Sourcing nonwoven disposable lab coats from China
Nonwoven disposable lab coats from China carry 12% UK duty under the other nonwoven garments line, with no suspension listed. For coats intended to protect the wearer, confirm applicable personal protective equipment conformity-assessment requirements with HSE before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources nonwoven disposable lab coats.
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 lab coats classified as other nonwoven garments, 6210 10 98 00 carries 12% duty on goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or import controls for that line.
The table includes surgical gowns and coated woven alternatives for classification comparison. These neighbouring lines also carry 12% base duty, with conditional 0.00 % suspensions for specified surgical or medical protective garments. Those suspensions are not listed against 6210 10 98 00. Calling a lab coat medical does not establish eligibility.
Confirm the commodity code against the actual fabric construction and garment use before ordering. For the wider heading and another nonwoven garment family, see disposable nonwoven coveralls.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other nonwoven garments, including disposable lab coats | 6210 10 98 00 | 12% | None |
| Single-use surgical gowns, for classification comparison | 6210 10 92 00 | 12% | None |
| Other men's garments, for coated woven alternatives | 6210 40 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Other women's garments, for coated woven alternatives | 6210 50 00 00 | 12% | None |
Specify the fabric, front closure and coverage
State whether the coat is intended to protect the wearer or simply keep ordinary dirt off clothing. Define the intended exposure before accepting protective claims. For protective coats sold in Great Britain, confirm applicable conformity-assessment requirements and the relevant risk category with HSE. Most new personal protective equipment needs CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English.
Specify fibre composition, nonwoven construction, fabric weight, any laminate, seam method, collar shape, front overlap, press studs or zip, cuff style, pockets and size chart. Agree sleeve reach and coat length over normal work clothes, including when sitting and reaching. Match protective test reports to the exact fabric, seams and closure through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 1,000 nonwoven disposable lab coats; illustrative order, FOB value and freight 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; inspect for thin patches, pinholes, loose fibres and separated laminate.
Seams and closure: check underarms, pocket attachments and front fastenings; look for tearing around press studs and gaps when the wearer reaches.
Fit and coverage: measure supplied sizes against the agreed chart; check sleeve length, cuff fit, front overlap and coat length over work clothes.
Documents and packing: match protective coats to their declaration and marking, check English instructions, and inspect packs for damage or contamination. Arrange quality inspection against the approved sample.
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What goes wrong
Production can use lighter fabric or weaker seams than the approved sample. Press studs can tear out of thin material, pockets can split at their corners, and short sleeves or narrow front overlap can leave gaps during movement. Loose fibres can also make a coat unsuitable for the buyer's laboratory process.
A report for a coverall or surgical gown does not demonstrate the performance of the supplied lab coat. Agree the exact model and intended protection before comparing quotations. Do not approve chemical, biological or flame protection claims from appearance alone, or assume that a surgical-gown duty suspension covers an ordinary nonwoven lab coat.
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 disposable lab coats from China?
For coats classified under 6210 10 98 00, the supplied facts show 12% duty, with no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension listed.
Do disposable lab coats need CE or UKCA marking?
For coats supplied as personal protective equipment in Great Britain, most new products need CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Define the intended protection before ordering.
Are medical disposable lab coats duty-free?
The supplied facts list no suspension for 6210 10 98 00. Medical suspensions on neighbouring lines depend on the correct classification and qualifying goods; a medical description alone is insufficient.
What should I check on a disposable lab coat sample?
Check fabric weight and construction, underarm seams, fastening strength, pocket attachments, cuffs and front overlap. Try it over work clothes while sitting and reaching, and match protective reports to the exact model.