Sourcing viscose flocking fibres from China

2% duty on viscose flock

Heading 5601 covers textile wadding and articles of wadding, textile fibres not exceeding 5 mm in length, textile dust and mill neps. This guide concerns loose, cut viscose flocking fibres only. The table shows product variants sharing 5601 30 00 90, rather than separate tariff lines.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, the duty on goods from China under 5601 30 00 90 was 2%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no import controls recorded. Its suspension applies only to a specifically named synthetic copolymer fibre, not viscose. Do not use that suspension for ordinary viscose flock.

Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, cut length and supplied form. See the nylon flocking guide for related coverage of the wider heading, and import duty and VAT for the calculation method.

Specify cut length and flocking behaviour

Specify viscose composition, nominal cut length within 5 mm, permitted length variation, linear density, colour reference and acceptable dust and foreign matter. State whether the flock will be applied mechanically or electrostatically. For electrostatic use, agree the conductive finish, moisture condition and storage instructions, then approve a trial using your adhesive and substrate.

UK REACH generally applies to individual chemical substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Ask the supplier to identify dyes and surface treatments so you can assess the applicable obligations. Workplace exposure to materials that cause ill health must be adequately controlled; include bag opening, feeding and cleaning in your handling assessment. HSE advises vacuum cleaning rather than sweeping or compressed air.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of dyed viscose flocking fibres under 5601 30 00 90, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 2% is £324. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,524, so it is £3,304.80. Import taxes total £3,628.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £324 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity and cut: check fibre identification and measured length distribution against the order; inspect for long strands, fused bundles and foreign fibres.

Colour and transfer: compare samples from different bags with the approved colour reference under agreed lighting; test dry and wet colour transfer on the intended substrate.

Application: trial the delivered flock with your adhesive and equipment; compare coverage, fibre orientation, loose shedding and the cured surface with the approved sample.

Packing and condition: check net weight, batch identification, liner seals, moisture condition, clumps and contamination. Record samples and results using the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

Uneven cutting can produce a patchy pile, while excess fines leave a dusty surface. Damp or compacted flock can clump during feeding. A changed conductive treatment can alter electrostatic application even when colour and fibre length look correct.

Colour drift between bags and bleeding into pale adhesive can spoil the finished article. Retain approved flock and flocked panels, agree acceptance tests before ordering, and repeat the application trial on the shipment batch.

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.