Sourcing knitted detachable cuffs from China
Knitted detachable cuffs from China carry UK duty of 8% to 12% under heading 6117, depending on construction and whether they are accessories or garment parts. Fibre content must be labelled. Specify wrist fit, attachment method and wash performance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources knitted detachable cuffs.
Duty depends on construction and use
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6117 covers other made-up knitted or crocheted clothing accessories and knitted or crocheted garment or accessory parts. For detachable cuffs, establish whether the goods are finished accessories or parts intended for attachment to garments. The table repeats the elasticated or rubberised line to distinguish those constructions.
For goods from China, the elasticated or rubberised accessory line carries 8% duty; other accessories and parts carry 12%. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. Give your broker photographs, fibre composition, construction details and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Related accessories are covered in the knitted detachable collars guide.
The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls. Imports containing cat or dog fur are banned. CITES-listed trims may need permits; confirm the species and documents with your broker before shipment. For seal materials, the tariff attaches a control and the importer should confirm the requirement for goods from China with their customs broker.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticated knitted detachable cuffs, as clothing accessories | 6117 80 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Other knitted detachable cuffs, as clothing accessories | 6117 80 80 00 | 12% | None |
| Knitted cuffs supplied as garment parts | 6117 90 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify wrist fit and sleeve attachment
State whether the cuffs slip over the wrist or attach to a sleeve with buttons, loops or press studs. Agree relaxed opening, comfortable stretched opening, cuff depth, rib structure, yarn blend, edge finish and colour. Supply the intended sleeve or an accurate attachment drawing. Approve a matched pair and retain it for comparison with bulk production.
Textile labels must show fibre content. Check any wool or cashmere claim against bulk material rather than relying on the sample description. Agree washing instructions and acceptance criteria for shrinkage, pilling and stretch recovery. For cuffs with trims, record the trim material separately and ask the factory to identify any animal-derived material.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 pairs of non-elasticated knitted detachable cuffs 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 recovery: measure relaxed openings and cuff depth, stretch the rib repeatedly, and check that it returns without becoming loose or uncomfortably tight.
Attachment and seams: fit samples to the intended sleeve, check loop and button alignment, pull-test fastenings against the agreed specification, and inspect joins for dropped stitches or unravelled edges.
Pairs and finish: compare each sampled pair for shade, size, rib direction and decoration placement; check for loose yarn ends, snagging and rough fastener edges.
Washing and labels: wash bulk samples using the agreed care method, recheck fit and shape, test colour transfer against a light sleeve, and compare fibre labels with the agreed composition.
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What goes wrong
Cuffs can look correct laid flat but grip too tightly when worn, slide down the wrist or fail to recover after stretching. Attachment loops may sit in the wrong position for the buyer's sleeve. Washing can change cuff depth or twist the seam, while dark yarn can transfer colour onto a pale shirt.
A pair may contain different shades or unequal openings when pieces are packed without matching. Compare bulk samples with the retained pair, test them on the intended garment and agree how mismatched pairs will be handled before dispatch. Use a quality inspection brief that includes fit and pairing checks.
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 detachable cuffs from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 8% for elasticated or rubberised accessories and 12% for other accessories or garment parts, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Are detachable knitted cuffs accessories or garment parts?
Have your broker assess the finished construction and intended use. Supply photographs and explain whether the cuffs are worn independently or supplied for attachment to garments.
Do knitted detachable cuffs need fibre labels?
Textile labels must show fibre content. Check the bulk yarn against the label, especially where the supplier claims wool or cashmere.
How do I stop knitted cuffs becoming loose?
Agree stretch recovery on the approved sample, then repeat stretching and washing checks on bulk samples. Recheck the opening on the intended wrist and sleeve.