Sourcing swimming fins from China
Swimming fins entered under the candidate water-sport line carry 2% UK duty from China; the selected variants share that rate. Consumer fins supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Confirm fit, blade stiffness and strap security against an approved sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources swimming fins.
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Swimming fins: 2% duty under the candidate line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 November 2026, heading 9506 covers sports equipment, including water-sport equipment. Other water-sport equipment under 9506 29 00 00 is the candidate line for swimming fins. The table repeats this candidate code for fin variants; these are not separate tariff subdivisions. The recorded duty is 2% for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed.
The candidate line carries cat and dog fur import and export controls. Imports and exports of that fur and products made from it are banned, including supplies from China. Specify fins without these materials. The tariff also attaches a cultural-goods export licence measure; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance before any onward export.
Confirm the commodity code using the finished fins, material specification and intended use before costing the order. For another product within the wider heading, see swimming goggles.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-blade swimming fins, subject to classification confirmation | 9506 29 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify foot-pocket fit and blade flexibility
State whether the fins are for pool training or open-water use, with short or long blades and closed heels or adjustable straps. Name the foot-pocket and blade materials, blade dimensions, flexibility, heel opening and intended barefoot or booted fit. Approve a size chart based on internal foot-pocket measurements and physical fitting samples.
Assess sharp moulding seams, foot abrasion, strap release and blade separation during practical trials. Agree repeated flexing, strap-pull and water-use checks against retained samples. Request clear fitting, use and care instructions, and keep test evidence matched to the supplied material and construction.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 350 pairs of short-blade swimming fins, assuming classification is confirmed under 9506 29 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £350 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,850. Duty at 2% is £57. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,907, so it is £581.40. Import taxes total £638.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £57 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and pairing: check internal foot-pocket dimensions, heel comfort, size markings and matching pairs against approved fitting samples.
Blades and moulding: compare blade flexibility and symmetry; check for splits, voids, rough seams and separation where the blade meets the foot pocket.
Straps and buckles: wet the assembly, adjust it through its intended range and check retention, release and attachment security against the agreed test.
Arrival and packing: check size assortments, pair counts, instructions and carton identification. Look for blades bent by tight packing. Agree checks through the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Matching size markings can conceal different foot-pocket dimensions between moulds. A substituted material can change blade stiffness or make the heel opening uncomfortable. Thin sections near the blade root can split during flexing, while straps that hold when dry may slip when wet.
Packing can leave blades twisted, and mixed cartons can contain mismatched sizes. Retain approved samples for each size and construction, prohibit unapproved material substitutions, and compare finished packed stock before dispatch. Repeat fitting and wet-strap checks on arrival.
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 swimming fins from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 2% for candidate code 9506 29 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed. Confirm classification for the finished fins.
How do I specify swimming fin sizes?
Agree internal foot-pocket measurements and physical fitting samples for each size. State whether users will wear the fins barefoot or with boots; size markings alone are insufficient for purchasing.
What safety rules apply to swimming fins sold in Great Britain?
Consumer fins must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Assess foot abrasion, sharp seams, blade separation and strap security, and retain evidence for the supplied construction.
How should I check adjustable fin straps?
Check the actual strap and buckle assembly when wet. Compare adjustment, retention, release and attachment security with the approved sample and agreed test.