Sourcing knitted triathlon suits from China

UK duty on knitted triathlon suits

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6112 covers knitted or crocheted tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear. This guide concerns knitted triathlon suits proposed for the swimwear lines. The table gives possible synthetic-fibre swimwear codes, subject to confirmation for the actual garment.

The supplied swimwear lines carry 8% or 12% duty for goods from China. Synthetic-fibre swimwear containing at least 5% rubber thread by weight carries 8%; the other synthetic-fibre lines carry 12%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Obtain material evidence before selecting the rubber-thread line.

HMRC defines swimwear by appearance, cut and fabric as recognisably intended solely or mainly for swimming. A triathlon product name alone does not establish this. Confirm the commodity code with your customs broker using the finished sample, construction, composition and intended use. See the competitive swimming suits guide for the wider heading.

Specify the pad, stretch and race fit

State the fibre composition of the shell, mesh panels and lining, plus fabric weight, stretch direction and recovery. Define sleeve and leg length, torso measurements, zip position, pocket construction and leg-gripper placement. Specify the pad's material, thickness, shape and attachment, then approve its position on a worn sample in both cycling and running postures.

For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including any fur or other animal parts. The suits must also be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Agree care instructions and purchasing checks for wet opacity, colour transfer, seam stretch, pad drying and print durability. Keep an approved sample for each fabric and colour.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 men's knitted triathlon suits, subject to swimwear classification; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. under 6112 31 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 recovery: measure torso, chest, hips and leg openings against the approved chart; check movement in cycling and running postures and recovery after stretching.

Pad and seams: compare pad shape and placement with the approved sample; check bunching, exposed edges, skipped stitches and seams opening under stretch.

Wet performance: wet and stretch samples to check opacity, colour transfer and cling; compare pad water retention and drying with the approved sample.

Trims and labels: operate the zip, inspect its skin-facing cover, stretch the leg grippers and load the pockets; compare fibre labels and printing with approved wording. Plan arrival checks with the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A suit can fit when standing but pull across the shoulders in a cycling posture. A bulky or misplaced pad can rub during running, while seams that look sound when relaxed can open under stretch. Pale panels may become transparent when wet, and leg grippers may roll or lose their hold.

Bulk fabric substitutions can change recovery, drying and colour transfer even when the colour looks correct. Approve wet and worn samples, seal the agreed pad and fabric references, and repeat the same checks on production garments before shipment and on arrival. Resolve classification before budgeting duty.

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.