How to export Knitted fabrics from the UK to China

Import route and UK exports under HS 6001-6006 (44 subheadings)

For knitted and crocheted fabrics, plan an importer-led shipment and settle classification before accepting an order. These fabrics are not on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. The largest UK export line to mainland China was dyed synthetic-fibre warp knit fabric under HS 600537, with £340k recorded against UK line 60053700. That is an HS-line total, not evidence of demand for your particular fabric. For wool fabrics, see exporting UK wool fabrics to China.

HMRC recorded £1.3m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 44 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £1.2m, +14.4%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £273k. January to July 2026: £570k against £783k in the same months of 2025 (-27.3%). These are UK exports under HS 6001-6006 (44 subheadings).

Give the importer enough detail to classify the fabric

Send a specification covering fibre composition, width, pile or looped construction, warp knitting, elastomer content and whether the fabric is bleached, dyed, printed or made from differently coloured yarns. These distinctions appear across the HS6 headings. Chinese lines also split some headings: HS 600240 includes 60024010/60024020/60024030/60024040/60024090, while HS 600590 includes 60059010 and 60059090. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the Chinese line for the actual fabric.

Build border taxes into the importer’s price

Chinese lines 60011000, 60053700 and 60063100, and the listed subdivisions of HS 600240 and HS 600590, carry an MFN rate of 8%. Confirm the applicable line and rate before fixing your offer. Duty and import VAT add to the importer’s landed cost and therefore affect the price they can offer you.

The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its reduced-rate list and special rules. Import VAT uses a composite price comprising customs value, customs duty and consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to this fabric and the applicable VAT treatment.

Agree the textile standard before production

GB 18401-2010, the National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Products, is a current mandatory national standard. Give your importer the fabric specification and intended use so they can confirm its application and the evidence needed for your shipment. Agree the evidence to supply before committing production or sending stock.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the fabric under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the declarant’s EORI, commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licences or certificates. Agree who will make the declaration and provide the fabric details before dispatch.

Check the Chinese buyer before committing stock

Ask the prospective importer who will arrange classification, confirm the textile requirements and calculate landed cost. Compare their proposed purchases with the specification and samples you can supply. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record stays with licensed partners in China, and the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. Use our export-to-China service to arrange importer checks and discuss the work needed for your fabric.