Sourcing French terry fabric from China
French terry knitted fabric from China, where classified under heading 6006, carries a flat 8% UK duty. Fibre composition must be labelled when sold to consumers. Confirm construction before choosing the code, then agree weight, usable width and wash stability. Cambridge China Bridge sources French terry knitted fabric.
8% duty for fabric classified under 6006
Heading 6006 covers other knitted or crocheted fabrics. This guide concerns French terry with a knitted face and an unbrushed loop back, where its construction falls within that heading. The table gives candidate lines, not a classification based on the trade name alone. For the wider heading, see cotton single jersey fabric.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, every listed line carried 8% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. The wool or fine animal hair line and the other-fibres line have CITES import and export controls attached. If considering those fibres, confirm the requirement for the Chinese shipment with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using a fabric sample, construction, composition, width and elastane content. The published background distinguishes looped pile knitted terry from heading 6006 fabrics, and wide knits with sufficient elastane have a separate heading. Do not assume every fabric sold as French terry belongs in the table.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton French terry, unbleached or bleached | 6006 21 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton French terry, dyed | 6006 22 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton French terry, of differently coloured yarns | 6006 23 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Cotton French terry, printed | 6006 24 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic-fibre French terry, dyed | 6006 32 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Synthetic-fibre French terry, printed | 6006 34 00 00 | 8% | None |
Specify the face, loop back and wash behaviour
Specify the fibre composition of the face and loop yarns, yarn count, loop size and density, fabric weight, usable width after finishing, stretch and recovery, and whether the reverse must remain unbrushed. Keep an approved sample showing both surfaces. Agree the colour reference, wash method and acceptable changes in dimensions and twist before bulk production.
Fabric sold to consumers by the metre needs fibre composition labelling. For garment production, verify the mill's composition before using it for the finished garment label. Confirm with the relevant authority any applicable REACH restrictions on azo dyes releasing listed aromatic amines in skin-contact textiles. Ask for relevant test results for each dyed or printed quality.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 8,000 metres of dyed cotton French terry in rolls, illustrative only under 6006 22 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,200. Duty at 8% is £1,056. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,256, so it is £2,851.20. Import taxes total £3,907.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,056 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Construction: compare both surfaces with the approved sample; check loop uniformity, pulled loops, needle lines, holes and unintended brushing.
Weight and width: measure fabric weight and usable width across sampled rolls after relaxation; compare the results with the agreed specification.
Wash stability: wash samples using the agreed method; measure shrinkage and twist, then check loop appearance, pilling and recovery.
Colour and rolls: compare roll-to-roll and edge-to-centre shade; check washing and rubbing fastness, roll identification and packing condition. Agree the inspection scope through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A face that matches the sample can hide a different loop yarn or uneven loop structure. Loose loops snag, the reverse sheds lint, and finishing can leave rolls narrower or lighter than ordered. Shrinkage and spirality only become visible after washing, when cut garment panels no longer keep their shape.
Shade differences between rolls create mismatched garment panels. Keep dye lots identified and separate until checked, and compare bulk fabric with the retained sample before cutting. Record defects and affected rolls on arrival so the mill can investigate the actual 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on French terry fabric from China?
For French terry classified under heading 6006, the supplied tariff record shows 8% duty on every line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Is French terry always classified under heading 6006?
No. Check the actual construction, fibre content, width and elastane share. Looped pile knitted terry and wide stretch knits can fall under separate headings.
Does French terry sold by the metre need a fibre label?
Yes, when sold to consumers, the fibre composition must be given. Check the mill's declared composition against the fabric supplied.
How do I check French terry before bulk cutting?
Compare both surfaces with the approved sample, measure weight and usable width, wash-test shrinkage and twist, and check shade between rolls and dye lots.