Sourcing horse riding helmets from China

Duty on horse riding helmets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 9 October 2026, heading 6506 covers other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. Horse riding helmets fall within its safety headgear lines: 6506 10 10 00 for plastics and 6506 10 80 00 for other materials. The table separates buying styles within these material lines; a peak does not create a separate code.

Both safety headgear lines carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for these lines. The other-materials line attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls. Products containing cat or dog fur cannot be imported into or sold in Great Britain; specify the materials of any trim.

Confirm the commodity code against the helmet's construction and materials before shipment. The cycle helmet guide covers another protective helmet family within the wider heading. For workplace headgear, see our industrial safety helmet sourcing guide.

Shell, fit and conformity documents

Specify riding use, peaked or skull style, shell material, impact liner, head shape, size range, adjustment system, chin strap, buckle and removable padding. Approve a physical fit sample and freeze the material specification. Ask for test and conformity documents identifying the exact helmet model and the sizes supplied, rather than accepting a report for a different shell.

For sale in Great Britain, the importer must check that the manufacturer has completed the appropriate conformity assessment and drawn up technical documentation. The helmet needs the relevant CE or UKCA marking and declaration of conformity. Instructions and safety information must be clear, legible and in understandable English. The importer must indicate its name and postal address on the helmet, subject to the permitted packaging exceptions.

Use testing and certification support to review the document scope before approving production. Agree with the buyer which riding activities the helmet is intended for and ask them to confirm any competition acceptance criteria. For other riding equipment, see our horse saddle sourcing guide.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size order of plastic horse riding helmets for a riding equipment retailer under 6506 10 10 00, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,400. Duty at 2% is £168. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,568, so it is £1,713.60. Import taxes total £1,881.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £168 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This example assumes the standard rate. Riding hats in young children's sizes can be zero-rated under HMRC's VAT Notice 714; check the sizes the notice sets.

Inspection checklist

Shell and liner: check for cracks, dents, exposed foam, loose bonding and uneven liner seating. Compare shell material, liner shape, vents and peak attachment with the approved sample.

Fit and retention: check labelled sizes against the agreed measurements, adjustment travel, strap routing, buckle engagement, stitching and padding position. Check that adjustment does not leave loose components.

Documents and identification: match the model on the helmet to its conformity documents; check the marking, importer details and English instructions. A visual inspection should not replace protective performance testing.

Packing and arrival: check that cartons prevent crushing and abrasion, helmets arrive dry, and the size and colour assortment matches the packing list. Set aside helmets with impact damage for investigation.

What goes wrong

A sample can fit well while production helmets use different padding thickness, liner geometry or strap positions. Buckles can release unevenly, adjustment wheels can slip, and decorative finishes can hide shell damage. Inspect production pieces against the approved construction, rather than judging only the outer appearance.

Documents can describe a similar helmet rather than the supplied model. Compare photographs, model identifiers, sizes and materials across the sample, reports and production specification. Investigate changes to the shell, liner or retention system before accepting the 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.