Sourcing coated knitted smocks from China
Coated knitted smocks from China carry UK duty of 8% to 12% under heading 6113, depending on the coated fabric. Fibre content must be labelled for sale in Great Britain. Specify the coating, seam construction and washing method before approving production. Cambridge China Bridge sources coated knitted smocks.
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UK duty on coated knitted smocks
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6113 covers garments made up of knitted or crocheted fabrics of headings 5903, 5906 or 5907. This guide covers coated knitted smocks. Rubberised knitted fabric smocks under 6113 00 10 00 carry 8% duty from China; other qualifying coated knitted smocks under 6113 00 90 00 carry 12%. The table shows smock variants sharing these codes.
The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, no suspensions and no attached import controls for these lines. This tariff snapshot does not establish whether a finished smock meets the requirements for sale. Confirm the fibre labelling and, where the product is personal protective equipment, its conformity requirements.
Confirm the commodity code from the knitted substrate and coating construction. Woven coated garments fall under heading 6210; rainwear with a coating invisible to the naked eye is usually classified as ordinary knitted clothing. For related garments across the heading, see the wetsuits and coated rainwear guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubberised knitted pullover smocks | 6113 00 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Plastic-coated knitted smocks | 6113 00 90 00 | 12% | None |
Specify the coating and smock construction
State the knitted base fabric, fibre composition, coating material and which surface is coated. Specify pullover or front-fastening construction, neck opening, sleeve length, cuff closure, hem coverage and pocket placement. Agree finished measurements, tolerances and room for clothing underneath. Approve a physical sample showing the coating feel and flexibility.
Define whether seams are stitched, welded or taped, including underarms, cuff joins and pocket attachments. Agree the washing method and acceptance criteria for coating adhesion, seam leakage and dimensional change. Support waterproofness claims with test evidence. For plasticised PVC coatings, use the site's reference guide as a starting point and confirm with HSE which UK REACH phthalate restrictions, if any, apply; agree material testing before production.
For sale in Great Britain, textile labels must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Put approved fibre wording into the order. If the smocks are personal protective equipment, they must meet the applicable essential health and safety requirements, and the importer must check that the manufacturer has completed the required conformity assessment procedures. Arrange testing and certification against the intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 plastic-coated knitted smocks; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. under 6113 00 90 00, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £700 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,700. Duty at 12% is £924. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,624, so it is £1,724.80. Import taxes total £2,648.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £924 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Coating: compare production garments with the sealed sample; inspect pinholes, tackiness, cracking and separation from the knitted backing.
Seams and openings: check underarms, pocket attachments, neck closures and cuff joins; test agreed water resistance on finished garments, including seams.
Fit and washing: measure chest, body and sleeves; try movement over intended clothing, then wash samples and check shrinkage, peeling and seam-tape lifting.
Labels and packing: compare fibre labels and care wording with the approved artwork; inspect garments from different cartons for shade differences, dampness and coating transfer. Use the inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A water-resistant fabric sample can conceal a smock that leaks through stitching or pocket attachments. Stiff coatings can restrict movement, while cuffs or neck openings let water inside. Substituted coating material can change the feel, wash durability and applicable tariff line.
Coatings may peel after washing or stick together in packed garments. Keep sealed fabric and garment samples, record the approved washing method and check production garments before shipment and on arrival. If the intended use involves personal protection, resolve the conformity assessment evidence before accepting a supplier's protective claims.
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 coated knitted smocks from China?
Rubberised knitted smocks under 6113 00 10 00 carry 8%; other qualifying coated knitted smocks under 6113 00 90 00 carry 12%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do coated knitted smocks need fibre labels?
Agree the wording against the actual fabric composition before production.
How do I check whether coated smocks leak?
Test finished production samples using the agreed water-resistance method. Include underarms, pocket attachments, cuffs and closures, then repeat the checks after washing.
What should I check if smocks are personal protective equipment?
Check the applicable essential health and safety requirements and evidence that the manufacturer completed the required conformity assessment procedures. Match the evidence to the supplied smock and intended protection.