Sourcing Rope Cargo Slings from China
Rope cargo slings classified under 5609 00 00 00 pay 4% UK duty from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. For slings sold for lifting, confirm declaration of conformity and working load limit marking requirements with the relevant authority. Check the finished sling, including its splices, against the ordered rating. Cambridge China Bridge sources rope cargo slings.
Duty on made-up rope cargo slings
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 5609 covers articles of yarn, strip, twine, cordage, rope or cables not elsewhere specified or included. This guide concerns made-up fibre rope cargo slings classified under 5609 00 00 00. All table variants share the supplied tariff line.
The China duty is 4%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension listed in the supplied extract. The tariff attaches import and export controls on cat and dog fur. Imports and exports of that fur and products made from it are banned, including goods from China. Ask the supplier to confirm the materials used in the rope and any protective covering.
Confirm the commodity code using the finished sling's construction, material and intended use before shipment. Send your broker photographs and details of the splices and fittings. For rope supplied in coils rather than finished slings, see the rope, twine and cordage guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester rope cargo slings with spliced eyes | 5609 00 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the finished sling and lifting arrangement
Specify fibre, twisted or braided construction, rope diameter, finished bearing length, eye dimensions, splice construction and protective sleeves. Describe the cargo, contact surfaces, lifting arrangement and intended environment. Agree the working load limit for the intended arrangement and a test plan for finished slings, including their terminations. A rope breaking-force result alone does not demonstrate the performance of the finished assembly.
For rope slings sold for lifting, confirm with the relevant authority whether they are lifting accessories under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and what declaration of conformity and working load limit marking requirements apply. For supply in Great Britain, the responsible person must ensure the relevant conformity assessment is carried out and affix the relevant conformity marking. Agree the documents and markings before production; use testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 12 cartons of polyester rope cargo slings, illustrative under 5609 00 00 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 4% is £648. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,848, so it is £3,369.60. Import taxes total £4,017.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £648 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions and fibre: check finished bearing length, rope diameter, eye opening and material identification against the order and approved sample.
Splices and fittings: compare splice construction with the approved drawing; look for loose strands, slipping terminations, damaged thimbles and sharp contact edges.
Load evidence: match the test report to the sling construction and supplied batch, including the eyes or endless joint. Check that the stated rating matches the intended lifting arrangement.
Marking and condition: check the working load limit and declaration, then examine slings for cuts, abrasion, contamination and damp packaging. Record discrepancies using an agreed inspection checklist.
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What goes wrong
A supplier can test the rope but deliver a sling with a weaker splice. Other problems include substituted fibre, inconsistent finished lengths, small eyes that fit poorly over the intended fitting, and protective sleeves that conceal damage. Match test evidence to the complete construction and hold suspect stock apart while discrepancies are resolved.
Arrival inspection does not replace checks during use. HSE guidance says lifting accessories normally do not need formal inspection provided proper pre-use checks are made and they undergo their standard thorough examination. Include the manufacturer's care guidance in the handover to the business using the slings.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on rope cargo slings from China?
The supplied tariff extract gives 4% for 5609 00 00 00, read on 2 October 2026, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension.
What paperwork do lifting rope slings need?
Confirm declaration of conformity and working load limit marking requirements with the relevant authority. For Great Britain, the responsible person must also ensure the relevant conformity assessment and marking.
Is a rope breaking-strength report enough?
Ask for evidence covering the finished sling, including its splices or endless joint. Match the construction, fibre and lifting arrangement to the supplied product.
What should I inspect when rope cargo slings arrive?
Check length, diameter, eye dimensions, splices, fittings, load markings and declaration. Look for cuts, abrasion, contamination and damp packaging; match batch details to test evidence.