Sourcing industrial safety helmets from China
Industrial safety helmets from China pay 2% UK duty across the relevant safety headgear lines. Before sale in Great Britain, importers must check conformity assessment and provide their identification and clear English safety instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial safety helmets.
Duty on industrial safety helmets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, heading 6506 covers other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. Industrial safety helmets fall within its safety headgear branches: plastics under 6506 10 10 00 and other materials under 6506 10 80 00. The table separates buying configurations; repeated codes do not represent separate tariff lines.
Both relevant lines carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for these lines. The other-materials line attaches import and export controls on cat and dog fur. Imports and exports of such fur, including products made from it, are banned; exclude it from liners and trims.
Confirm the shell material and finished helmet description with your customs broker using finding your commodity code. For the wider safety headgear category, see the cycle helmet guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic industrial safety helmets | 6506 10 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Industrial safety helmets of other materials | 6506 10 80 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the shell, harness and intended protection
Describe the working environment and requested protection before choosing the shell. Agree shell material, brim shape, ventilation, headband adjustment, suspension, sweatband, chinstrap and accessory slots. Check earmuffs and visors on the assembled sample. Record approved components and logo placement so the factory cannot substitute a different harness or shell unnoticed.
For sale in Great Britain, the importer must check that the manufacturer has completed the required conformity assessment. Ask for model-specific supporting documents before approving production. Put the importer's name or registered trade identity and postal address on the helmet, and provide clear English instructions and safety information. Discuss document checks through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 plastic industrial safety helmets, illustrative only under 6506 10 10 00, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £38,500. Duty at 2% is £770. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £39,270, so it is £7,854. Import taxes total £8,624; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £770 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This example assumes the standard rate. Protective helmets for industrial use can be zero-rated under HMRC's VAT Notice 701/23 when all its conditions are met; check them before relying on it.
Inspection checklist
Shell: check for cracks, distortion, sharp edges and inconsistent moulding; compare material, ventilation and brim with the approved sample.
Harness and fit: check suspension anchors are seated, the adjustment holds and the chinstrap matches the specification; try the helmet with the agreed hearing protection.
Identification and instructions: check importer details and clear English safety instructions; match model references on the helmet, packing and supplied supporting documents.
Packing and arrival: check shells and harnesses have not been crushed, accessories are complete and cartons match the packing list. Arrange quality inspection against the approved sample.
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What goes wrong
A similar-looking helmet can arrive with a different suspension, loose anchors or an adjustment that slips. Accessory slots may fit the factory's visor but not the buyer's earmuffs. Treat shell, harness, chinstrap and accessories as an agreed assembly, and check production samples with the actual accessories.
Another failure is paperwork for a different model or instructions that omit the supplied harness and accessories. Hold affected stock for review when identifiers or components differ from the approved documentation. A visual inspection cannot establish impact performance; arrange appropriate testing of the actual helmet configuration.
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 industrial safety helmets from China?
Both relevant safety headgear lines carry 2% duty: 6506 10 10 00 for plastics and 6506 10 80 00 for other materials. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
What must an importer check before selling safety helmets in Great Britain?
Check that the manufacturer has completed the required conformity assessment. Provide importer identification on the helmet and clear English instructions and safety information.
What should I specify when ordering industrial safety helmets?
Specify intended protection, shell material, ventilation, brim, suspension, adjustment, sweatband, chinstrap and accessory compatibility. Approve the complete assembly.
Can a visual inspection prove a safety helmet's protection?
A visual check finds damage and assembly faults but cannot establish impact performance. Review model-specific supporting documents and arrange appropriate testing of the supplied configuration.