Sourcing men's knitted fishing shirts from China

UK duty on knitted fishing shirts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6105 covers men's or boys' knitted or crocheted shirts. Men's knitted fishing shirts classified here carry 12% duty from China across all supplied fibre categories. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.

The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to the wool or fine animal hair line and the other textile materials line. For materials from species in the permit-controlled CITES annexes, obtain the required permit. Before ordering from China, ask your customs broker to confirm the species, applicable import requirements and Chinese export documentation.

Confirm the commodity code from the garment's construction, fibre composition, collar and opening. A fishing description alone does not establish classification: woven shirts and T-shirts belong elsewhere. See the men's polo shirts and knit shirts guide for the wider heading.

Specify sleeves, casting fit and fishing pockets

Specify fibre composition, knit structure, fabric weight, stretch recovery and the finished size chart. Define collar shape, front opening, sleeve length, cuffs and hem coverage. Approve a sample while reaching forward and lifting the arms as when casting. If included, define chest pocket closures, rod loops, sunglasses loops and vent panels, with their positions marked on the sample.

For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content, including fur and other animal parts. Businesses importing consumer products are responsible for their safety. Agree care instructions and checks for sharp fasteners or rough seams. For sun-protection or quick-drying claims, request test evidence matching the actual fabric, colour and finish; agree any testing through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 men's cotton knitted fishing shirts; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. under 6105 10 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

Fabric: compare composition evidence, weight, stretch recovery and handle with the approved sample; check snagging and colour transfer when wet.

Casting fit: measure chest, shoulders, sleeves and body length; check forward reach, cuff comfort and hem coverage with arms raised.

Pockets and assembly: check closures, reinforcement, loop attachment and vent seams; look for exposed fastener edges and stitching that rubs.

Wash and labels: wash samples using the agreed care method; check shrinkage, twisting, print damage and shade differences across cartons. Compare fibre labels with approved wording and use the inspection guide to plan arrival checks.

What goes wrong

A shirt that fits standing still can pull across the shoulders during casting or leave the wrists exposed when reaching. Pocket flaps can gape, loops can catch on equipment and loose knit fabric can snag. Check these details on a worn sample before approving production.

A changed yarn or finish can alter drying behaviour, stretch recovery and wash stability. Generic sun-protection reports may cover a different fabric or colour. Keep a sealed approval sample, record the agreed performance checks and compare bulk shirts with it before shipment and again 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.