Sourcing PU waterproof jackets from China

12% duty on coated woven waterproof jackets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6210 covers garments made from the fabrics named in its heading description. HMRC guidance places woven anoraks and similar outerwear with a visible non-cellular coating on a surface under this heading. Send a fabric swatch and finished sample when confirming classification.

The outerwear lines shown carry 12% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Suspensions elsewhere in this heading concern specified surgical or medical protective garments; they do not cover ordinary waterproof jackets.

Confirm the commodity code against the coating, garment construction and intended wearer. For the wider coated-rainwear family, see PVC-coated woven rain suits.

Specify the coating and sealed garment

Specify the woven shell's fibre composition, fabric weight, polyurethane coating, coated face, lining and colour. Agree waterproof and breathability test methods and acceptance criteria, including performance after washing. Define seam-tape coverage, tape compatibility, hood adjustment, cuff closure, zip protection and pocket construction.

Approve a finished sample with the intended branding and size chart. A fabric test alone does not establish whether the jacket leaks at seams, pockets or closures. The fibre label must state fibre content. Importers placing products on the UK market must demonstrate compliance with relevant safety requirements. For high-visibility versions sold to protect the wearer, confirm the applicable personal protective equipment requirements with the relevant authority and review our published workwear guide.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 men's PU-coated woven waterproof jackets, illustrative only under 6210 20 00 10, 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

Coating: check the shell against the approved sample for patchy coverage, pinholes, cracking, tackiness and separation from the woven backing.

Seams and closures: inspect tape continuity and adhesion at junctions, hood seams and pockets; test finished jackets for water entry before and after the agreed washing procedure.

Fit and operation: measure chest, sleeve and body dimensions against the agreed chart; operate zips, cuff fastenings and hood adjustments while wearing the jacket.

Labels and packing: match fibre labels and care instructions to the approved materials and wash tests; check size assortments and look for dampness or mould on arrival. Use the inspection guide to organise the checks.

What goes wrong

A shell can resist water while the jacket leaks through needle holes, pocket openings or an exposed zip. Seam tape can lift after washing, especially where the factory changes the coating or tape without repeating the agreed tests. Check production garments rather than accepting a report for a different fabric.

Coating substitution can change handle, breathability and tape adhesion. Tight sleeves restrict movement over layers, and poorly shaped hoods direct rain towards the collar. Record the approved material combination, dimensions and test criteria in the purchase specification, and retain a sample for comparison.

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.