Sourcing fishing cast nets from China

Fishing cast nets: 8% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 5608 covers knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope, made-up fishing nets and other made-up textile nets. Every supplied commodity line carries 8% duty for goods from China. The snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls.

For finished synthetic cast nets, distinguish nets made from twine, cordage, rope or cables from other constructions. The table also includes unfinished synthetic knotted netting for making or repairing nets and nets of other textile materials. These are different supply forms, so confirm the commodity code against the actual material and construction.

Cast nets are thrown to spread over the water and retrieved by a handline. Specify that product clearly when requesting classification advice. For the wider fishing-net family, see commercial fishing trawl nets.

Specify the spread, weights and retrieval

State fibre material, monofilament or multifilament construction, knotted or knotless mesh, twine diameter and mesh measurement method. Define whether the advertised size is radius or diameter, measured with the net spread flat. Specify perimeter weight material, total weight, spacing, handline length, swivel and retrieval-line arrangement. Approve a physical sample with the intended opening and closing action.

Consumer cast nets supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Assess sharp weight edges, loose weights, handline entanglement and retrieval fittings on the actual sample. Agree handling instructions, packaging and checks for these risks before production.

Written permission is required to fish with nets in England's inland waters. Ask the buyer to confirm the intended fishing location and use before choosing the mesh and net design. Avoid describing the product as suitable for unrestricted inland fishing.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 compact fishing cast nets; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 5608 11 20 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,600. Duty at 8% is £1,568. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,168, so it is £4,233.60. Import taxes total £5,801.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,568 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Mesh and spread: measure mesh using the agreed method, spread the net flat and check radius, symmetry, holes and uneven panels against the approved sample.

Weights and edging: weigh the complete net, compare perimeter weight spacing and attachments, and check for sharp edges, loose weights or exposed wire.

Retrieval: check handline length, pull-test agreed attachments and cycle the swivel and retrieval lines to identify snagging, tangles or incomplete closure.

Arrival condition: unpack sampled nets, check for trapped moisture, corrosion and transit damage, and compare supplied instructions and packaging with the approved version. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

Radius is quoted as diameter, mesh is measured differently by buyer and factory, or perimeter weights are reduced without agreement. The net then spreads differently from the sample or closes unevenly. Thin retrieval lines, slipping knots and rough weight edges can cause breakage or snagging.

Agree the measurement method and retain the approved sample. Inspect production nets for spread and closure rather than checking only packed dimensions. Keep inland-use claims consistent with the written-permission requirement for England.

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.