Sourcing warp-knitted tulle fabric from China
Warp-knitted tulle fabric from China normally carries 8% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. The narrow suspension for specified weft-inserted polyester is not a general tulle exemption. Fabric sold to consumers must show its fibre composition. Cambridge China Bridge sources warp-knitted tulle fabric.
8% duty on ordinary warp-knitted tulle
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6005 covers warp-knitted fabrics, including those made on galloon knitting machines, outside headings 6001 to 6004. This guide covers open-mesh tulle supplied as fabric in rolls. Specify the actual knitting construction and fibre composition rather than relying on the supplier's description of the fabric as tulle.
The selected synthetic-fibre lines carry 8% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures listed and no attached import controls. Under 6005 36 00 00, a 0.00 % suspension applies only to specified weft-inserted polyester fabric meeting the listed width and length conditions. Ordinary bleached tulle should not be treated as eligible without checking that description.
The heading's residual lines attach CITES and cat-and-dog-fur controls. CITES specimens imported from China into Great Britain need a permit; cat and dog fur and products containing it are banned. These controls are not listed against the selected synthetic lines. If animal material changes the classification, confirm the requirements with your customs broker. Confirm the commodity code from a sample, construction, fibre content, width and finish.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic warp-knitted tulle, unbleached or bleached | 6005 36 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knitted tulle, dyed | 6005 37 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knitted tulle, of differently coloured yarns | 6005 38 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic warp-knitted tulle, printed | 6005 39 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the mesh, handle and finished width
State polyester or nylon, the yarn specification, mesh shape and opening size, mass per square metre and usable width after finishing. Distinguish soft draping tulle for veils and overlays from stiffer net for skirt structure. Agree stretch and recovery in each direction, colour, sheen and the intended washing or cleaning method. Keep an approved sample showing the required handle and transparency.
For consumer sales by the metre in Great Britain, the label must show fibre composition. UK REACH restrictions can limit or ban substances and set conditions on their use or supply. Ask a testing laboratory to select checks for the dyes, finishes and intended skin contact. Retain reports identifying the supplied fabric and colour. See the related warp-knitted lace fabric guide for wider heading coverage.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 metres of dyed polyester warp-knitted tulle in rolls 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
Mesh and surface: inspect unrolled fabric against a contrasting background for uneven openings, broken yarns, needle lines, holes and snags. Compare the mesh with the approved sample.
Width and quantity: measure usable width without stretching the mesh, check mass per square metre and reconcile roll lengths with the packing list. Record roll and dye-lot identities.
Shade and handle: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade against the approved colour sample. Check softness, stiffness, drape and recovery after handling.
End-use performance: trial cutting and sewing, check seam distortion and snagging, and assess colour transfer and dimensional change after the agreed cleaning method. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.
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What goes wrong
A sample may drape softly while the bulk fabric arrives stiff from a different finish. Mesh openings can vary across the width, snags can spread during cutting, and shade differences become visible when layers overlap. Narrow usable width disrupts cutting plans, while tightly wound rolls can leave creases in delicate net.
Agree how width is measured, retain the approved fabric and colour samples, and require approval before changing yarn or finish. Inspect unrolled bulk fabric before loading. On arrival, separate suspect rolls by dye lot and trial the intended seams and cleaning process before cutting the full order.
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 warp-knitted tulle from China?
The selected synthetic-fibre lines carry 8% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. The suspension under 6005 36 00 00 is limited to specified weft-inserted polyester fabric.
Is stretch tulle classified under heading 6005?
Knitted fabric wider than 30 cm containing 5% or more elastane or rubber thread falls under heading 6004. Confirm composition and width before choosing the code.
Does tulle sold by the metre need a fibre label?
Yes, when sold to consumers in Great Britain, its fibre composition must be shown. Check the mill's declared composition against the supplied fabric.
How do I check whether tulle is suitable for veils?
Compare drape, softness, transparency and shade with the approved sample. Trial layered fabric, cutting and seams, then check snagging and the intended cleaning method.