Sourcing textile shower curtains from China

Duty on textile shower curtains

Heading 6303 covers curtains, including drapes, interior blinds and curtain or bed valances. This guide focuses on textile shower curtains. The wider family is covered in our curtains and blinds guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied lines carry 12% duty on goods from China, except nonwoven curtains, which carry 6%. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls.

Confirm the fibre composition and whether the fabric is woven, knitted or nonwoven before choosing the commodity code. Do not assume the textile code suits a plastic-film curtain. Have coated or laminated constructions checked individually.

Specify fabric, liner and wet-use performance

State the fibre composition, fabric construction, finished width and drop, fabric weight, colour or print, and surface treatment. Agree whether the curtain is decorative and used with a separate liner, or intended to contain shower spray itself. Approve a hanging sample with the intended hooks.

Specify eyelet material, hole spacing, reinforced top edge, hem construction and whether hooks or a liner are included. Agree wash instructions and an acceptance method for water penetration, shrinkage and colour transfer after washing. Treat water-repellent and waterproof claims as different performance promises.

Fibre composition must be labelled; choose a durable, legible label and confirm detailed labelling requirements with Trading Standards. Consumer products must be safe; inspect accessible hardware for sharp edges and insecure attachments. Agree the label artwork, care instructions and pack contents before production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 800 woven polyester shower curtains under 6303 92 90 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,800. Duty at 12% is £456. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,256, so it is £851.20. Import taxes total £1,307.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £456 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fabric: compare fibre information, colour, print and handle with the approved sample; check water penetration and colour transfer before and after the agreed wash.

Dimensions: measure finished width and drop, check the curtain hangs square, and compare washed dimensions with the agreed tolerances.

Hardware: check eyelet spacing and reinforcement, pull-test attachments, and look for sharp edges, corrosion and hooks that snag the fabric.

Labels and packing: check fibre labels, care instructions and included accessories; inspect for dampness, staining and persistent odour at inspection.

What goes wrong

A decorative fabric curtain is sold as a waterproof barrier, so spray reaches the floor. A finish performs on the sample but washes out of production fabric. Shrinkage leaves gaps, printed colours transfer when wet, and poorly reinforced eyelets tear under repeated opening.

Approve the finished curtain rather than a fabric swatch alone. Repeat the agreed wet-use and washing checks on production goods, keep an approved sample, and separate damp or damaged cartons on arrival before releasing stock.

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.