Sourcing viscose-linen blend fabric from China
Viscose-linen blend fabric confirmed under heading 5516 pays 8% UK duty from China across the relevant lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Labels must show fibre content; check the blend, washing shrinkage and seam slippage before cutting. Cambridge China Bridge sources viscose-linen blend fabric.
8% duty on fabric classified under 5516
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5516 covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres. Every line carries 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension. The table selects the other-blend lines by unbleached or bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed and printed finish.
The selected lines have CITES import and export controls attached. CITES specimens include plant or animal parts and derivatives, so check the source material rather than treating the control as a blanket fabric ban. Where CITES-listed material is involved, permits may be needed. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirement for the exact shipment from China.
Do not choose a code from the words viscose-linen alone. Obtain the fibre composition and confirm that the construction belongs under this heading. Fabrics containing 85% or more artificial staple fibre have separate lines. Confirm the commodity code before ordering; our viscose and rayon fabrics guide covers the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other artificial staple fibre blends, unbleached or bleached | 5516 91 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Other artificial staple fibre blends, dyed | 5516 92 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Other artificial staple fibre blends, yarn-dyed | 5516 93 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Other artificial staple fibre blends, printed | 5516 94 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the blend, slub and washing behaviour
Write down the viscose and linen content by weight, yarn count, weave, mass per square metre, usable width and finishing. Agree the intended slub appearance against a retained sample, including which thick yarn sections are acceptable. Specify the shade or print, roll identification and packing, and whether the fabric will be used for shirts, dresses or trousers.
Approve a washed sample and a sewn panel before bulk production. Record acceptable changes in length, width, handle and seam appearance against the intended care instructions. For sale in Great Britain, labels must show fibre content. Ask for composition verification and colour-specific azo dye test reports; agree the testing scope through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 8,000 metres of dyed viscose-linen blend fabric for a small clothing business, illustrative under 5516 92 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
Composition and handle: compare the laboratory blend result with the order and fibre information. Check bulk fabric against the retained sample for drape, surface texture and slub appearance.
Shrinkage and seams: wash samples using the intended care instructions, measure change along and across the fabric, and check seam slippage on the intended garment seam.
Shade and print: compare rolls and dye lots with the approved shade or print sample. Check rubbing and washing colour fastness, print registration and variation across the width.
Rolls and arrival condition: measure usable width and length, inspect for holes, broken yarns and excessive slubs, and check wrapping for dampness or mould. Keep findings against each roll identity using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A linen-like texture can distract from the actual blend. Bulk fabric may have a different composition or handle from the sample; loose areas can open at seams, and washing can change garment dimensions. Agree acceptable slubs separately from weaving faults, and test the bulk fabric before cutting.
Mixing rolls with different shades can leave garment panels visibly mismatched. Keep dye lots separate, check shade before laying up and retain washed and unwashed samples for comparison. Record any rejected roll and the agreed remedy before using the remaining fabric.
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 viscose-linen fabric from China?
Fabric confirmed under heading 5516 carries 8% across the relevant lines in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or tariff suspension is shown.
Is every viscose-linen blend classified under 5516?
Do not assume so from the trade name. Confirm the fibre composition and construction before choosing a code; the table is for blends already confirmed within heading 5516.
How do I check viscose-linen fabric before cutting?
Wash bulk samples using the intended care instructions, measure length and width changes, sew a trial panel and check seam slippage. Compare shade and handle with the approved sample.
Does the CITES flag mean my fabric needs a permit?
The flag alone does not establish the requirement for your shipment. Check the source material and ask your customs broker to confirm whether CITES documents are needed for the fabric from China.