Sourcing commercial fishing trawl nets from China
Commercial fishing trawl nets from China carry a flat 8% UK duty under heading 5608. Baseline mesh rules apply in the North Sea and North Western Waters, so confirm the intended fishery before approving the net drawing. Cambridge China Bridge sources commercial fishing trawl nets.
A flat 8% duty on textile trawl nets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5608 covers knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope, made-up fishing nets and other made-up textile nets. Commercial trawl nets made from synthetic twine, cordage, rope or cables fall within the made-up fishing-net description. Material and construction distinguish the fishing-net lines.
Every supplied line carries 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. The table includes unmade knotted netting for manufacture or repair alongside finished fishing nets; that material is not a substitute description for a complete trawl.
Give your customs broker the material declaration, assembly drawing and description of the goods as shipped, then confirm the commodity code. For other net applications within the heading, see the aquaculture nets guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made-up synthetic fishing nets of twine, cordage, rope or cables | 5608 11 20 00 | 8% | None |
| Other made-up synthetic fishing nets | 5608 11 80 00 | 8% | None |
| Fishing nets of other textile materials | 5608 90 00 90 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic knotted netting, not made up, for net manufacture or repair | 5608 19 90 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the trawl body, codend and rigging
Start with the vessel, target species, fishing area and trawl type. Baseline mesh sizes apply in the North Sea and North Western Waters. Ask the operator to confirm the applicable fishing-gear rules before approving production. The official North Sea demersal towed-gear guidance describes its stated mesh sizes as minimum sizes.
Approve a panel drawing showing wings, belly, extension, codend, mesh orientation, joins and any selective panels. Specify fibre, twine construction and diameter, knot type, net dimensions, border ropes and attachment points. Agree the mesh measurement method and condition of the sample, rather than accepting an unexplained mesh description.
Set acceptance values for twine and knot breaking force, seam strength and abrasion performance. The ISO 1805 method covers fishing-netting yarn and knot breaking force. Identify the matching report and sample for each material supplied, and agree how replacement codends will attach to the existing net.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 8 complete synthetic commercial trawl nets, illustrative only under 5608 11 20 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
Mesh and layout: measure sampled meshes using the agreed method and sample condition; compare the codend, extension and selective-panel positions with the approved drawing.
Twine and strength: compare fibre declaration, diameter and construction with the order; match sampled twine and knot breaking-force results to the batch.
Assembly and rigging: check panel joins, knot tightness, border-rope attachment and codend closure; lay out the net to find reversed panels or mismatched attachment points.
Arrival condition: open packages to check for cuts, abrasion, moisture and contamination; reconcile net and replacement-panel identities with the packing list. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the inspection scope.
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What goes wrong
A supplier can reproduce the outline while changing twine construction, mesh orientation or panel joins. A codend may fit the net but differ from the approved mesh specification. Knots can slip, seams can open under load, and incorrectly positioned selective panels can make the delivered assembly unsuitable for the buyer's intended use.
Approve the assembled sample as well as loose netting. Record the drawing revision, measurement method and acceptance results in the order. Check replacement panels against the original assembly, and resolve deviations before shipment through an agreed testing plan.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on commercial trawl nets from China?
The supplied UK Trade Tariff record shows 8% on every line of heading 5608, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or import controls.
What mesh size should I order for a commercial trawl?
Ask the vessel operator to confirm the applicable fishery rules before approving the drawing. Baseline mesh sizes apply in the North Sea and North Western Waters; do not order from a generic catalogue description.
How do I check trawl net strength?
Agree minimum twine, knot and seam strength in the order. Test batch samples and match reports to the supplied material. ISO 1805 provides a method for fishing-netting yarn and knot breaking force.
Can I order replacement codends separately?
Yes, but specify the attachment layout, mesh orientation, twine construction and closure. Compare an assembled replacement with the existing net before approving the batch.