Sourcing tufted polypropylene carpets from China

A flat 8% duty on polypropylene carpet

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 5703 covers tufted carpets and other textile floor coverings, whether or not made up. Polypropylene carpet tiles with a maximum surface area of 1 m² fall under 5703 39 10 00; other tufted polypropylene carpets fall under 5703 39 19 00. The table repeats these codes for different product forms.

Both polypropylene lines carry 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control on these lines. It lists a DCMS Export Licence measure, which concerns cultural-goods exports. Government guidance states that importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain has no licensing requirement.

Confirm the construction, pile fibre and tile dimensions using the commodity code guide. A polypropylene backing alone does not establish the pile specification. For the wider heading and a comparison with polyamide pile, see tufted nylon carpets.

Specify the polypropylene pile and backing together

State whether the carpet is broadloom, tiles or a finished rug, and whether the pile is loop, cut or a combination. Agree pile fibre composition, pile mass, pile height, tuft density, colour reference, backing construction and finished dimensions. Keep an approved sample showing both the face and backing.

For carpets supplied for fitting in buildings, confirm with the relevant building control authority whether a declaration of performance and reaction to fire class are required for the exact construction and backing, and obtain the applicable documents. CE marking remains accepted in Great Britain where legitimately affixed. A report for a different backing is a reason to request matching evidence before approving production.

Textile labels must show fibre content. Check that the declared polypropylene pile matches the supplied product, rather than relying on the backing description. Agree care instructions, roll or carton identification and pile-direction markings with the supplier.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 square metres of tufted polypropylene broadloom carpet under 5703 39 19 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,500. Duty at 8% is £1,960. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,460, so it is £5,292. Import taxes total £7,252; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,960 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Pile: compare pile height, mass, density and tuft retention with the approved sample and written specification. Look for missing tufts, uneven loops and visible backing.

Backing: check adhesion, cracks and delamination. Lay tiles together to check squareness, flatness and edge fit; unroll broadloom to look for ripples and distortion.

Colour and direction: compare material from different rolls or cartons under the same lighting. Check batch identification and lay adjacent pieces with the agreed pile direction.

Documents and packing: match the fibre label, performance documents and product identification to the inspected batch. Check roll width, length, edge finishing, dry wrapping and crushed cores.

What goes wrong

A sample can feel dense while production has less pile mass or weaker tuft retention. Backing changes can cause delamination, curling tiles or rippled broadloom. Mixed colour batches and reversed pile direction can leave visible bands across a fitted floor.

Do not approve a backing substitution from a photograph alone. Request a replacement sample and matching performance evidence, then compare production against the agreed specification. Record defects before cutting or fitting the carpet; use the inspection guide to brief the inspection.

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.