Sourcing reusable menstrual pads from China
Reusable menstrual pads from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant material categories. Pads must be safe for consumers; VAT is zero-rated when they are designed and marketed solely for menstrual flow or lochia. Check absorption and leakage after washing. Cambridge China Bridge sources reusable menstrual pads.
Zero duty on reusable menstrual pads
Heading 9619 covers sanitary pads and related absorbent hygiene articles of any material. For reusable menstrual pads, the relevant routes distinguish textile wadding, knitted or crocheted textiles, other textiles and other materials. The table shows classification options, rather than interchangeable codes for the same pad. For the wider heading, see disposable panty liners.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Qualifying menstrual pads also carry zero-rated import VAT; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the finished pad's construction, materials and intended use. Give your customs broker a sample, photographs and the layer specification rather than relying on the supplier's description of a washable pad.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitary articles of textile wadding | 9619 00 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Textile sanitary pads, knitted or crocheted | 9619 00 40 10 | 0% | None |
| Textile sanitary pads, other | 9619 00 40 90 | 0% | None |
| Sanitary pads of other materials | 9619 00 71 00 | 0% | None |
Specify layers and performance after washing
Specify the skin-contact fabric, absorbent core, waterproof backing, wing shape, fastening method and finished dimensions. Record the fibre composition and construction of each layer, including any coating or laminate. Approve a finished sample and agree tolerances for bulk production.
Agree absorption, rewet and leakage checks both before and after repeated washing using the proposed care instructions. Include shrinkage, colour transfer, drying behaviour, seam integrity and fastening strength. Ask for skin-contact safety evidence that matches the actual fabrics, dyes and finishes used.
Consumer pads must be safe. For Great Britain, plan product or packaging traceability with the producer's name and address and the product reference or applicable batch identification, where reasonable. HMRC's sanitary-product VAT relief requires the product to be designed and marketed solely for menstrual flow or lochia; dual-purpose menstrual and incontinence pads are excluded from that relief.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small trial shipment of reusable woven-textile menstrual pads in assorted packs under 9619 00 40 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,090, so it is £618. 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. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Women's sanitary products designed solely for menstrual flow are zero-rated under HMRC's VAT Notice 701/18, and incontinence products can be zero-rated under the disability relief, so check the rate for your product.
Inspection checklist
Layers: compare bulk pads with the approved sample, checking fabric identity, core placement, thickness, backing coverage and exposed stitching.
Wash performance: wash samples using the proposed instructions, then check shrinkage, colour transfer, delamination, absorption, rewet and leakage against the agreed specification.
Fit and fasteners: check wing alignment, fastening security, seam finish and whether the pad folds or shifts when attached to underwear.
Hygiene and packs: check for foreign matter, dampness and odour; verify pack contents, care instructions and traceability details. Use an agreed inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
An unwashed sample can hide failures that appear during reuse. The backing can separate, the core can bunch, edges can curl and colours can transfer. Stitching through the waterproof layer can create leakage paths, while poorly positioned wings let the pad move.
Compare washed bulk samples with the approved sample before release. Hold affected stock if layers, fasteners or performance differ from the specification, and ask the factory to identify the material or process change. Keep retained samples linked to the shipment.
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 reusable menstrual pads from China?
The relevant heading 9619 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls are listed.
Are reusable menstrual pads zero-rated for VAT?
Yes, when designed and marketed solely for menstrual flow or lochia. Confirm the import VAT rate with HMRC or your customs broker. Dual-purpose menstrual and incontinence pads are excluded from this sanitary-product relief.
What should I test before buying reusable pads?
Check absorption, rewet and leakage before and after washing. Also compare shrinkage, colour transfer, backing adhesion, seam finish and fastening strength with the agreed specification.
Which commodity code applies to cloth menstrual pads?
The relevant textile routes distinguish wadding, knitted or crocheted materials and other textiles. Confirm the finished pad's construction and materials with your customs broker before declaring it.