Sourcing prepared wool wig fibre from China

UK duty on prepared wool wig fibre

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, prepared wool for making wigs under 6703 00 00 00 carried 0% duty from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension was listed. The supplied tariff file contains only this commodity line.

The heading carries CITES import and export controls and controls on cat and dog fur. Imports and exports of cat and dog fur, including products containing it, are banned. For any animal-fibre blend from China, identify the species and ask your customs broker to confirm CITES applicability and documents; listed species require permits.

Confirm the commodity code using the fibre composition, processing history and evidence that it is prepared for wig making. Do not assume ordinary wool tops or finished wigs use this code. See the wider heading guide.

Specify wool that works in the wig

Specify sheep wool or the exact blend, fibre length distribution, fineness, combed or carded presentation, crimp, colour reference, net pack weight and acceptable variation. State whether it is bleached, dyed or coated. Approve a sample made into the intended wig construction, checking handling, bulk and appearance.

Ask for the washing and treatment history, rather than accepting 'prepared' as proof of treatment. Request a commercial document recording sender, receiver, origin, quantity, species and processing method, and have your broker check it before shipment. Ask APHA to confirm any applicable animal by-product controls and clarify uncertain treatment status.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 300 kg of prepared wool wig fibre, illustrative order under 6703 00 00 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,200, so it is £840. 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 fibre with the approved sample and arrange laboratory identification if sheep wool or blend composition is uncertain.

Length and weight: measure the fibre length distribution and net pack weight; look for short fibres hidden inside bundles.

Colour and washing: compare shades under consistent lighting and wash a sample using the intended care method, checking dye transfer, felting and shrinkage.

Condition and handling: inspect for dampness, mould, debris and excessive shedding; trial combing and attachment in the intended wig base.

What goes wrong

Orders can fail when the supplier substitutes a fibre blend, packs short fibres inside longer material or changes dyeing between batches. Washing can expose colour loss, matting or shrinkage that was not visible in the dry sample. Keep an approved reference and compare production samples before dispatch through a quality inspection.

A description such as 'washed wool' can leave the actual process unclear. Resolve treatment and species questions before booking freight. Keep suspect or damp packs separate on arrival and record the batch, packaging condition and test results before using the fibre.

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.