Sourcing faux fur bottle covers from China

2% duty for qualifying artificial fur covers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 8 October 2026, heading 4304 covers artificial fur and articles thereof. Its sole commodity line is 4304 00 00 00, carrying 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

This guide concerns empty covers. Confirm the actual pile construction and backing before using this heading; a supplier's description of fabric as faux fur does not settle classification. Give your broker the material specification, photographs and sample details, using our guide to finding your commodity code.

The table contains the only commodity line supplied for this heading. For wider artificial fur sourcing considerations, see faux fur cushion covers. If bottles are included, review the complete order separately with your broker.

Specify the cover around the intended bottle

State that the order is for covers only. Supply the intended bottle sample and agree finished internal dimensions, neck opening, fastening position and seam allowance. Specify pile fibre, backing, lining, pile height, density, colour, shedding acceptance and care instructions. Approve a sample fitted to the intended bottle, with clear access to its stopper.

In Great Britain, textile labels must show fibre content, and consumer products must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check label wording against material evidence. Assess the cover with the intended bottle and instructions; do not use a cover inspection as evidence that the bottle itself is safe.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 faux fur hot water bottle covers, supplied without bottles under 4304 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,500. Duty at 2% is £190. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,690, so it is £1,938. Import taxes total £2,128; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £190 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit and access: fit sampled covers to the approved bottle, operate the fastening and check that fabric does not obstruct the stopper or bunch around the neck.

Pile and authenticity: inspect the pile base for textile backing, compare fibre evidence with the label and brush samples against the agreed shedding acceptance. Investigate any suspected animal fur.

Seams and fastening: examine neck and bottom seams, pull gently at joined panels and check for trapped pile, exposed rough edges and fastening parts that catch the bottle.

Washing and packing: wash samples using the proposed care instructions, then recheck fit, colour transfer, matting and seam distortion. Check incoming cartons for dampness and mixed designs. See quality inspection explained.

What goes wrong

A cover can match the approved colour yet fail to fit because the factory uses a different bottle shape. Narrow neck openings, tight bottom seams and bulky fastenings make fitting awkward. Freeze the pattern against the approved bottle sample and recheck fit after washing.

Loose pile, dye transfer and matted patches can spoil the finish. Material substitution can also leave the fibre label inaccurate. Retain the approved sample and material specification, compare shipment samples before dispatch and investigate differences before accepting the batch.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.