Sourcing warp-knitted lace fabric from China

8% duty on qualifying warp-knitted lace

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6005 covers warp-knit fabrics, including those made on galloon knitting machines, outside headings 6001 to 6004. This guide concerns qualifying warp-knitted lace in rolls. Knitted fabric 30 cm wide or less belongs in heading 6003; fabric wider than 30 cm containing 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in heading 6004.

The listed Chinese-origin lines carry 8% standard duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Under 6005 36 00 00, a 0.00 % suspension applies only to the specified weft-inserted polyester fabric meeting every stated condition, not automatically to lace. The selected cotton and synthetic lines have no attached import controls. The other-fibre lines carry CITES and cat-and-dog-fur controls: protected-species material needs the appropriate CITES documentation; cat and dog fur products cannot be imported into Great Britain.

Confirm the commodity code using construction, finished width, fibre composition and colouring method. For other constructions, see the wider warp-knit fabric guide. If unusual animal-derived yarns are proposed, ask your customs broker to check the attached controls before ordering.

Specify the lace pattern and finished width

Send an approved fabric sample and pattern drawing. Specify fibre composition, yarn type, mass per square metre, finished usable width, motif repeat in both directions, scalloped or straight edges, handle and colour reference. State whether the width includes decorative edges and how the motifs must align with the cutting plan.

Agree stretch and recovery in each direction, dimensional change after the intended wash, snag resistance and colour fastness. Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre-composition labelling. For lingerie or other prolonged skin-contact uses, confirm with HSE which UK REACH restrictions apply to azo dyes that release aromatic amines; request relevant testing for the dyed or printed quality.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 30,000 metres of dyed polyester warp-knitted lace 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

Pattern: compare motif shape, repeat spacing, open areas and scallop alignment with the approved sample throughout each inspected roll.

Width and handle: measure usable width and mass per unit area after relaxing the fabric; check stiffness, stretch and recovery against the agreed specification.

Shade: compare rolls and dye lots with the approved colour sample; check washing and rubbing performance, especially on dark lace used beside pale fabric.

Roll condition: inspect for broken yarns, needle lines, unintended holes, snagged motifs, joins and crushed edges. Record defects and roll identities using the agreed inspection procedure.

What goes wrong

A sample can match the design while bulk lace arrives with a changed repeat, distorted scallops or less usable width. These faults disrupt cutting layouts and motif matching. Approve the finished sample and agree how width, repeat and edge defects will be assessed before production.

Different dye lots can produce visible shade changes, while a stiffer finish changes the drape of garment panels. Open motifs can snag during handling. Keep a signed reference sample, separate roll records by dye lot and check incoming rolls before cutting.

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.