Sourcing cotton single jersey from China
Cotton single jersey fabric classified under heading 6006 carries a flat 8% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedy or suspension on the cotton lines. Fibre composition must be stated when fabric is sold to consumers; check shrinkage, spirality and shade before cutting. Cambridge China Bridge sources cotton single jersey fabric.
8% duty on the cotton lines
Heading 6006 covers other knitted or crocheted fabrics. For cotton single jersey within this heading, the cotton lines distinguish unbleached or bleached, dyed, different-coloured yarns and printed fabric. See the wider knitted fabrics guide for other constructions.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 November 2026, the cotton lines carried 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these cotton lines.
Confirm the commodity code using the construction, fibre composition, width and finishing process. Do not assume cotton jersey containing elastane belongs here: knitted fabric over 30 cm wide with 5% or more elastane falls under heading 6004.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton single jersey, unbleached or bleached | 6006 21 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton single jersey, dyed | 6006 22 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton single jersey, of yarns of different colours | 6006 23 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton single jersey, printed | 6006 24 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the jersey after finishing
Specify cotton composition, yarn count, combed or carded yarn, fabric weight, usable width and tubular or open-width delivery. Agree the finished handle, colour or print, washing conditions and acceptable shrinkage and spirality. Keep a signed finished sample and colour reference rather than approving only unfinished fabric.
For consumer sales, including fabric sold by the metre, fibre composition must be stated using the prescribed fibre names. For garment production, verify the mill's composition before using it for garment labels. For textiles intended for skin contact, confirm applicable UK REACH dye restrictions with the relevant authority; request relevant testing for dyed and printed jersey.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 rolls of dyed cotton single jersey 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
Weight and width: measure fabric weight and usable width after relaxation, compare with the order, and check roll quantities and identifiers on arrival.
Wash stability: wash samples using the agreed conditions, measure shrinkage in both directions and inspect spirality. Make a trial garment to check whether side seams twist.
Shade and colour: compare rolls and fabric edges with the centre against the approved colour reference. Test washing and rubbing fastness, and check printed areas after stretching.
Surface and packing: inspect for barré, needle lines, holes and uneven finishing. Record faults by roll and check for damp wrapping, staining or musty odours. See quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A soft sample can conceal unstable bulk fabric. Cotton jersey may shrink or twist after washing, while curling cut edges make handling difficult. Lightweight or narrow rolls reduce garment yield, and shade differences become visible when panels from different rolls are sewn together.
Hold affected rolls apart before cutting. Compare arrival checks with the signed sample and agreed tolerances, and record roll identifiers, photographs and wash results for the supplier. Approve each colour and finish rather than assuming an earlier sample represents the whole order.
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 single jersey from China?
The cotton lines under heading 6006 carry 8% duty in the supplied tariff reading, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Does cotton jersey with elastane use the same code?
Not always. Knitted fabric over 30 cm wide containing 5% or more elastane falls under heading 6004. Confirm composition and width before declaring the goods.
Does cotton jersey sold by the metre need a fibre label?
Yes, when sold to consumers, its fibre composition must be stated using the prescribed fibre names. Verify the composition rather than relying only on the supplier's description.
How do I stop cotton jersey garments twisting after washing?
Agree a spirality tolerance, wash-test finished fabric and make a trial garment before bulk cutting. Check production rolls against the approved sample.