Sourcing waterproof aprons from China
Coated knitted waterproof aprons from China carry UK duty of 8% to 12% under heading 6113, depending on the fabric treatment. Confirm the knitted backing and coating before choosing the code, and distinguish waterproof performance from wearer-protection claims. Cambridge China Bridge sources coated knitted waterproof aprons.
UK duty on coated knitted waterproof aprons
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6113 covers garments made from knitted or crocheted fabrics of headings 5903, 5906 or 5907. This guide covers waterproof aprons made from those fabrics. The table shows apron variants sharing the supplied commodity codes; the apron shape does not establish the tariff treatment.
Goods from China under 6113 00 10 00, made from rubberised knitted fabric of heading 5906, carry 8% duty. Other qualifying coated or laminated knitted aprons under 6113 00 90 00 carry 12%. The supplied records contain no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
Confirm the commodity code using a fabric sample, backing construction and coating details. Woven coated garments fall under heading 6210; an invisible coating may lead to ordinary knitted-garment classification. See the coated knitted coveralls guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bib aprons of rubberised knitted fabric | 6113 00 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Bib aprons of plastic-coated knitted fabric | 6113 00 90 00 | 12% | None |
Specify the backing, coating and apron coverage
Specify the knitted backing fibre, coating material, finished fabric weight, thickness, coated side and surface finish. Define bib width, body length, waist coverage, neck adjustment and tie length. Agree whether pockets, bindings and strap attachments are stitched or welded, and how any needle holes will be sealed.
Approve waterproofness after the agreed washing method, alongside coating adhesion, flexibility and resistance to the cleaning products actually used. Test a finished apron as well as flat fabric, especially around pockets and strap attachments. Keep a sealed approval sample and prohibit material substitutions without agreement.
For textile aprons sold in Great Britain, fibre content must be labelled. Aprons sold with wearer-protection claims can bring personal protective equipment rules into scope; settle the applicable risk category and conformity route before ordering. CE marking remains recognised indefinitely in Great Britain for qualifying personal protective equipment. Use testing and certification support to plan the evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 plastic-coated knitted waterproof aprons; FOB value and freight are illustrative. 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
Material: compare backing, coating, weight, thickness and handle with the approved sample; look for pinholes, thin patches, cracking and delamination.
Coverage and fastening: measure the apron against the agreed drawing; check neck adjustment, tie attachment, buckles and coverage during bending.
Water and washing: check leakage at seams, pockets and strap attachments; repeat the agreed wash and flex checks and inspect coating adhesion.
Labels and packing: compare fibre and care wording with the approval; check colour transfer, sticking between folded surfaces and damp cartons. Plan shipment and arrival checks with the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Waterproof fabric can become a leaking apron when stitching punctures the coating. Pocket corners and neck-strap attachments need particular attention. A bulk coating can also be thinner than the approval sample, become sticky in storage or peel after repeated washing.
Agree acceptance checks on finished production aprons using the intended cleaning method. Treat waterproofness and chemical protection as separate purchasing questions: a water test does not establish resistance to cleaning chemicals. Check that any protection documents identify the actual apron model and material.
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 waterproof aprons from China?
Rubberised knitted aprons under 6113 00 10 00 carry 8%; other qualifying coated knitted aprons under 6113 00 90 00 carry 12%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Can I use the factory's apron commodity code?
Check it against the knitted backing and coating construction. Rubberised and other coated fabrics have different duty rates; woven coated aprons belong to a different heading.
How do I check that a waterproof apron will not leak?
Test finished production samples around seams, pockets and strap attachments, then repeat after the agreed washing method. Approve the test method and acceptance criteria before production.
Does a waterproof apron need protective equipment certification?
Wearer-protection claims can bring personal protective equipment rules into scope. Confirm the intended protection, risk category and conformity route before ordering; waterproofness alone does not establish chemical protection.