Sector guides

Sourcing fishnet tights from China

Fishnet tights from China carry 12% UK duty across the relevant tights lines, with no variation in that range. Textile labels must show fibre composition. Specify mesh shape when stretched, yarn, fit and waistband recovery before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources fishnet tights.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-15

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Duty on fishnet tights

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6115 covers knitted or crocheted tights and other hosiery. Synthetic tights fall under 6115 21 00 00 when the single yarn measures less than 67 decitex, or 6115 22 00 00 when it measures 67 decitex or more. Other textile materials fall under 6115 29 00 00. The table repeats a code for different mesh styles; mesh opening size does not replace the yarn specification.

These tights lines carry 12% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded. Elsewhere in heading 6115, codes 6115 94 00 00 and 6115 99 00 00 have CITES import and export controls attached. For species listed in the specified CITES annexes, a permit is required. If your broker proposes either code, ask them to confirm the species-specific requirements for the goods from China.

Confirm the commodity code against the complete fibre composition and single-yarn specification before shipment. Keep the yarn details with the approved garment and packaging artwork. For the wider product family, see sourcing fashion tights.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Small-mesh synthetic fishnet tights, single yarn below 67 decitex6115 21 00 0012%None
Synthetic fishnet tights, single yarn 67 decitex or more6115 22 00 0012%None
Fishnet tights of other textile materials6115 29 00 0012%None

Specify mesh, stretch and toe construction

Define the mesh opening shape and size on an agreed leg form, using both relaxed and stretched samples. Specify fibre blend, single-yarn thickness, colour, waistband width and recovery, body length, gusset construction and toe reinforcement. Decide whether the mesh continues over the toes or ends in a closer-knit toe panel. Approve fit samples against the intended waist, hip and height ranges.

Textile labels must show fibre composition. Match the retail artwork to the actual yarn blend and check that the label is durable, legible, visible and accessible. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. Agree fabric and finished-garment checks with your testing service, including checks appropriate to the dyes and finishes used.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size order of black synthetic fishnet tights, single yarn below 67 decitex under 6115 21 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

Mesh: stretch production pairs over the agreed form and compare opening size, symmetry and pattern alignment with the approved sample. Look for broken yarns, unintended gaps and distorted mesh around seams.

Fit: check body length, waistband comfort and recovery, gusset position and toe coverage. Repeat the fit and recovery checks after the agreed washing procedure.

Colour: compare pairs from different cartons under consistent lighting, both relaxed and stretched. Check colour transfer using the agreed rubbing and washing procedure.

Packaging: match fibre wording, size, colour and barcode to the garment. During inspection, remove pairs from their retail packs to check for snags caused by cards, hooks or fasteners.

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What goes wrong

A flat sample can hide mesh that opens unevenly on the leg or a body that becomes too short when stretched. Loose yarn ends, weak toe closures and rough gusset seams can catch during dressing. Compare production pairs on the agreed form and retain the approved sample for checking repeat orders.

Yarn substitution or changed knitting tension can alter mesh shape, colour and elastic recovery while the packaging remains unchanged. Packing fasteners can also damage otherwise acceptable tights. On arrival, check carton contents, open retail packs and assess garment condition before releasing the stock for sale.

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 fishnet tights from China?

The relevant synthetic and other-textile tights lines carry 12% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for those lines.

Do fishnet tights need a fibre composition label?

Yes. Textile products must show fibre composition. Check that the label or marking is durable, legible, visible and accessible, and check the wording against the actual yarn blend.

Does a larger fishnet mesh change the commodity code?

Confirm classification using the fibre composition and single-yarn thickness. The supplied synthetic tights lines distinguish yarn below 67 decitex from yarn of 67 decitex or more, rather than mesh opening size.

How should I inspect fishnet tights before shipment?

Stretch production pairs on the agreed form, compare mesh and fit with the approved sample, wash-check waistband recovery, examine toe and gusset seams, and open retail packs to check for snags.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Textile labelling
  3. Product safety advice for businesses
  4. Check if you need a CITES permit

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