Sourcing textile wrestling boots from China

Textile uppers and sports-footwear classification

Heading 6404 covers footwear with textile uppers and outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather. Textile wrestling boots with rubber or plastic outer soles are candidates for sports-footwear code 6404 11 00 00. The table shows product variants within that same tariff line, rather than separate commodity classifications. For bowling footwear, see our textile-upper bowling shoe sourcing guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied lines all carry 16% duty for China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. The sports-footwear line attaches seal-product and fluorinated-greenhouse-gas import controls. Seal products for trade require a seal catch certificate. For the gas control, the importer should confirm the requirement for the actual boots with their customs broker.

Give your broker the upper and outer-sole materials, photographs and intended wrestling use before confirming the commodity code. The textile boxing boots guide provides related heading coverage. Check tax treatment separately using the import duty and VAT guide. For sports footwear shipped in the opposite direction, see exporting trainers to China. For weightlifting styles, see our weightlifting shoe sourcing guide. For dance footwear classification, see our textile jazz shoe sourcing guide.

Specify mat grip, ankle fit and sole construction

Specify the textile upper, reinforcement panels, lining, ankle height, lace retention and sole construction. Agree whether the outsole is split or continuous, its flexibility and its edge profile. Approve a sample on the intended mat with the buyer's chosen wear testers, checking grip during pivots, heel movement and pressure from seams.

Set a size-by-size measurement sheet covering internal length, forefoot width and ankle opening. Keep an approved sample for comparison with production. Products should only be sold after compliance with product safety regulations has been demonstrated appropriately.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative club-stock order of textile wrestling boots in assorted UK sizes under 6404 11 00 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 16% is £1,472. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,672, so it is £2,134.40. Import taxes total £3,606.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,472 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: compare production pairs with the approved size measurements and check left and right boots match.

Soles: flex the forefoot, examine bonded edges and compare grip and flexibility with the approved mat-tested sample.

Upper and closures: check reinforcement stitching, lace eyelets, tongue position and exposed edges for snagging or rubbing.

Labels and arrival condition: match composition labels to the agreed materials, reconcile carton sizes and inspect for dampness, mould and sole separation.

What goes wrong

A changed rubber compound or tread can alter mat grip even when the boot looks unchanged. A sole edge that lifts during flexing can catch on the mat. Loose eyelets, rough internal seams and a tongue that shifts under tension can make a correctly sized boot uncomfortable.

A factory's nominal UK size may differ from the approved fit, while substituted reinforcement materials can make the label inaccurate. Record the material specification and retain production samples. If arrival checks find damp cartons, mismatched pairs or opening bonds, separate the affected stock and document the defects before distribution.

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.