Sourcing woven viscose voile fabric from China
Woven viscose voile fabric from China under heading 5516 carries a flat 8% UK duty across the relevant lines. Confirm the fibre names to use in composition labelling with Trading Standards. Specify transparency, usable width and shrinkage, then check seams and colour before cutting. Cambridge China Bridge sources woven viscose voile fabric.
A flat 8% duty on viscose voile
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 5516 covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres. The relevant viscose voile lines carry 8% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension recorded in the supplied data.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to some lines, including those containing at least 85% artificial staple fibres. If the fabric contains material covered by CITES, permits and designated ports apply. Ask your customs broker to confirm applicability and the documents needed for the Chinese shipment before dispatch.
Voile is a fabric description, so confirm the commodity code using fibre composition, staple or filament construction and colouring method. Continuous viscose filament fabric belongs under heading 5408. For wider heading context, see the viscose georgette guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres at least 85%, unbleached or bleached | 5516 11 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres at least 85%, dyed | 5516 12 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres at least 85%, yarn-dyed | 5516 13 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres at least 85%, printed | 5516 14 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres below 85%, mixed mainly with cotton, dyed | 5516 42 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Viscose voile, artificial staple fibres below 85%, mixed mainly with cotton, printed | 5516 44 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify transparency and finish for viscose voile
Specify the fibre blend, plain weave, yarn count, fabric weight, usable width and finishing. Agree how sheer the voile should look against a backing and retain an approved sample. State whether the fabric will become blouses, dresses or scarves, and test the intended seam and care method.
Confirm with Trading Standards which fibre names to use in composition labelling, including how to describe viscose. Ask HSE to confirm any UK REACH restrictions relevant to azo dyes that release aromatic amines in skin-contact textiles. Request relevant dye test reports for the ordered colours and prints, alongside the composition report.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 metres of dyed woven viscose voile fabric under 5516 12 00 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,200. Duty at 8% is £1,376. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,576, so it is £3,715.20. Import taxes total £5,091.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,376 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Construction: check fibre composition, weight, usable width and transparency against the approved sample; inspect for missing yarns, holes and distorted grain.
Shrinkage: wash samples using the intended care method and measure changes in both directions before approving cutting.
Seams: check tear strength and seam slippage using the intended garment seam; inspect for yarns pulling apart around stitching.
Colour and rolls: compare shades across rolls, check print registration and washing and rubbing fastness, and record roll lengths and faults. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
A sample can look suitable while bulk voile arrives more transparent, narrower or different in shade. Shrinkage changes garment fit, loose yarns open around seams, and printing faults show clearly on a sheer ground.
Keep the approved fabric sample and print strike-off, test bulk fabric before cutting, and keep shade groups separate during production. Agree acceptance criteria for shrinkage, seam performance and visible weaving faults in the purchase specification.
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 viscose voile from China?
The relevant woven viscose voile lines under heading 5516 carry 8% duty in the supplied tariff data. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or tariff suspension is recorded.
Does all viscose voile use heading 5516?
No. Heading 5516 covers artificial staple fibre fabrics. Continuous viscose filament fabrics belong under heading 5408. Confirm the blend and yarn construction before choosing the code.
Why should I wash-test viscose voile before cutting?
Viscose can shrink and loses strength when wet. Wash bulk samples using the intended care method, measure changes in both directions and check the actual garment seam.
Does viscose voile need a CITES permit?
The tariff attaches CITES controls to some relevant lines. Whether permits apply depends on the material. Ask your customs broker to confirm the fabric composition and any CITES documentation before shipment.