Bottom line: Finished curtains and drapes classify under HS heading 6303. Indicative import duty on synthetic-fibre curtains runs about 11–13% in the US (plus any Section 301 measure on China-origin goods), ~12% in the EU and UK, and can be 0% into Australia under ChAFTA if the goods meet the rules of origin. Most countries also add import VAT/GST on top. These are typical rates only — always confirm the exact line with your customs broker before you order.
The Curtain HS Code: Heading 6303
Every curtain shipment is classified under a Harmonized System (HS) code, and that code drives the duty rate, the paperwork, and whether a trade agreement applies. Finished, made-up curtains and drapes fall under heading 6303 — “Curtains (including drapes) and interior blinds; curtain or bed valances.” The common subheadings are:
- 6303.12 — of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted
- 6303.92 — of synthetic fibres, not knitted (most polyester curtains)
- 6303.91 — of cotton
- 6303.99 — of other textile materials (linen blends, etc.)
Note the difference from heading 6304 (“other furnishing articles”), which covers bedspreads, cushion covers and some decorative pieces — not curtains. If you also import fabric by the roll rather than finished panels, that is a different chapter again (woven fabric headings 5407/5208, not 6303). Getting the heading right is the first step; a wrong code can mean over-paying duty or a customs hold.
Why Classification Drives Your Duty Bill
Two things decide what you pay: the HS subheading (which sets the base duty rate) and the country of origin (which decides whether a free trade agreement lowers it). Chinese-made curtains are usually dutiable at the importing country’s standard (MFN) rate — unless an agreement like ChAFTA applies and the goods qualify under its rules of origin.
Material matters too. Synthetic (polyester) curtains, cotton curtains and linen-blend curtains can sit in different subheadings with slightly different rates. When you request a quote, ask your supplier for the fibre composition so you can classify correctly. For the documents that travel with the goods — test reports, certifications, fire-safety paperwork — see our guide to curtain import certifications by country.
Curtain Import Duty by Country (Indicative)
The table below gives typical MFN duty for synthetic-fibre curtains (6303.92) from China, plus the consumption tax most importers also pay. Rates change and depend on exact classification and trade measures — treat these as a planning estimate, not a ruling.
| Market | Typical curtain duty (China origin) | Plus consumption tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ~11–13% (MFN) | — (state sales tax separate) | Section 301 measures may add on China origin; US assesses duty on FOB value |
| European Union | ~12% | Import VAT ~19–25% by country | Duty assessed on CIF value |
| United Kingdom | ~12% (UK Global Tariff) | Import VAT 20% | Duty on CIF value |
| Australia | 0% under ChAFTA* / ~5% MFN | GST 10% | *needs China origin + yarn-forward rule + origin documentation |
| Canada | MFN applies (no FTA with China) | GST/HST 5–15% | 6303 sits in a higher textile band; verify with CBSA |
The standout is Australia: under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement, most Chinese textile lines now carry zero duty, so qualifying curtains can enter duty-free — but only with a valid Certificate of Origin and goods that meet the yarn-forward rule (woven from Chinese yarn). Ask your supplier whether they can provide ChAFTA origin documentation before you rely on the 0% rate.
How Import Duty Is Calculated
Duty is a percentage of the customs value, and the value base differs by country. The US generally assesses duty on the FOB value (goods only). Most other countries — EU, UK, Australia, Canada — use the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), so your Incoterm choice changes the duty base. That is one reason buyers compare terms carefully; see Incoterms for curtain imports: FOB vs CIF vs DDP.
A simple example: a $10,000 curtain order at a 12% duty rate is $1,200 in duty. Then import VAT/GST is calculated on the value plus duty — so in the UK, 20% VAT would apply to roughly $11,200, adding about $2,240. VAT/GST is usually recoverable if you are registered, but you still front the cash at the border. Budget for duty and tax when you price your landed cost.
How to Avoid Duty Surprises
A few habits keep customs predictable:
- Confirm the HS code early. Agree the classification with your customs broker before the first shipment, based on fibre content.
- Request a binding ruling for large or repeat programs — an official classification you can rely on (CBP in the US, BTI in the EU, etc.).
- Use FTA origin documents where they exist. For Australia, a ChAFTA Certificate of Origin can take duty to zero.
- Declare the correct value. Under-valuing to cut duty is a customs offence and the liability is yours, even on DDP shipments.
- Ask your supplier for accurate commercial invoices and packing lists that match the goods and the HS code.
For the full picture of getting goods from factory to door, start with our guide to sourcing curtains from China and how to place a wholesale curtain order.
Curtain Import Duty FAQ
What is the HS code for curtains?
Finished curtains and drapes classify under heading 6303. The most common subheading is 6303.92 (synthetic fibres, not knitted) for polyester curtains; cotton is 6303.91 and other materials fall under 6303.99. Curtain fabric sold by the roll uses a different woven-fabric heading, not 6303.
How much is import duty on curtains from China?
Indicatively, around 11–13% into the US (plus any Section 301 measure), about 12% into the EU and UK, and potentially 0% into Australia under ChAFTA if origin rules are met. Rates vary by material and classification, so confirm the exact line with your broker.
Are curtains from China duty-free into Australia?
They can be. Under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement most textile lines are duty-free, so qualifying curtains enter at 0%. You need a valid Certificate of Origin and the goods must meet the yarn-forward rule. GST of 10% still applies on the import.
Is duty calculated on FOB or CIF value?
It depends on the country. The US generally assesses duty on FOB (goods only), while the EU, UK, Australia and Canada use CIF (goods plus freight and insurance). This means your Incoterm affects the duty base in most markets.
Do I pay VAT or GST on top of duty?
Usually yes. Most markets add a consumption tax on import — about 19–25% VAT in the EU, 20% in the UK, 10% GST in Australia, 5–15% GST/HST in Canada. It is calculated on the value plus duty and is often recoverable if you are registered, but you pay it at the border.
Who pays the duty if I buy DDP?
Under DDP the supplier pays import duty and delivers door-to-door, but you remain responsible for an accurate declaration. Under FOB and CIF the duty is always the buyer’s cost. See our Incoterms guide for how each term splits freight, customs and duty.
Bottom Line
Classify your curtains correctly under HS 6303, then budget the right duty for your market: roughly 11–13% in the US, ~12% in the EU and UK, and potentially zero into Australia under ChAFTA — plus VAT or GST almost everywhere. Your Incoterm changes the duty base in most countries, so duty and freight terms are worth deciding together. Get the HS code confirmed with a broker before your first order and the rest becomes predictable.
Dairui is a curtain manufacturer, not a licensed customs broker. The figures here are general guidance to help you plan landed cost — duty rates and trade measures change, so confirm the exact classification and rate with your customs authority or broker for your specific shipment. We can supply accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, fibre-composition details and, where applicable, ChAFTA origin documentation to support your clearance.
DAIRUI Sourcing Desk
Last reviewed: 2026-06
