Sourcing synthetic motorcycle boots from China
Synthetic-upper motorcycle boots from China carry 16% UK duty across the selected lines, with no rate variation. For protective models, confirm the applicable conformity assessment procedure and importer identification before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources synthetic-upper motorcycle boots.
UK duty on synthetic-upper motorcycle boots
Heading 6402 covers footwear with rubber or plastic outer soles and uppers. Confirm the actual upper construction rather than relying on the word synthetic. Ankle-covering boots have separate lines according to whether they incorporate a protective metal toecap. The sports and non-ankle-covering rows are conditional comparisons, not default classifications for riding boots. For the wider heading, see synthetic-upper football boots.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all selected lines carried 16% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded. The ankle-covering lines attach cat and dog fur import and export controls: products containing such fur are banned from import and export. Check lining and trim materials. The sports line attaches fluorinated greenhouse gas import control; confirm the requirement with your customs broker.
Send your broker a sample, material breakdown, photographs showing ankle coverage, toecap specification and intended use. Confirm each commodity code before ordering. A protective plastic reinforcement does not establish that the boot has a metal toecap. Keep classification details linked to the approved design.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle-covering synthetic-upper boots without a protective metal toecap | 6402 91 90 00 | 16% | None |
| Ankle-covering synthetic-upper boots with a protective metal toecap | 6402 91 10 00 | 16% | None |
| Other sports footwear, only where the motorcycle boot meets that classification | 6402 19 00 00 | 16% | None |
| Short-cut footwear with a protective metal toecap, not covering the ankle | 6402 99 05 00 | 16% | None |
Specify the upper, protection and riding fit
Specify the upper coating and backing, sole compound, ankle and shin reinforcement, heel retention, gear-change patch and fastening construction. Approve fit with riding socks and trousers, including calf adjustment, instep space and movement around the gear lever. Record the lining, seam construction and any waterproof membrane separately.
For protective models, confirm the applicable personal protective equipment conformity assessment procedure according to risk category. Ask for the technical documentation, declaration and assessment records for the exact design. Compare the tested upper, reinforcement and sole with the proposed production materials. Agree testing and certification before accepting protective or waterproof claims.
For sale in Great Britain, the importer must identify itself on protective equipment with its name, registered trade name or registered trademark and postal address; check any proposed alternative placement with your compliance adviser. Confirm footwear composition-labelling requirements with Trading Standards for the upper, lining and sock, and outer sole.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size order of synthetic-upper motorcycle boots; values are not a quotation under 6402 91 90 00, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £1,480 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,480. Duty at 16% is £1,356.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,836.80, so it is £1,967.36. Import taxes total £3,324.16; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,356.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and pairing: compare internal dimensions, calf adjustment and heel retention with approved fitting samples. Check matching sizes and left-right pairs, then try the fastening with riding gloves.
Upper and protection: compare coating, backing, reinforcement positions and gear-change patches with the approved construction. Inspect seam ends, lining folds and exposed edges for rubbing points.
Sole and closures: inspect bonding around the toe and heel, tread moulding, zip engagement and buckle attachment. Perform agreed flex, fastening and water-resistance checks through quality inspection.
Documents and packing: match model identification, importer details and assessment records to the delivered boots. Confirm composition-label artwork with the agreed material specification and inspect cartons for dampness or crushing.
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What goes wrong
A matching size label can conceal a narrow instep, loose heel or calf opening that conflicts with riding trousers. Zips can catch the lining, buckles can release under movement, and an oversized gear-change patch can reduce flexibility. Compare production boots with retained fitting samples and record the affected sizes.
A substituted backing, coating or reinforcement can change flexibility and invalidate the assumptions behind the approved design. Manufacturers of protective equipment must maintain conformity during series production. Ask for renewed assessment of changes before accepting the batch; a similar-looking boot or another model's paperwork is a poor basis for approval.
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 synthetic motorcycle boots from China?
The selected heading 6402 lines carry 16% duty in the supplied snapshot. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension is recorded.
Which commodity code covers synthetic-upper motorcycle boots?
For ankle-covering boots, compare 6402 91 90 00 with 6402 91 10 00 for a protective metal toecap. Confirm materials and construction with your broker; synthetic is not a complete material specification.
What compliance documents should I request for protective motorcycle boots?
Request the technical documentation, declaration and conformity assessment records for the exact design. Confirm the applicable risk category and compare production materials with the assessed construction.
What should I inspect when motorcycle boots arrive?
Check fit and pairing, heel retention, calf adjustment, reinforcement positions, sole bonding, zips and buckles. Match identification and paperwork to the delivered design and investigate material substitutions.