Sourcing knitted baby rompers from China
Knitted baby rompers from China carry 12% UK duty across the relevant fibre lines, with no recorded trade remedies or suspensions. Fibre composition labelling is required, while secure poppers, seams and trims need particular attention. Confirm any nightwear-labelling requirements for rompers sold as sleepsuits with Trading Standards. Cambridge China Bridge sources knitted baby rompers.
UK duty on knitted baby rompers
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6111 covers knitted or crocheted babies' garments and clothing accessories. The romper lines shown here carry 12% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions. The wider baby clothing guide also covers other garments and accessories.
The tariff attaches cat and dog fur and seal-product controls, with CITES import controls on the wool or fine animal hair and other textile material lines. Cat and dog fur products are banned from import. Seal-product imports are banned subject to limited exceptions; confirm any exception and documentation with your customs broker. For CITES-listed materials, confirm the species, applicable permits and restrictions before ordering from China.
Choose the line by fibre composition and the actual garment, then confirm the commodity code. Do not use the glove lines for rompers. Send your broker the fabric specification, photographs and details of any animal-derived trims.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton knitted baby rompers | 6111 20 90 00 | 12% | None |
| Synthetic-fibre knitted baby rompers | 6111 30 90 00 | 12% | None |
| Wool or fine animal hair knitted baby rompers | 6111 90 19 00 | 12% | None |
| Artificial-fibre knitted baby rompers | 6111 90 90 19 | 12% | None |
| Other textile material knitted baby rompers | 6111 90 90 90 | 12% | None |
Specify the romper body and fastenings
Agree fibre composition, knit construction, fabric weight, sleeve and leg shape, neck opening and crotch fastening layout. Set a garment measurement chart with tolerances, including body length, chest width and room through the crotch. Approve a sample after washing, rather than judging fit only on an unwashed garment.
Specify reinforced popper positions, seam construction and decoration attachment. Avoid neck cords and inspect enclosed feet for loose threads. Confirm applicable general product safety requirements with Trading Standards. Ask for chemical testing of fabrics, prints and trims against the restrictions identified for the materials.
A fibre composition label is required. For rompers sold as sleepsuits, confirm applicable flammability and nightwear-labelling requirements, including any exemptions, with Trading Standards. Settle label artwork and intended use before production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 cotton knitted baby rompers, illustrative order under 6111 20 90 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 12% is £2,400. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £22,400, so it is £4,480. Import taxes total £6,880; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,400 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Clothing designed for babies and young children is zero-rated under HMRC's VAT Notice 714, in which case no import VAT is due, so check the rate for your product.
Inspection checklist
Fastenings: pull-test poppers, buttons and decorations before and after washing; inspect reinforcement and reject loose attachments.
Fit and washing: measure each size against the approved chart, then check shrinkage, twisting and whether the crotch still closes without strain.
Seams and surfaces: inspect crotch seams, neck binding and enclosed feet for open stitching, rough edges and loose threads; check prints after washing.
Labels and packing: check fibre composition, size markings and any required nightwear label against approved artwork; reconcile colour and size quantities. Use the inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Poppers can pull through thin jersey when their positions lack reinforcement. A romper may match the chest measurement but become too short through the body after washing, putting strain on the crotch fastenings. Loose decoration and threads inside enclosed feet create further hazards.
Keep the washed approval sample with the measurement chart. Compare production garments by colour and size, and investigate changes in fabric, popper backing or seam construction 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on knitted baby rompers from China?
The relevant romper lines carry 12% duty across the listed fibres. The tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions.
Do knitted baby rompers need a fibre label?
Yes. The label must show fibre content. Agree the wording with the factory and check production labels against the fabric specification.
Do baby rompers sold as sleepsuits need nightwear labels?
Confirm with Trading Standards which flammability and nightwear-labelling requirements apply to babies' garments sold as sleepsuits, including any exemptions.
What should I check on arrival?
Check popper attachment, crotch seams, loose threads, washed measurements and labels. Compare garments from each colour and size with the approved sample.