Sourcing UHMWPE filament yarn from China
UHMWPE filament yarn from China within heading 5402 carries 0% UK duty across the relevant lines. The main classification rule is to match the actual yarn construction, twist and packaging rather than its strength claim or trade name. Cambridge China Bridge sources UHMWPE filament yarn.
Zero duty on the relevant yarn lines
Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. For ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), distinguish single yarn from multiple or cabled yarn and record whether it is textured. The table gives candidate lines by construction, rather than interchangeable codes for the same product.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, all the listed candidate lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Ask the supplier for polymer composition, actual twist, yarn construction and packaging before confirming the commodity code. High strength alone does not make polyethylene yarn aramid or polyester. For the wider heading and a different high-strength fibre family, see aramid filament yarn.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other single yarn, untwisted or with twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 49 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other single yarn, with twist exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 59 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other multiple or cabled yarn | 5402 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other textured yarn, where the supplied yarn is genuinely textured | 5402 39 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the UHMWPE yarn and its processing conditions
Specify polyethylene composition, linear density, filament count, minimum tenacity, elongation at break, twist direction and level, finish, colour and net yarn weight per bobbin. Name the intended weaving, knitting or braiding process. Agree test methods and acceptance tolerances against an approved sample, with results traceable to the production lot.
Ask for a processing trial using your intended tension and heat exposure. If sustained loading matters, agree a creep test under the intended conditions. Request the finish and coating composition for a chemical review: REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances. Textile labelling rules require fibre content to be shown; a trade name alone does not describe composition.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial consignment of industrial UHMWPE filament yarn on bobbins under 5402 49 00 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,200, so it is £5,040. 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
Identity: match the polymer declaration, yarn construction, twist and production lot to the approved specification and shipment documents.
Mechanical results: check linear density, tenacity and elongation on samples from different bobbins, using the agreed methods and tolerances.
Bobbin build: check net yarn weight, winding consistency, damaged flanges, loose loops and broken filaments; unwind samples through the intended guides.
Processing trial: weave, knit or braid a sample under your planned conditions and compare handling and finished performance with the approved yarn.
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What goes wrong
A strength result alone can hide poor running performance. Uneven winding, damaged bobbins or variable finish can cause snagging and machine stops. A different twist or linear density can change braid dimensions and fabric behaviour even when the supplier uses the same product name.
Do not accept a yarn test as proof that a finished glove, rope or protective product performs as intended. Agree the finished-product trial separately, retain approved yarn and trial samples, and investigate lot changes before releasing the shipment into production.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on UHMWPE filament yarn from China?
The relevant heading 5402 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data read on 30 October 2026, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Which commodity code covers untwisted UHMWPE yarn?
5402 49 00 90 is a candidate for other single yarn, untwisted or with twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre. Confirm composition, construction and packaging before declaring it.
What should I put in a UHMWPE yarn specification?
State polymer composition, linear density, filament count, tenacity, elongation, twist, finish and bobbin weight. Agree test methods, tolerances and a trial in your intended process.
Does high yarn strength prove my finished rope or glove will perform?
No. Test the finished construction under its intended conditions. Keep yarn results separate from finished-product performance evidence, and retain samples from the approved trial.