Sourcing Metal Tooth Zips from China
Metal tooth zips and base metal zip parts from China carry 0% UK duty, so there is no variation in the duty range for these lines. Confirm with the relevant authority which REACH nickel-release restrictions apply to garment zip parts in direct and prolonged skin contact. Specify the teeth, slider and finish together. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal tooth zips.
Metal tooth zip duty: 0%
Heading 9607 covers slide fasteners and their parts. Finished zips fitted with base metal teeth fall under 9607 11 00 00; base metal parts, including narrow strips mounted with metal teeth, are covered by 9607 20 10 00. The table also shows other finished zips and other parts for comparison when an order mixes constructions.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 November 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This tariff position does not replace checks on the finished product's safety or chemical restrictions.
Give your broker the tooth material, construction and whether the shipment contains finished zips or separate components. Confirm the commodity code before shipment. For comparison across zip constructions, see the invisible dress zips guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished zips with base metal teeth | 9607 11 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Base metal zip parts, including strips fitted with metal teeth | 9607 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other finished zips, for comparison with metal tooth zips | 9607 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other zip parts, for mixed component orders | 9607 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify teeth, slider and garment finish
Specify brass, aluminium or another agreed tooth metal; chain width; finished length and measuring points; closed or separating ends; slider locking action; puller shape; and stop construction. Name the tape material and colour, tooth finish and permitted variation against an approved sample. Supply the intended garment, bag or footwear application so the factory can trial the assembled zip.
Confirm with the relevant authority which REACH nickel-release restrictions apply to garment zip parts intended for direct and prolonged skin contact, including whether a limit of 0.5 micrograms per square centimetre per week applies. Ask for nickel release testing that represents the actual finish and plating batch. For children's products, also confirm with the relevant authority which lead restrictions apply to parts that children could put in their mouths.
Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Assess the zip in its finished application, including sharp teeth, detachable pullers and snagging. Agree the tests and acceptance criteria before production through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative carton order of finished metal tooth zips for a garment business under 9607 11 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,090, so it is £618. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions and construction: check length from the agreed measuring points, chain width, tape width, end configuration and slider against the approved sample.
Operation and strength: open and close sampled zips on the intended sewn assembly; check locking action, separation under sideways load, stop retention and puller attachment.
Finish and chemistry: inspect tooth edges, plating coverage, tarnish and colour transfer; match test reports to the supplied metal, finish and batch.
Tape and packing: compare tape colour, check shrinkage after the agreed garment care trial, and verify packs identify the correct length, finish and batch. Use the quality inspection guide to set the inspection scope.
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What goes wrong
A slider that does not match the chain can run roughly or let the teeth separate. Poorly formed teeth snag fabric; weak stops let the slider escape; separating pins fail to seat cleanly. Plating can rub away, tarnish or differ between batches, while tape shrinkage can leave a sewn zip rippled.
Approve the complete zip sewn into the intended material. Repeat operation and care trials on production samples, compare finishes with the retained sample, and investigate any component substitution before accepting the shipment.
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 metal tooth zips from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for finished metal tooth zips under 9607 11 00 00 and base metal zip parts under 9607 20 10 00, with no listed trade remedies.
Do metal tooth zips need nickel testing?
Confirm with the relevant authority which REACH nickel-release restrictions apply to garment zip parts intended for direct and prolonged skin contact. Ask for testing of the actual supplied finish and plating batch.
Can I buy sliders separately from the chain?
Yes, but approve their compatibility together. Trial the slider on the production chain and check smooth travel, locking action and resistance to separation.
How should I test metal tooth zips on arrival?
Check dimensions and finish against the approved sample, then operate sampled zips sewn into the intended material. Check teeth, stops, puller attachment and separating ends after the agreed care trial.