Sourcing knit weightlifting singlets from China

UK duty on knitted weightlifting singlets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6114 covers other knitted or crocheted garments. The supplied material lines all carry 12% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions recorded. The table covers the material alternatives; focus on the man-made fibre line when specifying polyester or nylon stretch fabric, subject to confirmation of the finished garment's classification.

The tariff attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls and seal product import controls to all supplied lines. Cat and dog fur products are banned from import and export. Seal products brought into Great Britain to trade must have a seal catch certificate; confirm eligibility under the Inuit and other indigenous communities exemption with the relevant authority. The other textile material lines also attach CITES import and export controls. For listed animal materials from China, confirm species and applicable documentation with your customs broker before ordering.

Confirm the commodity code using the finished garment's construction and fibre composition, including any blend and lining. Do not classify from the supplier's product name alone. Wool and other material rows apply only where the actual fabric supports that classification. For another garment family within the wider heading, see the knitted wrestling singlets guide.

Specify squat fit, recovery and seam construction

Define a sleeveless, short-leg singlet with a graded measurement chart covering torso length, chest, waist, hips, shoulder straps, leg openings and inside leg. Approve each size while the wearer squats and raises their arms. Agree neckline and armhole coverage, crotch shape and where seams sit against the body.

Specify fibre composition, fabric weight, stretch direction, recovery, opacity under stretch and shrinkage after the agreed washing method. Approve seams that stretch with the fabric, flat crotch finishing and leg hems that stay in place. Check printed logos while the fabric is stretched. If buying for a particular competition, obtain the organiser's clothing criteria before approving the sample.

For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts where present. Confirm the appropriate fibre names with the relevant authority and check the wording against bulk fabric evidence. Agree size and care information as purchasing specifications, then approve the label's position so it does not rub during lifting.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 man-made fibre knitted weightlifting singlets; FOB and freight values are illustrative, not a quotation. under 6114 30 00 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: measure production singlets in each size against the approved chart; repeat squat and overhead movement checks for strap tension, crotch restriction and riding leg hems.

Fabric: compare bulk composition evidence and handle with the approved sample; stretch the fabric to check opacity and recovery, then wash samples to check shrinkage and colour transfer.

Seams and print: stretch crotch, side and strap seams; check broken stitches, rough seam edges, puckering and cracking or peeling logos.

Labels and packing: compare fibre wording, size labels and colour allocation with the order; check garments on arrival for dampness, odour and damage. Plan the checks using the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A singlet can fit at the chest but pull hard at the shoulders when torso length is too short. Tight leg openings can ride up during a squat, while fabric that looks opaque when relaxed can become see-through when stretched. A seam that does not extend with the fabric may break at the crotch or strap attachment.

Bulk fabric substitutions can change recovery, fit and the accuracy of the fibre label. Keep a sealed approval sample, prohibit unapproved substitutions in the order and agree acceptance criteria for movement, washing and print durability. Inspect production garments before shipment and repeat the agreed checks on arrival.

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.