Sourcing hold-up stockings from China
Ordinary hold-up stockings from China carry 12% UK duty across the relevant lines, so the duty range is a single rate. Fibre composition labelling is required; agree the yarn, thigh-band fit and silicone grip before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources hold-up stockings.
Duty by fibre and yarn fineness
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6115 covers knitted or crocheted hosiery, including stockings. Ordinary hold-up stockings in the relevant lines carry 12% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duties or suspensions recorded. Synthetic graduated compression hosiery is a separate category at 8%; do not apply that rate simply because a stocking has a gripping band.
The selected lines have no attached import controls. Elsewhere in the heading, the tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to wool or fine animal hair and other textile materials. CITES specimens require an import permit for Great Britain. For unusual animal-derived materials from China, confirm the species and applicable requirement with your customs broker before ordering.
Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, stocking length and single-yarn fineness, rather than the retail description alone. The table identifies possible classification routes, not interchangeable codes. See fashion tights for the wider hosiery family.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic full-length stockings, single yarn below 67 decitex | 6115 30 19 00 | 12% | None |
| Other textile full-length stockings, single yarn below 67 decitex | 6115 30 90 00 | 12% | None |
| Other synthetic women's stockings | 6115 96 91 00 | 12% | None |
| Other cotton hosiery | 6115 95 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify the thigh band and silicone grip
Define the fibre blend, yarn fineness, finish, colour, leg length, foot shape and toe reinforcement. Specify the relaxed and stretched thigh-band measurements, lace construction and silicone placement. Agree how grip, comfort and recovery will be assessed using samples worn across the intended size range.
Textile labels must show fibre content. Put the agreed composition into the packaging artwork and compare it with the production yarn. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use; include the skin-contact band and its materials in your product assessment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business order of hold-up stocking pairs in assorted sizes under 6115 30 19 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
Grip band: check silicone coverage, adhesion and cleanliness, and assess slipping, rolling and uncomfortable pressure during wear.
Fit and pairing: compare leg length, foot shape, stretch recovery and band measurements with the approved sample; check that paired stockings match.
Knit and finish: look for ladders, snags, uneven dyeing, rough toe seams and loose lace attachment; compare appearance and grip after the agreed washing trial.
Labels and packing: match fibre labels, size markings and colour references to the contents, and check that packaging does not snag the stockings. Include these checks in the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A band can grip well on a display form yet slip or roll during walking. Excessive band tension can also make a stocking uncomfortable despite acceptable flat measurements. Approve wear samples across the size range and repeat the assessment on production pairs.
Silicone can detach, lace joins can open and fine yarn can ladder when pulled from packaging. Keep an approved sample and record the washing and handling method so the factory and inspector assess the same behaviour.
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 hold-up stockings from China?
The relevant ordinary stocking lines carry 12% duty from China. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duties or suspensions on these lines.
Do hold-up stockings need fibre labels?
Yes. Textile products must show their fibre composition. Check the packaging artwork against the production yarn and ensure the label is durable and legible.
How do I check whether the stockings stay up?
Assess production pairs during wear across the intended size range. Check slipping, band rolling, comfort and grip after the agreed washing trial, rather than relying on flat measurements.
Does a silicone band make stockings compression hosiery?
Do not choose the graduated compression category from the band alone. Confirm the product construction and classification with your customs broker; ordinary synthetic women's stockings have separate tariff lines.