Sourcing fashion tights from China
Fashion tights from China carry 12% UK duty across the synthetic and other-textile tights lines, with no duty variation between them. The main labelling rule is to show fibre composition; confirm the label or marking's durability and legibility requirements with Trading Standards. Specify yarn thickness, fit and finish before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources fashion tights.
Duty on fashion tights
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6115 covers knitted or crocheted tights and other hosiery. Fashion tights fall within the other pantyhose and tights branches. Synthetic tights are split by single-yarn thickness below 67 decitex or 67 decitex and above; tights of other textile materials have a separate line. The table separates cotton and wool examples under that same line.
The fashion-tights lines carry 12% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Elsewhere in the heading, wool or fine-animal-hair hosiery and other-textile hosiery lines have CITES import and export controls attached. If a broker proposes those lines, confirm the applicable requirement with them.
Confirm the commodity code against the complete fibre specification and single-yarn thickness before shipment. Keep the factory's yarn specification alongside the retail artwork. See the socks and hosiery guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic fashion tights, single yarn below 67 decitex | 6115 21 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Synthetic fashion tights, single yarn 67 decitex or more | 6115 22 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Cotton fashion tights, within other textile materials | 6115 29 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify yarn, opacity and fit
Specify fibre composition, yarn thickness, sheer or opaque appearance, matt or shiny finish, colour reference and pattern placement. Define the waistband, gusset, toe reinforcement and seam construction. Agree a size chart using waist, hip, height and stretched garment measurements, then approve fit samples.
Textile products must show their fibre composition. Confirm the label or marking's durability, legibility, visibility and accessibility requirements with Trading Standards. Match the packaging artwork to the actual yarn blend. Businesses making, importing, distributing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. Agree relevant fabric and finished-garment checks with your testing service before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size order of opaque fashion tights under 6115 22 00 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 12% is £1,104. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,304, so it is £2,060.80. Import taxes total £3,164.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,104 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Knit: stretch production pairs over a suitable form and check for holes, dropped stitches, uneven opacity and pattern distortion.
Fit: compare relaxed and stretched measurements with the approved sample; check waistband recovery, gusset position and toe comfort after washing.
Colour: compare pairs from different cartons under consistent lighting, including the appearance when stretched.
Packaging: check fibre wording, size, colour and barcode against the packed garment, and look for snags caused by cards or fasteners during inspection.
What goes wrong
An approved shade can look different when stretched, and a flat measurement can hide a short body or tight waistband. Weak toe seams, rough gusset seams and poor elastic recovery can turn an acceptable-looking sample into uncomfortable stock. Inspect production pairs and wash them using the proposed care instructions.
Yarn substitution can change opacity, feel and fibre composition while the packaging remains unchanged. Keep an approved garment and yarn specification for comparison, and resolve discrepancies before shipment. On arrival, check carton contents and packaging damage before releasing stock for sale.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on fashion tights from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 12% for synthetic tights and tights of other textile materials, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension on those lines.
Do fashion tights need a fibre label?
Yes. Textile products must show their fibre composition. Confirm the label or marking's durability, legibility, visibility and accessibility requirements with Trading Standards. Check the retail artwork against the actual yarn blend.
What should I specify for opaque tights?
Specify yarn thickness, fibre blend, stretched opacity, finish, colour, waistband recovery, gusset and toe construction. Approve fit samples against your size chart.
How do I check tights before shipment?
Stretch production pairs to inspect the knit and shade, compare fit with the approved sample, wash-check elastic recovery, and match each garment to its size, colour and fibre wording.