Sourcing knitted tankinis from China
Knitted tankinis from China carry UK duty of 8% to 12% under heading 6112, depending on textile material and rubber-thread content. Fibre content must be labelled for sale in Great Britain. Specify wet opacity, lining, bust support and elastic recovery before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources knitted tankinis.
UK duty on knitted tankinis
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6112 covers knitted or crocheted tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear. This guide focuses on tankinis comprising a swim top and separate bottoms. The selected women's or girls' swimwear lines distinguish synthetic fibres from other textile materials.
Goods from China carry 8% duty on the selected lines containing by weight 5% or more rubber thread, and 12% on the other selected lines. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, no suspensions and no attached import controls.
Confirm the commodity code with the actual fabric composition, knitted construction and details of how the top and bottoms are supplied. Ask your customs broker to check the rubber-thread distinction using material evidence. For the wider heading, see knitted bikinis.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic-fibre tankinis containing by weight 5% or more rubber thread | 6112 41 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Other synthetic-fibre tankinis | 6112 41 90 00 | 12% | None |
| Other textile tankinis containing by weight 5% or more rubber thread | 6112 49 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Other tankinis of other textile materials | 6112 49 90 00 | 12% | None |
Specify tankini fit, lining and wet opacity
Specify the shell and lining fibre composition, fabric weight, stretch direction and recovery. Define top length, neckline coverage, strap adjustment, bust support, removable pads and bottom rise. Provide measurements and tolerances for each size, including the top and bottom size pairing. Approve fit during movement as well as when standing.
For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content. Confirm any additional wording for fur and other animal parts, where present, with Trading Standards. Where components have different fibre contents, each component's content must be shown. Agree label wording against the shell and lining materials. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety; inspect strap fittings, exposed wires and detachable trims.
Agree purchasing tests for wet opacity, colour transfer, seam stretch and elastic recovery after pool-water exposure and washing. Check pale colours and stretched areas on wet samples. Specify whether the top should stay down during swimming and whether pads must remain secure. Record the washing method and acceptance criteria before production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 knitted tankini sets; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. under 6112 41 90 00, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £700 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,700. Duty at 12% is £924. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,624, so it is £1,724.80. Import taxes total £2,648.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £924 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and pairing: measure bust, top length, straps, waist and leg openings against the approved chart; check that every pack contains the agreed top and bottom sizes.
Wet performance: wet and stretch samples to check opacity, lining coverage, colour transfer and pad movement; compare elastic recovery after the agreed exposure and washing tests.
Construction: stretch seams and inspect skipped stitches, seam opening, strap attachment, rough fittings and protruding support wires.
Arrival and labels: check for damp cartons, shade differences between tops and bottoms, incorrect fibre labels and missing pieces. Use the inspection guide to agree the records.
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What goes wrong
A dry sample can hide transparency when wet or stretched. Tops may ride up, straps may slip and bust lining may provide less support than the approved sample. Bottoms can lose recovery at the waist or leg openings. Separately dyed fabrics can leave the top and bottoms visibly different shades.
Retain an approved complete set for each colour and approve the proposed shell, lining and elastic together. Compare production sets with those samples before shipment, then repeat the agreed checks on arrival. Isolate mismatched, damp or defective stock while the supplier resolves the findings.
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 tankinis from China?
The selected swimwear lines carry 8% where rubber thread accounts for at least 5% by weight, and 12% otherwise. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
What labels do knitted tankinis need?
For sale in Great Britain, labels must show fibre content. Confirm any additional wording for animal parts, where present, with Trading Standards. Where components have different fibre contents, show each component's content. Check wording against the actual materials.
How do I check whether a tankini becomes see-through?
Wet the production sample and stretch it as it would stretch when worn. Check shell and lining coverage, especially pale colours and areas over the bust and seat. Agree acceptance against an approved wet sample.
What should I specify for tankini sizing?
Specify top and bottom measurements separately, their size pairing, bust support, strap adjustment, top length and bottom rise. Approve fit during movement and repeat the checks after the agreed washing test.