Spun silk

When evaluating spun silk, the most critical factor is the yarn count (e.g., 120nm/2, 210nm/2); a higher metric count indicates a finer, more premium thread. You must also verify the fiber length, as longer fibers (typically 30mm to 50mm) result in higher tensile strength and less pilling. Additionally, check the luster and cleanliness—premium spun silk should have a soft, pearlescent sheen without excessive 'neps' (small fiber knots) or impurities.

To ensure consumer safety and market access, prioritize suppliers with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, which guarantees the silk is free from harmful chemicals. For organic claims, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the industry benchmark. If you are exporting to the EU, ensure compliance with REACH regulations, and for the US market, verify that dyes meet CPSIA standards regarding lead and phthalate content.

The most reliable field test is the burn test: pure silk burns slowly, smells like burnt hair, and leaves a brittle, black ash that crushes easily. Synthetic fibers will melt, smell like plastic, and leave a hard, uncrushable bead. For official procurement, always request a Third-Party Laboratory Test Report (such as SGS or Intertek) to confirm the fiber composition percentage and purity.

High-count spun silk (e.g., 140nm/2) is ideal for luxury knitwear, high-end warp knitting, and silk-blend suitings. Medium counts are frequently used for embroidery threads and interior textiles like premium upholstery or curtains. Lower grades or silk noil are better suited for casual apparel or eco-friendly textile lines where a more textured, matte appearance is desired.

The primary risk is quality inconsistency between the sample and the bulk order. To mitigate this, use Made-in-China.com's Secured Trading services and insist on a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI). Another risk is moisture regain fraud, where weight is artificially increased by humidity; ensure the contract specifies the Standard Moisture Regain (typically 11%) for weight calculations.

Focus on volume-based pricing tiers; silk is a commodity, so a 15-20% discount is often achievable when moving from sample quantities to container loads. Negotiate for flexible payment terms, such as a 30% deposit and 70% balance against the Bill of Lading (B/L), especially for long-term partnerships. Always clarify who bears the cost of lab testing and certification updates.

Silk is highly sensitive to moisture and odors. Ensure the supplier uses poly-bagged inner packaging with desiccant silica gel packs inside double-walled corrugated cartons. For sea freight, specify 'Top Stowage' to avoid crushing and ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent mildew or cross-contamination from other goods.

Check the Harmonized System (HS) Code (typically 5005.00) for your specific country to determine import duties. Be aware of Anti-Dumping Duties that some regions may impose on Chinese textiles. Utilizing Made-in-China.com's verified supplier database helps identify exporters who are experienced with Certificate of Origin (CO) documentation, which can help you leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to reduce or eliminate tariffs.