Sourcing warp-knit spacer mesh from China
Warp-knit spacer mesh fabric from China normally pays 8% UK duty under heading 6005; a narrowly defined suspension is 0%, rather than a general mesh exemption. Fibre composition must be labelled when fabric is sold to consumers. Cambridge China Bridge sources warp-knit spacer mesh fabric.
Spacer mesh duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 6005 covers warp-knit fabrics outside headings 6001 to 6004. This guide covers synthetic spacer mesh supplied as fabric, including material for shoe uppers, seat covers and mattress borders. See the wider warp-knit fabrics guide.
The selected synthetic-fibre lines carry 8% duty on goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no attached import controls. Code 6005 36 00 00 has a 0% suspension only for the specified weft-inserted polyester fabric, with width from 1.5m to 1.65m and length from 8.000m to 16.000m. It excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing that fabric. Do not assume ordinary spacer mesh qualifies.
Confirm the commodity code from construction, composition, width and colour treatment. Knitted fabric 30 cm wide or less belongs in heading 6003; fabric wider than 30 cm with 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in 6004. Agree the classification before accepting the supplier's invoice description.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic warp-knit spacer mesh, unbleached or bleached | 6005 36 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knit spacer mesh, dyed | 6005 37 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knit spacer mesh, of differently coloured yarns | 6005 38 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knit spacer mesh, printed | 6005 39 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the spacer structure and recovery
Specify the fibre composition of the faces and connecting yarns, mesh opening, thickness, mass per square metre, usable width and stretch in each direction. Identify the face intended to be visible. Keep an approved sample that shows the required firmness, surface feel and colour.
Agree how thickness is measured, including the applied pressure, and how compression recovery is assessed after unpacking and conditioning. Trial the fabric through the intended cutting, sewing and washing process. For shoe uppers or seat covers, check snagging and abrasion against the buyer's agreed acceptance criteria.
For consumer sales by the metre, fibre composition must be labelled. For textiles intended for prolonged skin contact, confirm applicable UK REACH dye restrictions with the relevant authority. Ask for composition verification and relevant dye testing for the intended use; include the exact fabric quality and colour in the testing brief.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative production order: 30,000 metres of dyed polyester spacer mesh in rolls under 6005 37 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £22,800. Duty at 8% is £1,824. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,624, so it is £4,924.80. Import taxes total £6,748.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,824 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Structure: compare both faces, connecting yarns and mesh openings with the approved sample; inspect for holes, needle lines and uneven spacing.
Thickness and recovery: measure under the agreed conditions and check whether flattened areas recover after unpacking; compare across the roll.
Width and weight: measure usable width and mass per square metre across several rolls; check roll length against packing records.
Colour and packing: compare shade within and between rolls, check rubbing and washing performance, and inspect for dampness or crushed edges. Use an agreed inspection plan.
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What goes wrong
A sample can feel firm while bulk fabric feels soft because the connecting yarns or finishing have changed. Heavy roll compression can leave flattened areas. Uneven thickness changes the fit of sewn parts, while snagged faces and needle lines become visible after cutting.
Approve the production construction as well as the colour. Record roll and dye-lot identities, retain a sample from the shipment and inspect before cutting. Agree how long the fabric should rest after unpacking before judging recovery, so packing distortion is assessed consistently.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on spacer mesh fabric from China?
The selected synthetic warp-knit lines carry 8%, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The 0% suspension under 6005 36 00 00 is narrowly specified and is not a general spacer-mesh exemption.
Is spacer mesh with elastane classified under 6005?
Knitted fabric wider than 30 cm with 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in heading 6004. Confirm composition and width before choosing the code.
How do I check spacer mesh thickness?
Agree the measuring pressure and conditioning method before ordering. Compare bulk rolls with the approved sample and check compression recovery after unpacking.
What should I ask the factory before ordering?
Ask for face and connecting-yarn composition, thickness, weight, usable width, mesh opening, stretch and finishing details. Agree recovery, snagging, colour and washing checks for the intended use.