Sourcing tufted towelling fabric from China

Zero duty on tufted fabric

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, tufted textile fabrics under 5802 30 00 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. This is the only tufted-fabric commodity line in the supplied facts, so the table contains that line.

Heading 5802 covers woven terry fabrics and tufted textile fabrics, excluding products of heading 5703. A supplier's description of 'towelling' does not establish the construction. Obtain a fabric sample and details of how the pile is formed before confirming the commodity code. See the wider terry towelling guide for woven alternatives.

Specify the tufts, backing and finish

Specify the fibre composition of the pile and backing, looped or cut pile, pile height and density, fabric weight, usable width and roll length. Record any backing treatment or coating. Approve a physical sample showing the face, reverse and cut edge, and agree acceptable tuft shedding and pull-out.

Agree absorbency and shrinkage checks using the intended washing and drying process. Compare the washed sample with the approved fabric for handle, pile appearance and colour. Textile labels must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Ask the supplier for composition details and verify them against the supplied fabric before selling it.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 square metres of tufted towelling fabric in rolls under 5802 30 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,400, so it is £1,280. 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

Roll dimensions: measure usable width, roll length and fabric weight against the order and packing list; check whether damaged edges reduce the usable area.

Tuft retention: inspect for missing tufts, bald patches and uneven pile; rub and gently pull sampled areas using the agreed method, including near cut edges.

Absorbency and washing: run the agreed water-uptake check before and after washing; measure shrinkage and inspect for backing distortion or separation.

Colour and packing: compare rolls with the approved sample for shade and colour transfer; check roll identification, dry wrapping and signs of damp or mould.

What goes wrong

A soft sample can conceal poor water uptake, while loose tufts may shed during cutting or washing. Backing and pile can shrink differently, leaving puckering or a distorted surface. Uneven tuft density and shade differences between rolls can make finished products inconsistent.

Keep an approved washed sample as well as an unwashed sample. Inspect bulk rolls against both, and settle defect allowances before cutting. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the inspection scope.

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.