Sourcing buffalo wig hair from China

Duty on prepared buffalo wig hair

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, prepared buffalo hair for wig making under 6703 00 00 00 carries 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Heading 6703 covers worked human hair and wool, animal hair or other textile materials prepared for making wigs or similar articles.

The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls and cat and dog fur controls. Identify the buffalo species and have your customs broker confirm whether the shipment from China needs CITES documents. Listed species require permits. Imports and exports of cat and dog fur, including products made from that fur, are banned; ask for evidence supporting the supplier's species declaration.

The supplied tariff file contains only this commodity line. Confirm the commodity code using the material, processing description and intended use. For the wider heading context, see prepared yak hair for wig making.

Specify buffalo species, treatment and usable fibre

Ask the factory to identify the buffalo species, country of collection and whether the hair comes from the body or tail. Describe the supply form, such as loose aligned hair or tied bundles. Agree length distribution, usable fibre weight, coarseness, colour reference and any bleaching, dyeing or surface coating. Approve a sample through your own knotting and washing process.

APHA's treated-hair guidance permits imports from any country, including China. Have APHA confirm that the supplier's treatment qualifies for that route, and ask your customs broker to confirm the accompanying documents before dispatch. Obtain a written processing record rather than relying on the word 'prepared'. Hair close to raw material needs separate clarification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of prepared buffalo hair, bought by net weight under 6703 00 00 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,300, so it is £660. 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

Identity: compare batch samples with the approved buffalo hair and review species and collection records. Arrange laboratory identification if the fibre composition is disputed.

Usable yield: weigh unpacked hair, measure the length distribution and comb through bundles for concealed short fibres, debris and excessive breakage.

Processing: wash and dry samples using the agreed method. Check colour transfer, odour, tangling, coating loss and changes in stiffness.

Wig making: test knotting, combing and retention on the intended foundation. Compare samples from different packs and retain batch references. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

A bundle can meet its gross weight while yielding too little usable hair because of short fibres, moisture or debris. Coatings can disguise roughness until washing, and a colour match can disappear after dye bleeds. Judge the batch after washing and knotting, using the approved sample as the reference.

A supplier may use 'buffalo hair' loosely or provide a washing description that does not establish treatment status. Resolve species, collection origin and processing records before shipment. Keep batches separate on arrival until their identity and performance checks are complete.

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.