Sourcing plaited straw sun visors from China

Duty and material controls

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 November 2026, heading 6504 covers headgear plaited or assembled from strips, whether or not lined or trimmed. The recorded duty for goods from China is 0%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. The table shows visor variants sharing the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The tariff attaches CITES, cat and dog fur, and seal-product import controls. Cat and dog fur products are banned from import. Seal products for trade require a seal catch certificate; ask your customs broker to confirm eligibility before ordering any seal trim from China. If materials or trims involve CITES-listed species, confirm the applicable permits with your broker before shipment.

Confirm the construction and full material list when checking the commodity code. A sewn textile visor needs a separate classification check. Our straw hats and plaited headgear guide covers the wider heading.

Specify the open crown, brim and fastening

State whether the visor uses natural straw, paper straw or raffia, and whether its brim is directly plaited or assembled from strips. Agree brim projection, curvature, edge binding, headband width and adjustment range. Approve a physical sample showing the fastening, sweatband, colour and decoration.

For sale in Great Britain, consumer visors must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check skin-contact edges and fastening parts. Confirm with Trading Standards what importer identification is needed and whether the importer's name and UK address should appear on the label or swing tag. Support sun-protection ratings with testing of the actual visor, including its open weave.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5,000 plaited paper straw sun visors; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 6504 00 00 00, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,400, so it is £1,680. 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

Shape and fit: compare brim projection and curvature with the approved sample, check symmetry and try the fastening across the agreed headband adjustment range.

Weave and finish: check for broken straw, sharp ends, gaps, loose binding, exposed stitching and glue marks; pull-check attached bows, badges and fastening parts.

Sweatband and colour: check lining comfort, attachment and dye transfer when damp; compare dyed straw and band colours with the approved sample.

Packing and labels: check for dampness, musty odour and mould, inspect brims after unpacking nested stacks, and match materials and labels to the order. Use the inspection guide to prepare the brief.

What goes wrong

A visor can look correct while fitting poorly: a stiff band presses against the temples, an adjustment strap slips, or an uneven brim twists on the head. Over-tight nesting distorts the brim, while rough straw ends and poorly covered stitching rub against skin.

Damp straw can develop mould in transit, and dyed bands can transfer colour onto the forehead. Agree dry packing and brim support using the production sample. Check arrival condition before releasing stock, and resolve material substitutions or unsupported sun-protection claims before sale.

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.