Sourcing woven carbon fibre fabric from China

Duty on dry woven carbon fibre fabric

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 October 2026, fabrics of carbon fibres under 6815 12 00 00 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The table shows fabric variants within this same commodity line.

Heading 6815 includes carbon fibres and non-electrical carbon fibre articles. This guide concerns dry woven fabric, rather than finished composite components. Prepreg may be classified by its resin, so confirm the commodity code using the actual composition and condition supplied. See the wider carbon fibre and graphite guide.

You can hire a transporter or customs agent to make the import declaration and clear the goods. Zero duty does not remove import VAT; allow for 20% and use the import duty and VAT guide when costing the shipment.

Specify the fibre, weave and sizing

Write down the fibre manufacturer and grade, tow size, weave, areal weight, usable width and roll length. Agree tolerances, permitted joins and how defects will be marked. State whether the fabric is for appearance or structural reinforcement, and retain an approved sample.

Specify sizing compatible with your resin system and ask for batch-linked fibre certificates. Make a sample laminate with your intended resin and process before accepting bulk fabric. For structural work, agree laminate performance tests rather than accepting a weave photograph as proof of strength.

UK REACH generally applies to individual chemical substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Ask for composition information on sizing and coatings so you can assess the applicable obligations before supply.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative batch of dry woven carbon fibre fabric rolls for a composite workshop under 6815 12 00 00, invoiced at £38,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £39,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £39,800, so it is £7,960. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: check roll labels and batch certificates against the agreed fibre manufacturer, grade and sizing.

Dimensions: check usable width, roll length and areal weight against the agreed tolerances.

Weave: inspect unwound fabric for missing yarns, gaps, distorted weave, broken filaments and unmarked joins.

Packing: check for crushed cores, creases, moisture and contamination. Record defects by roll and position using your inspection brief.

What goes wrong

Fabric can look right while using a different fibre grade or sizing. A substituted grade can undermine the intended laminate performance; unsuitable sizing can affect resin wetting. Check batch documents and trial laminates together.

A neat outer wrap can hide weave distortion, joins or damage inside a roll. Agree an unwinding inspection before dispatch and repeat arrival checks before cutting. Keep affected rolls separate while the supplier investigates.

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.