Sourcing cotton ottoman knitted fabric from China
Cotton ottoman knitted fabric from China under heading 6006 carries a flat 8% UK duty across the cotton lines, with no recorded trade remedy or suspension. Fibre composition must be labelled when sold to consumers. Specify the raised crosswise ribs and check wash stability. Cambridge China Bridge sources cotton ottoman knitted fabric.
8% duty on the cotton lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6006 covers other knitted or crocheted fabrics. Cotton ottoman knitted fabric within this heading is divided into unbleached or bleached, dyed, made from differently coloured yarns, and printed fabric. Each cotton line carries 8% duty on goods from China. The supplied snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control on these cotton lines.
The snapshot attaches CITES controls to the wool or fine animal hair and other-fibre lines elsewhere in this heading. If the supplied composition takes the fabric into either of those lines, the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code from the knitting construction, fibre composition, width and colouring method. Knitted fabric wider than 30 cm with 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in heading 6004 instead. A mill's ottoman description alone does not settle classification. See the cotton interlock guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton ottoman knitted fabric, unbleached or bleached | 6006 21 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton ottoman knitted fabric, dyed | 6006 22 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton ottoman knitted fabric, of differently coloured yarns | 6006 23 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton ottoman knitted fabric, printed | 6006 24 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the ottoman ribs and finished dimensions
Specify knitted cotton ottoman with raised crosswise ribs, rather than relying on the fabric name. Keep an approved swatch showing rib spacing, relief, face and reverse. State fibre composition, yarn specification, finished mass per square metre, usable width, stretch and recovery, colour and finish. Agree washing conditions and acceptance limits for shrinkage, skew and changes in rib appearance before ordering.
When fabric is sold by the metre to consumers in Great Britain, its fibre composition must be labelled. Confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. Verify the mill's composition before preparing labels. Confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions on azo dyes that release aromatic amines in textiles in prolonged skin contact with HSE. For garment fabric, ask for relevant test reports covering the dyed or printed quality you are buying.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 rolls of dyed cotton ottoman knitted fabric under 6006 22 00 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,800. Duty at 8% is £384. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,184, so it is £1,036.80. Import taxes total £1,420.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £384 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Rib structure: compare bulk rolls with the approved swatch for rib spacing, height and continuity. Inspect under angled light for flattened ribs, needle lines, holes and unintended bands.
Weight and width: measure finished mass per square metre and usable width after relaxing the fabric. Compare roll lengths and identification with the packing list, and record measurements by dye lot.
Wash stability: wash samples using the agreed conditions, then check length and width change, skew, stretch recovery and whether the ribs flatten or distort. Trial-cut and sew a panel before bulk cutting.
Shade and rubbing: compare rolls and edge-to-centre shade with the approved colour sample. Check washing and rubbing colour fastness, and inspect printed ribs for uneven coverage. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.
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What goes wrong
A similar-looking sample can hide a different construction or finish. Bulk fabric may have shallower ribs, uneven rib spacing or a softer handle than approved. Excess finishing tension can leave dimensions unstable, while narrow usable width disrupts cutting plans. Needle lines can disappear into the rib texture until panels are sewn.
Shrinkage or skew can pull the ribs out of alignment across garment seams. Shade changes between rolls create mismatched panels, and raised ribs can show rubbing marks or uneven print coverage. Keep sealed approval samples, identify dye lots and inspect relaxed, washed fabric before accepting bulk 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 cotton ottoman knitted fabric from China?
The cotton lines in heading 6006 carry 8% duty in the supplied tariff snapshot. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control is recorded on those lines.
Is cotton ottoman fabric always classified under 6006?
No. Confirm that it is knitted and check composition and width. Knitted fabric wider than 30 cm with 5% or more elastane or rubber thread belongs in heading 6004.
Does cotton ottoman fabric sold by the metre need a fibre label?
Yes, when sold to consumers in Great Britain. Give the fibre composition, confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards and verify that the mill's composition matches the fabric supplied.
How do I check that the ottoman ribs will keep their shape?
Compare relaxed bulk samples with the approved swatch, wash under agreed conditions and check rib relief, shrinkage and skew. Sew a trial panel to see whether ribs remain aligned at seams.