Sourcing baseball caps from China
Textile baseball caps from China normally carry 2% UK duty under the peaked-cap line, so the listed styles all have the same rate. Fibre composition labels are required for sale in Great Britain. Approve fit, peak shape and embroidery on a physical sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources baseball caps.
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UK duty on baseball caps
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 October 2026, heading 6505 covers knitted or crocheted headgear and hats made up from textile fabric, whether lined or trimmed. Textile baseball caps normally fall under peaked caps, 6505 00 30 00, at 2% duty from China. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is listed for this line. The table shows product variants sharing this code.
The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls. Cat and dog fur products are banned from import. Under the traditional-hunt exemption for Inuit and other indigenous communities, seal products need a seal catch attestation. CITES-listed trims need the applicable permits. For caps shipped from China with animal-derived patches or trims, give your customs broker the species and origin details and confirm eligibility and documents before ordering.
Confirm fabric, construction and trims when finding your commodity code. For other headwear within this heading, see knitted beanie hats. Use the import duty and VAT guide to understand the illustrative order calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain cotton baseball caps | 6505 00 30 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the crown, peak and embroidery
Specify shell fibre composition, weave, fabric weight, crown height, panel arrangement, lining and sweatband. Agree finished head circumference and the usable adjustment range, with measurement points and tolerances. Define peak length, curvature, stiffness and insert material. Approve a physical sample worn on the head, including the intended closure.
Send logo artwork with thread colours, embroidery placement, backing and stitch density. Approve the decorated sample before production. For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Consumer products should only be sold once compliance with product safety regulations has been demonstrated. Review rough eyelets, detachable badges and closure components for the intended wearer.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 embroidered baseball caps, illustrative order only under 6505 00 30 00, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,400. Duty at 2% is £168. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,568, so it is £1,713.60. Import taxes total £1,881.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £168 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and shape: measure head circumference, crown height and peak dimensions against the approved sample. Check symmetry, crown support, peak curvature and adjustment at the agreed fit limits.
Fabric and colour: compare shell, mesh panels, lining and sweatband with approved swatches. Check rubbing and perspiration colour transfer, then assess shrinkage and distortion after the agreed wash.
Decoration and fittings: check logo position, thread colours, embroidery puckering, exposed backing and loose threads. Operate closures repeatedly and check eyelets and badges for rough edges or insecure attachment.
Labels and packing: match fibre labels, sizes and colour quantities to the order. Check arrival samples for dampness, crushed crowns and bent peaks. Record these checks in the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A cap can match the artwork but fit poorly because the sweatband reduces the opening or the crown is too shallow. Soft crown reinforcement lets the front collapse, while uneven peak stitching creates a twisted brim. Dense embroidery can pucker the front panels or leave uncomfortable backing against the forehead.
Dark sweatbands can transfer colour, adjustment straps can slip, and packing pressure can flatten raised embroidery. Keep a sealed decorated sample and compare production pieces from each colour and size. Check fit and appearance after washing and unpacking before accepting the batch.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on baseball caps from China?
Normally 2% under 6505 00 30 00. The tariff data lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension for this peaked-cap line.
Do baseball caps need fibre composition labels?
Yes. Check it against the approved materials.
What should I send a factory for embroidered baseball caps?
Send the fabric specification, fit measurements, crown and peak details, closure choice and logo artwork. Agree thread colours, placement, backing and stitch density on a physical sample.
How do I stop baseball caps arriving crushed?
Approve the nesting method and crown supports using a packed sample. Check that peaks retain their curve and embroidery is not compressed, then compare arrival pieces with the retained sample.