Sourcing plaited bamboo conical hats from China
Plaited bamboo conical hats from China carry 0% UK duty under 6504 00 00 00, with no duty variation across the supplied line. Consumer hats sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check bamboo edges, straps and trim materials. Cambridge China Bridge sources plaited bamboo conical hats.
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Duty on plaited bamboo conical hats
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 6504 covers hats and other headgear plaited or assembled from strips, whether lined or trimmed. Plaited bamboo conical hats fall within 6504 00 00 00. The table shows buying variants under this same code. For the wider heading, see the plaited raffia hats guide.
The supplied facts show 0% duty for goods from China, no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls. Check CITES permit requirements for listed species used in the hat or trim. Cat and dog fur products are banned. Confirm with the relevant authority which exemptions apply to seal products imported into Great Britain for sale. These products must have a seal catch certificate.
Specify the bamboo species and every lining, strap and decorative material, then ask your customs broker to confirm applicable control declarations. The tariff also lists CITES and cat and dog fur export controls. Confirm the commodity code against the finished hat's construction and materials before shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlined plaited bamboo conical hats | 6504 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the cone, weave and head support
Specify plaited bamboo construction, strip width, weave density, cone height, brim diameter and edge binding. Identify any backing layer, coating, internal head ring, lining and chin strap. Agree the wearable head circumference and clearance above the head. Approve a physical sample showing the intended fit, finish and nesting arrangement.
Assess exposed bamboo ends, rough inner surfaces, strap attachments and detachable decoration on the finished sample. Agree checks for colour transfer and coating adhesion. Assess any rain or sun-protection claim separately before using it in sales descriptions.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2,500 plaited bamboo conical hats for a retailer under 6504 00 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,400, so it is £680. 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
Weave and edges: check for protruding splinters, broken strips, open weave, loose binding and exposed fasteners, including inside the crown.
Shape and fit: compare cone height, brim diameter, symmetry and head support with the approved sample; check that the hat sits securely without pressure points.
Straps and finish: check strap anchorage, adjustment, lining seams, coating adhesion and colour transfer using the agreed methods.
Packing and arrival: check for mould, damp odour, flattened cones and cracked brims. Confirm nesting protection and carton contents during quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A smooth sample can be followed by production hats with wider strips, looser weaving or unfinished inner ends. Changes to the head ring can alter fit even when the outer diameter matches. Keep the approved sample and compare internal construction as well as appearance.
Deep nesting can crush cone tips or rub decoration onto adjacent hats. Damp packing can leave mould and odour hidden between nested pieces. Agree separators and drying checks before dispatch, and unpack affected cartons for investigation before accepting the stock.
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 bamboo conical hats from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% under 6504 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Material-related import controls are attached.
What should I specify when ordering bamboo conical hats?
Specify the bamboo construction, weave density, cone height, brim diameter, edge binding, head support, lining, straps and coating. Approve the finished fit and nesting arrangement.
How do I check bamboo hats for mould on arrival?
Separate nested hats and inspect inner surfaces, head rings and carton interiors for mould, damp patches and odour. Set affected stock aside and investigate the packing condition.
Are bamboo conical hats waterproof?
Do not assume they are. Weave gaps, backing layers and coatings affect performance. Agree a rain-exposure check on the finished hat before accepting a waterproof claim.