Sourcing fencing masks from China

Fencing-mask duty and material controls

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6506 covers other headgear, whether lined or trimmed. For metal-mesh fencing masks, start with 6506 10 80 00, safety headgear of other materials: 2% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line. The mask variants in the table share this provisional tariff line.

The tariff attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls to this line. Imports and exports of such fur and products made from it are banned. Specify the padding, lining and trim materials, exclude cat and dog fur, and ask your customs broker to confirm how the attached control should be addressed for your shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the complete mask's construction, materials and protective purpose before ordering. For related fencing equipment, see the woven fencing gloves guide.

Specify the mesh, bib and retention system

State whether the mask is for épée, foil or sabre, and whether the buyer intends club training or competition use. Agree mesh material, wire construction, coating, face clearance, bib materials and coverage, padding, head-size range and retention design. For electrical scoring models, agree conductive areas and connection points with the buyer's club.

For protective masks sold in Great Britain, check the appropriate CE or UKCA marking, declaration of conformity and English instructions. The importer must indicate its name, registered trade name or trademark and postal address on the equipment, subject to the applicable labelling exceptions. Request model-matched mesh and bib test reports, and approve a physical sample with the intended users.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size club order of metal-mesh fencing masks under 6506 10 80 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,900. Duty at 2% is £198. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,098, so it is £2,019.60. Import taxes total £2,217.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £198 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Mesh and frame: check for broken wires, uneven openings, sharp edges, loose joints, coating damage and distortion against the approved sample.

Bib and seams: compare materials and coverage with the specification; check attachment seams, binding, loose stitching and gaps where the bib meets the frame.

Fit and retention: check size measurements, face clearance, padding attachment, adjustment and strap fastening on samples from each ordered size.

Documents and packing: match the model on the declaration and test reports to the masks; check marking and English instructions, then inspect cartons for crushing or moisture damage. Plan these checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

Failure points include mesh deformed in transit, exposed wire ends, weak bib attachment, slipping retention straps and padding that changes the fit. Electrical scoring models can also arrive with the wrong conductive areas or incompatible connections. Check these features against the approved sample before accepting stock.

A supplier may send reports for a different mask or substitute bib fabric, mesh or straps after sample approval. Record the approved materials and construction in the order, compare production samples with that record, and refer protective-performance questions to the testing provider before releasing the batch.

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.