Sourcing field hockey sticks from China
Wooden and composite field hockey sticks entered under the candidate other-sports line carry 2% UK duty from China. For consumer sticks supplied in Great Britain, confirm the applicable product safety obligations with Trading Standards. Confirm classification, construction and bow profile before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources field hockey sticks.
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Field hockey sticks: candidate line carries 2% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 November 2026, heading 9506 covers sports and outdoor-game equipment. The residual other-sports line 9506 99 90 00 is the candidate for field hockey sticks, subject to confirmation. The table repeats this code for different stick types; these are not separate tariff subdivisions. For the wider heading, see cricket bats.
The candidate line carries 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. It attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls: imports and exports of such fur and products made from it are banned, including from China. Specify sticks and grips without that fur. A cultural-goods export licence measure is also attached; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance if re-exporting.
Confirm the commodity code using the finished stick, material specification and intended sporting use before costing an order. Keep field hockey sticks distinct from cricket and polo equipment when describing the goods.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden field hockey sticks, subject to classification confirmation | 9506 99 90 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the construction, bow and playing face
State whether the stick is wooden or composite, its intended indoor or outdoor use, and the intended player group. Specify length, finished weight, balance point, shaft shape, head profile and playing-face geometry. Record bow depth and position on a drawing, with agreed tolerances.
For composite sticks, name the reinforcement fibres, resin system and claimed fibre content. For wooden sticks, identify the timber and any reinforcement. Agree grip material, overlap, end-cap retention, coating and artwork. Retain an approved sample and agree flex, impact and repeated-strike checks for the intended use.
Confirm with Trading Standards the applicable general product safety obligations for consumer sticks supplied in Great Britain. Assess exposed fibres, splinters, sharp edges and breakage during foreseeable use. Ask Trading Standards to confirm what producer name and address, product reference or batch identification should appear on the product or packaging. Keep inspection records matched to the delivered model.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 24 composite field hockey sticks under 9506 99 90 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £350 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,850. Duty at 2% is £57. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,907, so it is £581.40. Import taxes total £638.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £57 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Geometry: check length, weight, balance, bow position and head shape against the approved drawing and sample; check the playing face for twisting.
Construction: inspect the head, heel and shaft for cracks, open seams, exposed fibres, splinters and coating defects. Repeat the agreed flex and impact checks on finished samples.
Grip and finish: check grip adhesion, overlap, end-cap retention, print resistance and colour consistency against the approved sample.
Arrival and identification: count each size and model, inspect for crushing and moisture damage, and match product identification to the order and inspection record. Agree the inspection scope through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A stick can match the artwork while differing in bow position, balance or stiffness. Look for a twisted playing face, inconsistent head thickness, loose grips and coating that conceals poor finishing. Composite damage may appear as cracking or separation around the head and heel; wooden sticks may split or develop splinters.
A material claim on a label does not establish the actual construction. Agree how the factory will substantiate fibre content and material identity, prohibit unapproved substitutions, and compare production samples with the retained sample. Record arrival defects before distributing the stock.
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 field hockey sticks from China?
The candidate other-sports line 9506 99 90 00 carries 2% duty in the supplied snapshot, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. Confirm classification for the finished stick.
Can wooden and composite hockey sticks use the same commodity code?
9506 99 90 00 is the candidate line for both in this guide. Give your customs broker the material specification, photographs and intended use to confirm the finished product's classification.
How do I specify the bow on a field hockey stick?
Put the bow depth and its position along the shaft on a drawing. Agree tolerances, head geometry, finished weight and balance, then approve a physical sample.
What should I check when field hockey sticks arrive?
Check size and model counts, bow geometry, weight, balance, playing-face alignment, cracks, exposed fibres or splinters, grip adhesion and transit damage. Compare samples with the approved stick.