Sourcing compression T-shirts from China

Compression T-shirt duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 6109 covers knitted or crocheted T-shirts, singlets and other vests. This guide focuses on compression T-shirts for sports use. The cotton vest row is included for comparison with T-shirt construction. See the wider cotton T-shirts guide.

All listed lines carry 12% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions recorded. The non-cotton lines have CITES import and export controls attached. If a garment contains CITES-listed material, confirm the species and documents with your customs broker before ordering. CITES specimens entering Great Britain require a permit application, and the exporting country's corresponding documentation also needs checking.

Confirm the commodity code from the finished garment's construction and fibre composition. A supplier's description of a top as compression clothing does not establish its classification. Give your broker the composition, garment photographs and an approved sample description.

Specify stretch recovery and compression fit

Specify the fibre blend, knit structure, fabric weight, stretch direction and recovery after repeated stretching. Define chest width, body length, sleeve opening and neckline measurements across the size range. State the intended close fit and approve samples on wearers matching that range, checking movement, breathing comfort and whether the hem rides up.

Agree seam placement and construction, label position, stretched opacity and washing checks. Assess any claimed compression performance using an agreed test method rather than judging tightness alone. For sale in Great Britain, the fibre label must show fibre content. Products should only be sold once compliance with product safety regulations has been demonstrated appropriately.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 man-made fibre compression T-shirts under 6109 90 20 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

Fabric: compare composition, shade, weight, stretch recovery and opacity under stretch with the approved sample.

Fit: measure the ordered sizes; check sleeve grip, neckline recovery, hem movement and fit during reaching and bending.

Seams: stretch shoulder, underarm and side seams; check popped stitches, rough seam ends and label edges that rub.

Arrival: check washing distortion, colour transfer, print cracking, fibre labels, size assortment and damp packing. Record results in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A close-fitting sample can conceal poor recovery: the fabric may stay stretched after wear, while sleeves or hems lose their grip. Excessive tightness can also restrict movement. Compare worn and washed samples with the approved measurements before accepting bulk fabric.

Fabric substitution can change fit and make the fibre label inaccurate. Seams that look tidy when relaxed may break under stretch, and prints can crack where the chest expands. Retain the approved fabric and finished sample, and inspect the same high-stretch areas in bulk garments.

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.