Sourcing tracksuits and swimwear from China
Woven tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear from China pay 12% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. They need a fibre composition label under the retained textile regulation, and they sell on performance: chlorine and colour resistance for swimwear, and stretch recovery, pilling and breathability for sportswear. Cambridge China Bridge sources own-label sportswear and swimwear.
Woven tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear pay 12% UK duty from China. Fabric performance, chlorine resistance, sizing and the fibre label to plan.
12% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, men's and women's swimwear, lined tracksuits of man-made fibres or cotton with a single-fabric outer shell, tracksuit tops and bottoms, and other garments of man-made fibres in the heading carried 12% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
These are the woven lines; knitted swimwear and tracksuits sit in chapter 61, so the fabric construction decides the commodity code, as with womenswear.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimwear, men's or boys' | 6211 11 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Swimwear, women's or girls' | 6211 12 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's lined tracksuits of man-made fibres, single outer fabric | 6211 43 31 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's tracksuit upper parts of man-made fibres | 6211 43 41 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's tracksuit lower parts of man-made fibres | 6211 43 42 00 | 12% | None |
Fibre label
Article 14 of Regulation 1007/2011, as it applies in Great Britain, requires the fibre composition on a durable, easily legible label or marking. Performance fabrics often blend polyamide or polyester with elastane, and the percentages on the label must match the fabric test; check them at inspection.
Retailers also expect care instructions suited to technical fabrics, so agree the care label with the fabric supplier's recommendation.
Performance tests
Swimwear fails on chlorine, salt water and sun: ask for chlorine resistance and colourfastness to sea water and light, and for stretch recovery after exposure. Sportswear fails on pilling, seam strength and stretch; ask for those tests on the bulk fabric and on finished garments.
Fit and sizing need the same care as in any apparel: a fit sample, a size set and a written grade rule; the apparel guide covers the process.
Minimums and seasons
Swimwear sells in spring and summer and skiwear in autumn, so plan production backwards from the selling season. Fabric minimums per colour and print usually set the order size.
Cambridge China Bridge sources own-label tracksuits, sportswear and swimwear, with fabric performance tests, labels and fit settled before production. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on swimwear from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, woven men's and women's swimwear carried 12% duty from China, as did woven tracksuits, with no anti-dumping duty.
Are knitted and woven sportswear classified the same way?
No. Knitted swimwear and tracksuits are in chapter 61 and woven ones in chapter 62, so the fabric decides the code.
Which tests matter for swimwear?
Chlorine resistance, colourfastness to sea water and light, and stretch recovery after exposure.
Does sportswear need a fibre label?
Yes. Article 14 of Regulation 1007/2011 as it applies in Great Britain requires fibre composition on a durable, legible label.