Sourcing knitted arm warmers from China
Knitted arm warmers from China under heading 6117 carry UK duty of 8% to 12%, depending on whether they are elasticated or rubberised. Fibre content must be labelled. Agree cuff fit, finished length and wash performance before bulk production. Cambridge China Bridge sources knitted arm warmers.
Arm-warmer duty: 8% or 12%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6117 covers other made-up knitted or crocheted clothing accessories and their knitted parts. For goods from China, elasticated or rubberised accessories carry 8% duty; other accessories and parts carry 12%. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. The parts row concerns separately imported components, rather than finished arm warmers.
The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls, alongside CITES and cat and dog fur export controls. Imports containing cat or dog fur are banned. Imported seal products are subject to a market prohibition with limited exceptions. For animal-derived trims, confirm species, any CITES permit requirements and the seal-control documentation with your customs broker before ordering from China.
Send photographs, the yarn specification, details of added elastic or rubber and a sample to your broker to confirm the commodity code. Do not choose the elasticated line solely because ordinary rib knitting stretches. The finished design matters, especially where the warmer extends over the hand. See the knitted leg-warmer guide for related accessories within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticated knitted arm warmers | 6117 80 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Other knitted arm warmers | 6117 80 80 00 | 12% | None |
| Knitted accessory parts for arm-warmer assembly | 6117 90 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify yarn, cuff fit and arm coverage
Define the fibre blend, yarn feel, knit structure, finished length, wrist opening and upper-arm opening. State whether the warmer ends at the wrist or extends over the hand, and provide a drawing for any thumb opening. Agree relaxed measurements, stretched fit and recovery after wear. Approve a sample worn with the intended clothing, rather than judging fit from a flat photograph.
The fibre-content label must identify the material used. Acrylic made to resemble wool should be labelled as acrylic; verify wool or cashmere claims against bulk samples. Consumer arm warmers supplied in Great Britain must meet general product safety requirements. For children's styles, assess loose yarn loops, cords and detachable decorations, and avoid trims that create unnecessary hazards.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 pairs of knitted acrylic arm warmers, neither elasticated nor rubberised under 6117 80 80 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 12% is £768. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,168, so it is £1,433.60. Import taxes total £2,201.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £768 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and pairing: measure length and cuff openings against the approved sample, compare paired pieces and check that cuffs stay in position without uncomfortable pressure.
Knitting and recovery: inspect dropped stitches, holes, joins and loose yarn ends; stretch cuffs and any thumb openings, then check whether they recover their shape.
Wear and washing: check pilling, colour transfer from dark yarn and changes in length, width and cuff grip after the agreed care-label wash.
Labels and packing: compare fibre labels with the approved composition and test results; check colour and size identification, paired packing and signs of dampness or mould on arrival.
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What goes wrong
Arm warmers slip when the upper opening is too loose, pinch when the cuff is too tight, and become mismatched when paired pieces differ in length or tension. Thumb openings can unravel if their edges are poorly finished. Loose knitting may grow after washing, while dark yarn can transfer colour onto sleeves.
Agree measurement points and acceptable wash changes before production. Keep an approved sample for comparison and inspect bulk yarn, cuff recovery and paired packing before shipment. A sample made with a different yarn or elastic can hide the faults that appear in the order.
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 knitted arm warmers from China?
The tariff record read on 30 September 2026 shows 8% for elasticated or rubberised accessories and 12% for other knitted accessories under heading 6117, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Does a stretchy rib cuff mean the duty is 8%?
Do not assume so. Give your broker the yarn composition, details of added elastic or rubber and a finished sample to confirm whether the elasticated or rubberised line applies.
What label do knitted arm warmers need?
The label must show the fibre content. Use permitted fibre names and check wool or cashmere claims against the bulk material rather than relying on how the yarn feels.
How do I stop knitted arm warmers slipping down?
Approve the upper opening and cuff fit on a worn sample, agree relaxed and stretched measurements, and check recovery after wear and washing using the bulk yarn.