Sourcing woven silk velvet from China
Woven silk velvet from China carries 8% UK duty under the silk pile-fabric line, with no duty variation shown in the supplied tariff data. Fabric sold by the metre to consumers needs fibre composition information, so verify the pile and ground before approving labels. Cambridge China Bridge sources woven silk velvet.
UK duty on woven silk velvet
Heading 5801 covers woven pile fabrics and chenille fabrics. Its silk line is 5801 90 90 10, covering silk, noil silk and other silk waste. The table includes cotton and man-made fibre comparison lines because a supplier's velvet description alone does not establish the material. For the wider family, see velvet and corduroy fabrics.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the silk line carried 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension for this line.
The silk line lists a CITES export control, with no import control listed. CITES permit requirements concern listed species; ask your customs broker to confirm whether the flag affects your fabric or any re-export. Confirm the commodity code using a sample, construction details and verified fibre composition.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven pile fabrics of silk, noil silk or other silk waste | 5801 90 90 10 | 8% | None |
| Comparison: man-made fibre warp pile fabrics | 5801 37 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Comparison: cotton warp pile fabrics, other than handloom | 5801 27 00 90 | 8% | None |
| Comparison: cotton warp pile fabrics made on handlooms | 5801 27 00 10 | 8% | None |
Specify the silk pile and ground
Specify the fibre composition of the raised pile and woven ground separately in the purchase specification. Agree usable width, fabric weight, pile height, shade, nap direction, handle and intended cleaning method. Keep an approved physical sample showing the face and reverse, and confirm whether any backing or finish will be added.
Fabric sold by the metre to consumers needs fibre composition information. Commission composition testing before approving a silk description, and check that the production fabric matches the information supplied for labelling.
For domestic upholstery, confirm with the relevant authority whether the furniture fire regulations apply, which cigarette and match resistance requirements are relevant, and whether a compliant fire-resistant interliner is an acceptable alternative to passing the match test for the proposed permanent cover fabric. Agree the intended use and test the actual fabric with its production finish.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 100 metres of woven silk velvet for a clothing business, illustrative only under 5801 90 90 10, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 8% is £512. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,912, so it is £1,382.40. Import taxes total £1,894.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £512 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Composition: compare the production sample and fibre analysis with the agreed pile and ground specification, rather than relying on the supplier's product name.
Shade and nap: compare rolls with their pile facing the same direction under consistent lighting. Check shade changes across the width and mark the nap direction on each roll.
Pile and performance: inspect for bald patches, streaks and shedding. Check colour transfer by rubbing and dimensional change after the agreed cleaning process.
Rolls and packing: measure usable width and delivered length, inspect for crushed pile and dampness, and check that tubes and wrapping protect the face without compressing it.
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What goes wrong
The sample and bulk fabric can differ in pile composition, density or finish. A silk description may conceal a different ground or pile fibre from the buyer's expectation. Resolve the composition before ordering, retain the approved sample and compare it with fabric taken from production rolls.
Reversed nap makes matching panels look different, while tight packing leaves crush marks. Dye transfer can stain adjacent clothing or lining, and cleaning can change the handle or dimensions. Agree inspection and cleaning checks before shipment, and keep rolls separated by shade batch on arrival.
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 woven silk velvet from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 8% duty under 5801 90 90 10, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension.
How do I check whether velvet really contains silk?
Ask for the pile and ground composition separately, then commission fibre analysis on production fabric. Compare the result with the purchase specification and proposed label.
Does silk velvet for upholstery need fire testing?
Confirm with the relevant authority which cigarette and match resistance requirements apply to the proposed domestic upholstery, and whether a compliant fire-resistant interliner is an acceptable alternative to passing the match test for the permanent cover.
Why do silk velvet panels look different colours?
Pile direction changes how velvet reflects light. Compare panels with the nap facing the same way, then check for actual shade variation between rolls and across the width.