Sourcing worsted wool crepe fabric from China
Worsted wool crepe fabric from China under heading 5112 carries 6% to 8% UK duty: most lines pay 8%, while the silk-rich line pays 6%. Textile labels must show fibre content. Specify the crepe texture and test shrinkage before approving bulk cloth. Cambridge China Bridge sources worsted wool crepe fabric.
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Duty by fibre blend and fabric weight
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 5112 covers woven fabrics of combed wool or combed fine animal hair. Worsted wool crepe falls within this family when its composition meets the heading description. The crepe trade name alone does not establish the code. See the wider worsted wool fabrics guide.
The supplied tariff lines show 8% duty for goods from China, except the other-fabrics line containing more than 10% silk, which shows 6%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duties or suspensions are recorded. CITES import and export controls appear throughout; confirm species-specific permit requirements with your customs broker for animal-hair blends. Code 5112 19 00 00 also carries cat-and-dog-fur import and export controls. Imports and exports of those furs and products made from them are banned.
Confirm the tested fibre composition, whether synthetic fibres are filaments or staple fibres, and mass per unit area. The relevant weight split is 200 g/m², and some lines require at least 85% wool or fine animal hair. Give your broker the composition report and fabric specification when finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worsted crepe, at least 85% wool or fine animal hair, up to 200 g/m² | 5112 11 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Worsted crepe, at least 85% wool or fine animal hair, over 200 g/m² | 5112 19 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Worsted wool crepe mixed mainly with man-made filaments | 5112 20 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Worsted wool crepe mixed mainly with man-made staple fibres, up to 200 g/m² | 5112 30 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Worsted wool crepe mixed mainly with man-made staple fibres, over 200 g/m² | 5112 30 80 00 | 8% | None |
| Other worsted wool crepe containing more than 10% silk | 5112 90 10 00 | 6% | None |
Specify the crepe texture and finished drape
State fibre composition, yarn count and twist, weave, finished weight, usable width, colour and finish. Describe the required grain, surface roughness, drape and opacity using a retained approved sample. Agree whether the cloth will be dry-cleaned or washed, then assess dimensional stability using that care process.
Approve a cutting and pressing trial as well as a swatch. Check whether steam or pressing changes the crepe texture, produces shine or distorts the cloth. Textile labels must show fibre content; compare the proposed composition wording with the fibre test report. Arrange fabric testing against the agreed specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 m² of worsted wool crepe for a small clothing business under 5112 11 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,500. Duty at 8% is £600. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,100, so it is £1,620. Import taxes total £2,220; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £600 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: compare tested fibre composition, weight and usable width with the order and check roll labels against the packing list.
Surface: inspect for uneven crepe grain, streaks, missing yarns, snags and flattened areas; compare shade within and between rolls.
Stability: check relaxation shrinkage, distortion after the agreed cleaning process and surface changes after pressing.
Performance: assess pilling, rubbing fastness and drape against the approved sample; inspect packaging for dampness and roll damage.
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What goes wrong
A sample can have a pronounced crepe grain while bulk cloth arrives flatter or harsher. A changed yarn twist or finish can alter drape, and uneven finishing can leave streaks or shade differences. Approve the finished production cloth against the retained sample before dispatch.
Cloth that looks acceptable on the roll can shrink, skew or become shiny during garment making. Run cutting, cleaning and pressing trials before committing the cloth to production. Record faults by roll and retain samples so complaints can be traced to the affected lot.
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 worsted wool crepe from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 8% for most relevant lines and 6% for the other-fabrics line containing more than 10% silk. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded.
Does the name wool crepe determine the commodity code?
No. Confirm combed fibre construction, fibre proportions, filament or staple blends and fabric weight. A trade name does not replace the composition report.
What should I test before buying bulk wool crepe?
Test fibre content, weight, pilling, rubbing fastness and dimensional stability. Trial cutting and pressing to check that the crepe grain and drape survive garment making.
Why does the tariff show CITES controls on wool crepe?
Some fine animal hairs come from protected species. Identify any animal-hair blend and ask your customs broker to confirm the species-specific CITES permit requirements.