Sourcing aquaculture nets from China

A flat 8% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 5608 covers knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope, made-up fishing nets and other made-up textile nets. This guide focuses on textile aquaculture cage nets, containment nets and predator nets. See the wider nets and netting guide for other applications.

Every supplied commodity line carries 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This describes the tariff entries, rather than clearance of a particular coating or treatment.

For cage nets, distinguish nylon or other polyamides from other man-made textiles, and finished nets from netting supplied without making up. Give your broker the material, construction, photographs and intended use before confirming the commodity code. The table presents candidate lines, rather than assigning every aquaculture net to the same code.

Specify cage fit, mesh and treatment

Supply a drawing showing cage shape, installed depth, perimeter, bottom panel, seams, attachment loops and lifting points. State fish species and size, containment or predator-net use, freshwater or seawater exposure, and the intended cleaning method. Agree how mesh opening is measured and whether dimensions are checked relaxed or under tension.

Specify fibre, twine construction, knotted or knotless construction, border ropes and wet breaking strength. For fishing netting, ISO 1805 describes yarn and knot breaking-force testing. Ask for results on the supplied material and agree separate checks for seams and attachments. Define UV stabilisation and shrinkage acceptance against an approved sample.

If a net incorporates a biocidal treatment, treated-article rules apply in Great Britain. Ask for the treatment identity and active substances, then check their permitted status for the relevant use, including any transitional route. The business first placing a treated article on that market is responsible for labelling it according to the applicable rules. Arrange testing and certification support where needed.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8 made-up polyester aquaculture cage nets under 5608 19 30 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,600. Duty at 8% is £1,568. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,168, so it is £4,233.60. Import taxes total £5,801.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,568 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit and mesh: measure net depth, perimeter, panel dimensions and mesh opening using the agreed method; compare attachment positions with the cage drawing.

Strength and seams: check wet-strength results against the ordered netting; inspect panel joins, knot tightness, border ropes and reinforced attachment loops for slippage or missed stitching.

Treatment and records: match fibre and coating records to the delivered batch; check treatment identity, agreed UV evidence and applicable treated-article labelling.

Arrival condition: open sampled bundles, spread the nets and look for torn mesh, abrasion, trapped debris and damp packaging. Record defects before installation; use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

A net can match the drawing when laid flat but fit poorly once tensioned. Different mesh-measurement methods create disputes, while weak joins, loose knots or misplaced loops leave gaps or concentrate load. Agree the measurement method and inspect an assembled sample before approving bulk production.

A stronger-looking coating can conceal weak twine, and a generic treatment certificate may describe a different formulation. Treat material substitution, missing wet-strength evidence and unidentified antifouling treatment as unresolved acceptance issues. Keep the affected batch separate while the supplier provides evidence or corrective work.

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.