Sourcing fall-arrest harnesses from China
Textile fall-arrest harnesses from China need a confirmed commodity code: the relevant residual textile lines carry 6% to 12%, with woven harnesses a candidate for the 6% other-articles line. For sale in Great Britain, check CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources textile fall-arrest harnesses.
UK duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 6307 covers other made-up textile articles. The selected residual lines carry 6% to 12% for goods from China. Woven harnesses are candidates for 6307 90 98 99 at 6%, subject to confirmation. The table also distinguishes hand-made articles and separately imported knitted or nonwoven accessories; these are not interchangeable harness classifications.
The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on these lines. Their suspension wording covers textile face masks, not harnesses. CITES controls are attached: where listed species materials are involved, obtain the appropriate permits and confirm the China-to-GB documentation with your broker. The other-articles lines also attach a torture-goods import prohibition and export restriction. Listed prohibited torture goods cannot be imported; have your broker check the product against the control descriptions.
The nonwoven accessory line also attaches a supplementary-unit import measure; ask your broker to confirm the declaration requirement. CITES export controls are attached too, so check them before onward export where species materials are involved. Confirm the commodity code using construction, materials and intended use. For related goods within the wider heading, see textile lifting slings.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other made-up textile articles, candidate line for woven harnesses | 6307 90 98 99 | 6% | None |
| Hand-made textile articles, subject to classification confirmation | 6307 90 98 91 | 6% | None |
| Knitted or crocheted articles, for separately imported textile accessories | 6307 90 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Other nonwoven articles, for separately imported textile accessories | 6307 90 98 20 | 6% | None |
Specify the harness and its connections
Specify a full-body fall-arrest harness, intended working conditions, wearer size range, adjustment method and connection points. Record webbing material and width, stitch pattern, thread, buckle design and metal fittings. Ask the supplier to identify which attachment points are intended for fall arrest and which serve other purposes. Include the intended lanyard and connector combination in the brief.
For new workplace protective equipment sold in Great Britain, check CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English. Verify the assessment evidence against the exact harness model, factory and construction offered. Agree how component changes will be reviewed before production. Use testing and certification support to organise the document and test review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 800 woven full-body harnesses, mixed sizes; illustrative order under 6307 90 98 99, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,800. Duty at 6% is £1,548. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,348, so it is £5,469.60. Import taxes total £7,017.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,548 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Webbing and stitching: compare material, width, stitch layout and reinforcement with the approved construction; check cuts, fraying, skipped stitches and loose ends.
Buckles and fittings: check adjustment, locking action, sharp edges, corrosion and routing of straps; compare fittings with the approved sample.
Fit and connections: check the ordered size mix, adjustment range and access to the intended attachment points with the specified connectors.
Documents and identity: match product labels, model identification, conformity marking, declaration and English instructions to the delivered harness; retain photographs and batch records.
What goes wrong
A supplier may offer documents for a different model, then change the webbing, buckle or stitch pattern in production. Treat an unexplained mismatch as a reason to hold the stock while the evidence is checked. A visual inspection cannot establish fall-arrest performance.
Straps can be routed incorrectly, adjusters can slip, and stitching can conceal damaged webbing. A harness that adjusts on a display sample may fit poorly over work clothing. Compare delivered goods with the approved construction and arrange a controlled fit review without exposing anyone to a fall.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on textile fall-arrest harnesses from China?
The candidate woven other-articles line carries 6%. Selected residual textile lines range from 6% to 12%; knitted accessories carry 12%. Confirm the harness code before ordering.
Do fall-arrest harnesses need CE or UKCA marking?
For new workplace protective equipment placed on the Great Britain market, check CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English.
Can I use a supplier's certificate for a similar harness?
Ask for evidence matching the exact model and construction. Check the webbing, stitching, buckles and attachment points against that evidence before accepting the order.
What should I inspect when harnesses arrive?
Check webbing, stitching, buckle action, fittings, sizes and product identity against the approved sample and documents. Hold unexplained differences for review; appearance alone cannot establish performance.