Sourcing nonwoven isolation gowns from China
Nonwoven disposable isolation gowns from China normally carry 12% UK duty; specified medical garments on neighbouring lines have conditional 0.00 % suspensions. Gowns sold to protect the wearer need the applicable protective-equipment conformity assessment for Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources nonwoven disposable isolation gowns.
12% duty on other nonwoven garments
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6210 covers garments made from felt, nonwovens and specified coated or treated fabrics. For nonwoven disposable isolation gowns, check the other nonwoven garments line, 6210 10 98 00, against the actual construction and use. It carries 12% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import controls listed in the supplied facts.
The surgical-gown line, 6210 10 92 00, carries 12% base duty with a conditional 0.00 % suspension for specified surgical or medical protective garments. The other men's and women's garment lines also have conditional medical suspensions. These neighbouring rows are classification comparisons, not alternative codes to choose for a lower rate. No suspension is listed against 6210 10 98 00.
Confirm the commodity code using a sample, fabric construction and intended use before ordering. The supplier's description of a gown as medical does not settle its classification. See the disposable surgical gowns guide for the wider heading context.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other nonwoven garments, including non-surgical isolation gowns | 6210 10 98 00 | 12% | None |
| Single-use surgical gowns, for classification comparison | 6210 10 92 00 | 12% | None |
| Other men's garments, for comparison with coated woven alternatives | 6210 40 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Other women's garments, for comparison with coated woven alternatives | 6210 50 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify coverage, barrier claims and closures
Describe who wears the isolation gown, the intended exposure and the protection claimed. Gowns intended to protect the wearer need the applicable personal protective equipment conformity assessment before sale in Great Britain. Most new protective equipment must be CE or UKCA marked, supplied with a declaration of conformity and instructions in English.
Specify the fibre composition, nonwoven construction, fabric weight, any film laminate, seam method, sleeve length, cuff material, neck fastening, waist ties and back overlap. Agree the size chart and whether the gown is supplied sterile or non-sterile. Check coverage while the wearer reaches forward and bends, rather than judging fit on a hanger.
Ask for reports matching the exact gown, fabric and seams, with the claimed barrier performance clearly identified. Use testing and certification to review that match. If the model is supplied as a medical device, ask the manufacturer to identify its conformity route; a manufacturer based outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 1,000 nonwoven disposable isolation gowns; quantity, FOB value and freight are illustrative under 6210 10 98 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,800. Duty at 12% is £816. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,616, so it is £1,523.20. Import taxes total £2,339.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £816 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fabric: compare construction and weight with the approved sample; check for thin patches, pinholes, loose fibres and separated laminate.
Seams and ties: inspect underarms, sleeve joins and tie attachments; pull gently on closures and check for tearing, open seams or insecure bonds.
Coverage and cuffs: measure against the agreed size chart; check sleeve reach, cuff recovery, neck fit and back overlap during movement.
Documents and packing: match the supplied protective model to its declaration, marking and English instructions; check pack integrity and consistency with the agreed sterile or non-sterile specification. Arrange quality inspection against the approved sample.
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What goes wrong
A gown can look like the approved sample while using lighter fabric, a different laminate or weaker seam bonds. Short sleeves, loose cuffs and insufficient back overlap become apparent during use. Ties can tear away when tightened, and damaged packs can leave otherwise acceptable garments dirty.
Reports for another model, or fabric-only reports presented as evidence for the whole gown, make acceptance difficult. Agree the exact construction and claimed use before comparing quotations. Do not assume that an isolation gown qualifies for the surgical-gown suspension merely because it is used in a healthcare setting.
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 nonwoven isolation gowns from China?
The supplied facts show 12% for other nonwoven garments under 6210 10 98 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed for that line.
Do disposable isolation gowns need CE or UKCA marking?
For gowns supplied as personal protective equipment in Great Britain, most new products must be CE or UKCA marked, with a declaration of conformity and English instructions.
Are medical isolation gowns duty-free?
Not automatically. No suspension is listed for 6210 10 98 00. Neighbouring medical suspensions depend on the correct classification and the specified qualifying goods.
What should I check on an isolation gown sample?
Check fabric and laminate, underarm seams, tie attachments, sleeve reach, cuff fit and back overlap. Match reports to the exact gown and inspect its packaging.