Sourcing knitted neck gaiters from China
Knitted neck gaiters from China fall within heading 6117, whose duty rates range from 8% to 12%. Confirm the line for the finished design rather than assuming stretch qualifies it for the lower rate. Fibre content must be labelled. Cambridge China Bridge sources knitted neck gaiters.
UK duty and material controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6117 covers made-up knitted or crocheted clothing accessories and their knitted parts. The scarf and muffler line carries 12% duty from China; other elasticated or rubberised accessories carry 8%, and other accessories and parts carry 12%. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.
The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls. Cat and dog fur and products containing it are banned from import. Seal products for trade need a seal catch certificate; confirm eligibility before ordering. For CITES, confirm the requirement for the actual material with your customs broker. Specify the species of any animal-derived trim.
Treat the table as a comparison of heading lines, not interchangeable choices for a finished gaiter. Confirm the commodity code using its construction, composition and intended use. See the wider knitted accessories guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knitted scarves, mufflers and similar neckwear | 6117 10 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Other knitted accessories, elasticated or rubberised | 6117 80 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Other knitted clothing accessories | 6117 80 80 00 | 12% | None |
| Knitted accessory parts, supplied separately | 6117 90 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify the tube, fit and fibre blend
Agree the fibre blend, fabric weight, relaxed tube circumference, height and acceptable stretch recovery. Define whether the gaiter is seamless or sewn, lined or unlined, and how the edges are finished. Approve a sample for comfort over the head and around the neck, including seam bulk and label position.
For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Test bulk material against wool or cashmere claims and confirm permitted fibre names with the relevant authority, using the wider guide when preparing your enquiry. For children's gaiters, avoid long cords and detachable trims; confirm the applicable product safety requirements with the relevant authority.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5,000 knitted acrylic neck gaiters under 6117 10 00 00, invoiced at £11,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,900. Duty at 12% is £1,428. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £13,328, so it is £2,665.60. Import taxes total £4,093.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,428 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and recovery: measure relaxed height and circumference against the approved sample, stretch the opening and check whether it returns to shape without loose ripples.
Fabric and colour: compare fibre test results with labels, check fabric weight and pilling, and test dark colours for transfer onto light clothing.
Seams and edges: inspect skipped stitches, seam opening, curling hems and scratchy joins; check that the label does not sit against the throat.
Washing and packing: wash bulk samples using the agreed care instructions, remeasure the tube and check distortion, colour change, dampness and correct size labels. Use an agreed inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A tube can match the relaxed dimensions yet be too tight to pull over the head. Loose knitting can grow after washing, while poor recovery leaves the gaiter slipping down. Bulky seams and stiff labels can make an otherwise acceptable sample uncomfortable.
Common bulk problems include pilling, colour transfer and fibre content that differs from the label. Keep an approved sample for each colour and compare bulk samples after washing, rather than accepting appearance alone.
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 neck gaiters from China?
Heading 6117 rates are 8% to 12%. The scarf and muffler line is 12%; other elasticated or rubberised accessories are 8%. Confirm the finished gaiter's code. No trade remedy or suspension is listed in the supplied data.
Does a stretchy neck gaiter automatically get the lower duty?
Do not assume this from stretch alone. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the finished design belongs in the scarf and muffler line or another accessory line.
What labels do knitted neck gaiters need?
The fibre content must be shown, including fur and other animal parts. Match the composition label to bulk fibre testing, especially for wool or cashmere claims.
What should I check before approving bulk neck gaiters?
Check head entry, neck fit, stretch recovery, seam comfort, pilling, colour transfer and dimensions after washing. Compare each colour with its approved sample.