Sourcing warp knitted suede fabric from China

Standard duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6005 covers warp knit fabrics outside headings 6001 to 6004. This guide concerns textile suede-effect fabric. Confirm whether its surface is brushed or has a pile construction: pile knits belong in 6001. Knitted fabric no wider than 30 cm belongs in 6003; wider fabric containing 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in 6004. See the wider warp-knit guide.

The selected synthetic-fibre lines carry 8% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Under 6005 36 00 00, a 0% suspension applies only to the specified weft-inserted warp-knitted polyester fabric and excludes mixtures and products containing it as a component. A suede-effect finish does not establish eligibility. The selected lines have no attached import controls.

The heading's wool and other-fibre lines carry CITES and cat-and-dog-fur import controls. For CITES-listed animal material from China, confirm the required permits with your customs broker before shipment. Cat and dog fur, and products made from it, are banned from import. These controls concern material content, rather than a suede-effect appearance. Confirm the commodity code using a sample, fibre composition, width and construction details.

Specify the suede surface and backing

Specify fibre composition, yarn type, finished weight, usable width, stretch in each direction and the intended use. Describe the suede effect through an approved sample: surface density, nap direction, softness and how the shade changes when brushed. State whether the fabric is supplied plain, coated or bonded, and identify any backing.

For consumer sales by the metre, provide fibre composition and confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards; a suede-effect description does not replace that information. For dyed or printed fabric intended for prolonged skin contact, ask HSE to confirm any applicable UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes that release aromatic amines. Ask for composition evidence and chemical testing matched to the supplied fabric and colours.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,800 metres of dyed polyester warp knitted suede-effect fabric under 6005 37 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,200. Duty at 8% is £1,056. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,256, so it is £2,851.20. Import taxes total £3,907.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,056 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Surface: compare brushing, nap direction and handle with the approved sample; inspect for bald patches, needle lines, uneven sanding and crushed areas.

Colour: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade with the nap facing the same way; check colour transfer under dry and wet rubbing.

Dimensions: measure usable width, weight and roll length against the order; check stretch recovery and dimensional change after the agreed cleaning process.

Backing and packing: where bonded, check adhesion after flexing and cleaning; check roll identification, dampness and pressure marks before accepting delivery.

What goes wrong

Nap direction can make matching fabric look like different shades after cutting. Uneven brushing leaves streaks, roll pressure crushes the surface, and dark colours can transfer to clothing. A narrow usable width changes cutting yield, while weak bonding can separate during sewing or cleaning.

Keep an approved sample showing the face and nap direction. Agree tolerances, cleaning conditions and acceptance criteria before production, then inspect bulk rolls against them. Record faults and affected roll identities before cutting. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.

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.