Sourcing textile helmet covers from China

UK duty on textile helmet covers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6507 covers headbands, linings, covers, hat foundations, hat frames, peaks and chinstraps for headgear. Textile helmet-cover variants in the table share the supplied commodity line, 6507 00 00 00. Its duty for goods from China is 0%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed.

The tariff attaches import controls on cat and dog fur and seal products, plus an export control on cat and dog fur. Cat and dog fur, including products made from it, cannot be imported or exported. Seal products brought into Great Britain for trade need a seal catch certificate. For any China-sourced animal-derived trim, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable control and exemption eligibility before ordering.

Confirm the commodity code using the cover's construction, materials and intended use. Supply photographs and a sample showing that it is a separate headgear cover. For the wider heading and another helmet accessory, see replacement helmet peaks.

Specify the helmet model and cover pattern

Name the helmet models and shell sizes the cover should fit. Provide shell measurements or reference helmets, then agree the panel pattern, stretch direction, lower-edge elastic, attachment method and openings for vents, straps and accessories. Approve the sample fitted to the intended helmet, rather than assessing the cover flat.

Specify fibre composition, fabric weight, colour, print or embroidery position, seam construction and washing method. Textile labels must show fibre content. Check the fitted design for snagging, slipping and interference with the helmet's straps and adjustment controls; avoid unsupported protection claims.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 900 embroidered textile helmet covers under 6507 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,900, so it is £1,980. 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.

Inspection checklist

Fit: fit sampled covers to the named helmet models and sizes; check edge retention, vent openings, strap clearance and access to adjustment controls.

Seams and elastic: compare panel alignment and stitching with the approved sample; stretch the opening repeatedly and check for broken stitches, exposed elastic and poor recovery.

Fabric and decoration: check fibre labels against the agreed material, compare colours and artwork placement, and test colour transfer and shrinkage using the agreed washing method.

Packing: check model, size and colour identification against the packing list; inspect for dampness, odour and decoration damaged by folding. Record findings through the agreed quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A cover can look correct off the helmet yet slip, bunch over vents or obstruct a strap opening when fitted. Excessive tension distorts printed artwork and pulls embroidery out of position. Weak elastic loses grip, while tight seams split during fitting.

Fabric substitutions change stretch and fit. Washing can shrink panels unevenly or transfer dye onto the helmet lining. Keep an approved fitted sample, agree how substitutions are authorised and inspect production covers on the actual helmet models before 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.