length and total decitex, so a thin tow may be filament yarn instead.

Carded or combed synthetic fibre is covered in our synthetic tops and sliver guide, and cut staple in our polyester staple fibre guide; confirm the commodity code.

Specifying tow

Specify polymer, filament denier, total tow denier, crimp level, tenacity and elongation, shrinkage, spin finish and its level, colour (raw white or dope-dyed), and bale weight and packing. For aramid tow, ask for the grade and test data your application needs.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 10 tonnes of acrylic tow for stretch-breaking under 5501 30 00 00, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,500, so it is £4,700. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Testing: check filament and total denier, crimp and tenacity on samples.

Condition: check tow for broken filaments, tangles and contamination.

Packing: check bale integrity and lot marks. See our quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

Tow orders fail on denier, crimp and handling. Total denier varies along the tow, crimp is uneven, broken filaments jam stretch-breakers, and damaged bales tangle.

Cambridge China Bridge sources fibres for UK converters and nonwoven makers from small lots; see small orders.