Sourcing textile helmet linings from China

Duty on textile helmet linings

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, textile helmet linings within heading 6507 carried 0% duty from China. The heading covers headgear parts, including linings, rather than complete helmets. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension is listed. The lining formats shown share the same commodity code. See the wider headgear-parts guide.

The tariff attaches cat-and-dog-fur import and export controls and seal-product import controls. Imports and exports of cat or dog fur and products made from it are banned. Seal products for sale in Great Britain must qualify under the Inuit or other indigenous communities exemption and have a seal catch attestation certificate. For an order from China, specify the materials and ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable control documents before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the sample, material breakdown and intended use. Describe whether the goods are textile comfort linings or assemblies containing other helmet components. Keep impact-absorbing structures separate in the specification and ask the broker to check the classification of mixed assemblies.

Specify fabric, pattern and helmet fit

Name the intended helmet model and size, and supply the lining pattern with seam allowances and attachment positions. Specify fibre composition, fabric weight, stretch direction, panel shape, edge binding and thread. For laminated linings, identify the face fabric, backing and adhesive separately. State whether the lining is sewn in or removable, and agree the washing and drying method.

Confirm with HSE whether the UK REACH restriction on azo dyes that release listed aromatic amines applies to the dyed textile parts in skin contact. Request material and colour-specific test reports. Trial the lining in the intended helmet to check forehead pressure, seam position, ventilation openings and access to adjustment parts. Ask the helmet maker to review replacement linings that could affect protective performance.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 900 removable textile helmet linings 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

Pattern and fit: compare production linings with the approved sample and drawing, then fit sampled pieces into the intended helmet sizes. Check that panels lie flat and attachment points align.

Fabric and colour: check composition records, stretch direction and colour consistency. Test colour transfer from perspiration and rubbing on each colour, including printed areas.

Seams and attachments: check seam strength, binding, exposed thread ends and fastening security. Feel the skin-facing surface for hard seams, rough edges and adhesive residue.

Washing and packing: wash and dry samples by the agreed method, then check shrinkage, curling, delamination and fit. Check model and size identification against carton contents. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

A lining can match the outline yet fit badly because the fabric stretches in the wrong direction or the seam allowance changes the finished shape. Thick seams create pressure points, misplaced fasteners leave loose edges, and panels can cover ventilation openings. Washing may shrink the fabric, curl the binding or separate laminated layers.

Keep an approved sample fitted inside the intended helmet. Compare bulk fabric, backing, seams and attachments with that sample, and repeat the wash-and-fit trial if the factory changes materials. For replacements, avoid relying on appearance alone when deciding compatibility.

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.