Sourcing viscose georgette fabric from China

UK duty on viscose staple-fibre georgette

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5516 covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres. The listed lines all carry 8% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. The table selects dyed and printed georgette routes according to fibre composition.

The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to some lines, including the selected lines containing at least 85% artificial staple fibres. If a CITES-listed species is involved, confirm the applicable permit requirements. The importer should confirm whether the control applies to the actual fabric, and which documents are needed, with their customs broker before shipping.

Georgette describes the fabric, rather than settling its classification. Continuous viscose filament fabric falls under heading 5408 rather than this staple-fibre heading. Confirm fibre percentages, staple or filament yarns and the colouring process before choosing your commodity code. See the viscose crepe fabric guide for the wider heading.

Specify the georgette texture and drape

Specify viscose content and any blend, staple-fibre yarn construction, yarn count and twist, weave, mass per square metre and usable width. Approve a physical sample for the crepe texture, drape and transparency against the intended blouse, dress or scarf. Agree whether the garment needs a lining.

Set agreed limits for shrinkage, seam slippage and colour fastness, together with the intended washing method. Approve shade samples or a print strike-off before bulk production. Ask for azo-dye test reports covering the supplied shades and print colours.

For textiles sold in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Confirm the permitted fibre name for viscose fabric, including viscose made from bamboo pulp, with the relevant authority. Check that the composition description agrees with the fibre test.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 metres of dyed viscose staple-fibre georgette; illustrative FOB value and freight under 5516 12 00 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,200. Duty at 8% is £1,376. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,576, so it is £3,715.20. Import taxes total £5,091.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,376 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Construction and dimensions: check fibre content, usable width and mass against the specification; compare texture, drape and transparency with the approved sample.

Shrinkage and shape: wash samples using the agreed care method; measure lengthwise and crosswise change and check whether the fabric twists or loses its approved texture.

Strength and seams: test tear strength and seam slippage using the intended garment seam; look for yarn movement, snagging and damage during handling.

Colour and rolls: check shade variation within and between rolls, washing and rubbing fastness, print registration, roll lengths and visible defects. Record findings using the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A sample can drape well while bulk fabric shrinks excessively or pulls apart at seams. Viscose loses strength when wet, and loose crepe constructions can suffer seam slippage. Wash and sew a trial sample before releasing the fabric for cutting.

Shade variation, bleeding prints and a changed finish can make rolls unsuitable for the same garment run. Compare bulk samples with the signed shade or print standard and the approved handle. Keep affected rolls identifiable while agreeing replacement or rework.

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.