Sourcing cotton interlock fabric from China
Cotton interlock fabric from China classified under heading 6006 pays a flat 8% UK duty across the cotton lines, with no listed trade remedies. Fabric sold to consumers must carry fibre composition information. Check weight, usable width and wash stability before cutting. Cambridge China Bridge sources cotton interlock fabric.
Cotton interlock duty: 8%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 November 2026, the cotton lines within heading 6006, other knitted or crocheted fabrics, carry 8% duty for goods from China. Unbleached or bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed and printed cotton interlock have separate codes but the same rate. These cotton lines list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or import controls.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual construction, fibre composition, width and colouring method. Cotton interlock containing elastane may fall outside these cotton lines: knitted fabric over 30 cm wide with 5% or more elastane belongs to heading 6004. See the wider knitted fabrics guide before treating a stretch blend as ordinary cotton interlock.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton interlock fabric, unbleached or bleached | 6006 21 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton interlock fabric, dyed | 6006 22 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton interlock fabric, of yarns of different colours | 6006 23 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton interlock fabric, printed | 6006 24 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the interlock and its finished condition
Describe the interlock construction rather than ordering only by a sample's softness. Agree fibre composition, yarn count, mass per square metre, usable width, tubular or open-width delivery, colour reference and finishing. State whether the fabric will be dyed, yarn-dyed or printed, and retain an approved finished sample.
Agree shrinkage and twist tolerances against the intended garment washing method. Check stretch and recovery in both directions, pilling and bursting strength. Fabric sold by the metre to consumers needs fibre composition information using the listed fibre names. For textiles intended for skin contact, confirm applicable UK REACH dye restrictions with the relevant authority; request relevant testing for dyed and printed qualities.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Dyed cotton interlock fabric in rolls for a garment business; illustrative order under 6006 22 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £22,800. Duty at 8% is £1,824. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,624, so it is £4,924.80. Import taxes total £6,748.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,824 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Weight and width: measure finished mass per square metre and usable width across sampled rolls, excluding unusable edges, and compare with the order.
Wash stability: wash samples using the agreed method, then measure shrinkage and twist before approving bulk cutting.
Shade and colour: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade with the approved lab dip; check washing and rubbing fastness, plus print appearance after stretching.
Construction and rolls: inspect both faces for needle lines, holes, barré and surface pilling; check roll identification and record defects against the agreed acceptance criteria.
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What goes wrong
A soft sample can conceal unstable finishing. Bulk interlock may shrink, twist or pill after washing, while low weight and narrow usable width reduce the fabric available for cutting. Shade differences between rolls can leave garment panels visibly mismatched.
Keep the approved sample and colour reference with the inspection brief. Separate rolls by shade before cutting, and hold disputed lots until measurements and wash results are reviewed. Use the quality inspection guide to agree what the inspector should record.
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 cotton interlock fabric from China?
The cotton lines under heading 6006 carry 8% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or import controls.
Is cotton interlock with elastane in the same commodity code?
Not necessarily. Knitted fabric over 30 cm wide containing 5% or more elastane belongs to heading 6004. Confirm composition and width before choosing the code.
Does cotton interlock sold by the metre need fibre labelling?
When sold to consumers, its fibre composition must be given using the listed fibre names. Check the mill's composition evidence before preparing the label.
How do I check cotton interlock before cutting garments?
Measure weight and usable width, compare shade across rolls, inspect both faces and wash-test shrinkage and twist. Match the washing method to the intended garment care.