Sourcing synthetic monofilament from China
Synthetic monofilament from China, such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene monofilament for brushes, filter fabrics, netting and bulk fishing line, pays 0% UK duty with no anti-dumping duty. The heading covers 67 decitex or more with no cross-section over 1 mm; thicker line is plastics and made-up fishing line is tackle. Cambridge China Bridge sources monofilament.
Nylon, polyester and polypropylene monofilament from China pays 0% UK duty. Where the 1 mm and 67 decitex limits fall, tests and a worked duty example.
Zero duty and where the limits fall
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, synthetic monofilament of heading 5404, of 67 decitex or more with no cross-sectional dimension over 1 mm, and synthetic strip of an apparent width up to 5 mm, carried 0% on goods from China on every line, with no anti-dumping measure.
The limits decide the heading. Finer filaments are filament yarn, covered in our synthetic filament yarn guide; monofilament with a cross-section over 1 mm, such as heavy trimmer line, is a plastics monofilament of heading 3916; and fishing line made up on retail spools is tackle, covered in our fishing tackle guide. Confirm the commodity code from the measured diameter.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastomeric monofilament | 5404 11 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Monofilament of polypropylene | 5404 12 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other monofilament, such as nylon or polyester | 5404 19 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Strip of polypropylene, width up to 5 mm | 5404 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other synthetic strip | 5404 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specifying monofilament
Monofilament is bought on polymer, diameter and its tolerance, linear density, breaking strength and elongation (ISO 2062), knot strength, stiffness and recovery for brush filaments, colour and UV stabilisation for outdoor use, and the spool or hank format. Put these in the product specification with the test method for each.
Filaments for food or cosmetic brushes touch food or skin, so ask for food contact evidence for the polymer and colourants under [retained Regulation (EU) No 10/2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/10/contents) or cosmetic-grade declarations, and check that colourants used meet the restrictions the buyer's product needs.
Worked duty example
Suppose, purely for illustration, you import 12 tonnes of nylon monofilament on spools under 5404 19 00 90. At £42,000 free on board and £1,800 to ship and insure, the customs value is £43,800. With 0% duty on synthetic monofilament, the only charge is import VAT: 20% of £43,800, or £8,760. VAT-registered businesses usually recover that in their next return. The method is set out in how UK import duty and VAT work.
What goes wrong
Monofilament fails on diameter, strength and consistency. The diameter drifts along the spool or between lots, so brushes and meshes change feel and fit; breaking strength falls because recycled polymer or poor drawing was used; ovality and surface marks weaken the line; colour varies between lots; and spools are wound unevenly and tangle on the buyer's machines.
Measure diameter at several points along sampled spools with a micrometer, test breaking strength, elongation and knot strength on each lot, check ovality and surface under magnification, compare colour against the approved standard, run a spool on the buyer's machine, and check spool weights and winding before loading.
Cambridge China Bridge sources monofilament for brush, filter, netting and tackle makers, starting with sample spools and a small first lot. See how we handle first and smaller orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on nylon monofilament from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, synthetic monofilament of heading 5404 carried 0% from China on every line.
Is thick trimmer line in the same heading?
No. Monofilament with a cross-section over 1 mm is a plastics monofilament of heading 3916.
How do I check monofilament diameter?
Measure it at several points along sampled spools with a micrometer and check ovality.
Can I start with a small order?
Usually yes. We start with sample spools and a small first lot where the maker allows.