Sourcing narrow elastic knit fabrics from China
Knitted or crocheted fabrics up to 30 cm wide from China containing 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, used for waistbands, bra and swimwear trims and cuffs, pay 8% UK duty where they contain elastane but no rubber thread, and 6% otherwise, under heading 6002, with no anti-dumping duty. Buyers check stretch, recovery, width, shade and chlorine resistance.
Duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 6002 covers knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread. Fabrics with 5% or more elastomeric yarn but no rubber thread carried 8% on goods from China, and other fabrics in the heading 6%, with no anti-dumping measure.
Narrow knits without that elastic content are covered in our rib trims and narrow knits guide, and woven elastic tape is a narrow woven fabric of heading 5806; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5%+ elastomeric yarn, no rubber thread, of synthetic fibres | 6002 40 00 10 | 8% | None |
| 5%+ elastomeric yarn, no rubber thread, of wool, cotton or artificial fibres | 6002 40 00 91 | 8% | None |
| 5%+ elastomeric yarn, no rubber thread, other | 6002 40 00 99 | 8% | None |
| Other narrow knits with elastomeric yarn or rubber thread | 6002 90 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specifying elastic knits
Specify width, fibre content including elastane or rubber share, stretch and recovery (modulus at set elongation), shade matched to the garment, colour fastness, and resistance to chlorine and sun cream for swimwear. Garments and home textiles sold to consumers need fibre composition labels under the Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations 2012, so the blend must be tested and stated accurately.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 50,000 metres of 25 mm elastic knit trim under 6002 40 00 10, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 8% is £512. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,912, so it is £1,382.40. Import taxes total £1,894.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £512 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Stretch: test elongation and recovery on samples, including after washing.
Width and shade: measure width and compare shade with the garment fabric.
Durability: test chlorine resistance for swimwear trims. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Elastic knit orders fail on recovery, width and chemical resistance. Trims lose recovery after washing, widths vary, and swimwear trims degrade in chlorinated water.
Cambridge China Bridge sources fabrics and yarns for UK brands and makers from small lots, with lab dips and samples approved first; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on elastic trim from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, narrow knits with 5% or more elastane and no rubber thread carried 8% from China; others in heading 6002 carried 6%.
What decides whether a knit is in heading 6002?
Width up to 30 cm and 5% or more by weight of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread.
Is woven elastic tape in heading 6002?
No. Woven elastic tape is a narrow woven fabric of heading 5806.
What should I test for swimwear trims?
Stretch, recovery and resistance to chlorine and sun cream.