Sourcing knitted baby tights from China

UK duty on knitted baby tights

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6111 covers knitted or crocheted babies' garments and clothing accessories. The relevant tights lines all carry 12% duty from China, with no recorded anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspensions. HMRC's infant classification boundary is a body height not more than 86cm; check the intended wearer rather than relying on an age label.

The tariff attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls and seal-product import controls. If any cat or dog fur is proposed, confirm import and export restrictions with your customs broker before ordering. Seal products brought to Great Britain to trade must have a seal catch certificate; confirm eligibility for sale and any applicable exemption with the relevant authority or your customs broker. Some lines also attach CITES import and export controls. For animal materials in a China order, identify the species and confirm applicable permits and documentation with your customs broker before ordering.

Confirm the commodity code using the actual fibre composition, knitted construction and intended infant size. Give your broker the yarn breakdown and size chart. For the wider heading, see knitted baby leggings.

Specify the feet, waistband and infant fit

State the fibre names and proportions, yarn construction, knit structure and whether the tights have shaped heels, linked toes or sewn toe seams. Provide measurements for the waist, rise, leg and foot, with agreed tolerances. Define waistband stretch and recovery, seam position and the acceptable feel inside the foot. Approve each colour and size against physical samples.

For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Agree care instructions and check that the washing method suits the yarn blend. Confirm applicable babywear safety requirements with the relevant product safety authority. Avoid loose cords and detachable decorations, and inspect internal yarn loops that could catch toes. Ask for restricted-substance testing of dyed yarns, prints and any sole grips through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 pairs of cotton knitted baby tights; FOB value and freight are illustrative. under 6111 20 90 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £700 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,700. Duty at 12% is £324. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,024, so it is £604.80. Import taxes total £928.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £324 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

Feet and seams: turn the tights inside out; check toe seams, heel shaping, crotch joins and loose yarn loops. Compare seam bulk and foot shape with the approved sample.

Fit and recovery: measure waist, rise, leg and foot against the size chart; stretch the waistband and check that it returns without rolling or exposed elastic.

Wash and colour: wash production samples using the agreed care method; compare dimensions before and after washing, and check twisting, pilling, dye transfer and shade differences.

Labels and packing: match fibre wording, size labels, colours and pack contents to the order. Check arrival cartons for dampness and mould. Use the inspection guide to organise these checks.

What goes wrong

Tights can match the approval sample when laid flat but become too short after washing or sag at the crotch during wear. A waistband that stretches without recovering can slip down. Bulky toe seams, loose internal loops and poorly joined heels can make an otherwise acceptable pair unsuitable.

Keep approved washed and unwashed samples. Record measurement tolerances, waistband recovery and seam acceptance in the order, then repeat those checks on production goods and on arrival. Check mixed-size packs carefully: a correct outer label can hide the wrong sizes inside.

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.