Sourcing women's thermal long johns from China
Women's knitted thermal long johns from China carry 12% UK duty across the relevant fibre categories. For sale in Great Britain, labels must show fibre content; confirm applicable garment safety requirements with Trading Standards. Check animal-fibre sourcing where CITES controls apply. Cambridge China Bridge sources women's knitted thermal long johns.
UK duty on women's knitted thermal long johns
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6108 covers women's or girls' knitted or crocheted underwear, nightwear and similar articles. This guide focuses on women's thermal long johns worn beneath outer clothing. The table shows the relevant other-article lines by fibre category; confirm the finished garment's classification before using them.
All displayed lines carry 12% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspensions. It attaches CITES import and export controls to 6108 99 00 10, and an export control to 6108 99 00 90. For animal-fibre garments, identify the species and ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable permit requirements for imports from China. Check the official import restrictions before applying for a CITES permit.
Confirm the commodity code using garment construction, intended use and fibre composition. Import VAT is normally 20%; see the duty and VAT guide. For the corresponding men's range, see men's knitted thermal underpants.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's knitted thermal long johns of cotton | 6108 91 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's knitted thermal long johns of man-made fibres | 6108 92 00 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's knitted thermal long johns of wool or fine animal hair | 6108 99 00 10 | 12% | None |
| Women's knitted thermal long johns of other textile materials | 6108 99 00 90 | 12% | None |
Specify the rise, leg fit and thermal fabric
Specify the fibre blend, knit construction, fabric weight and brushed or unbrushed finish. Agree waist, hip, front and back rise, inside leg, thigh and ankle measurements, with tolerances for each size. Define waistband width, cuff construction, gusset shape and seam placement. Approve the sample while sitting, bending and wearing it beneath the intended trousers.
Agree how warmth, stretch recovery, pilling and wash shrinkage will be assessed against the approved sample. For sale in Great Britain, the label must show fibre content; confirm applicable safety requirements for normal or reasonably foreseeable use with Trading Standards. Check label artwork against material evidence, and ask the supplier to identify the species used in animal-fibre yarns.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2,000 pairs of women's knitted cotton thermal long johns under 6108 91 00 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,200. Duty at 12% is £2,304. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,504, so it is £4,300.80. Import taxes total £6,604.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,304 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure the rise, inside leg, waist and ankle opening against the specification; check that the crotch does not pull when sitting or bending.
Elastic and seams: stretch and release the waistband and cuffs; inspect recovery, twisting, skipped stitches and rough seams against the skin.
Fabric and washing: compare brushing and thickness with the approved sample; wash as agreed and check shrinkage, pilling, colour transfer and leg twisting.
Labels and packing: verify fibre declarations, size labels and carton assortments; check for dampness, odour and stains. Use the inspection guide to organise arrival checks.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A factory can match the waist measurement while shortening the rise or narrowing the thighs, making the garment uncomfortable beneath trousers. Bulk fabric can also feel thinner or rougher than the sample. Keep the approved garment and measurement sheet, and compare production across sizes and colours.
Brushing can conceal weak fabric that pills after washing. Legs may twist, cuffs may tighten and waist elastic may lose recovery. Animal-fibre descriptions can also lack species information needed to resolve the attached CITES control. Set acceptance criteria before production and resolve material documentation 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on women's thermal long johns from China?
The relevant cotton, man-made fibre, wool or fine animal hair, and other textile material lines all carry 12% duty.
Which commodity code should I use for women's thermal long johns?
The table shows the other-article lines within heading 6108. Ask your broker to confirm the finished garment's construction, intended use and fibre composition before declaring it.
Do women's thermal long johns need fibre labels?
Yes. The label must show fibre content. Compare the factory's label artwork with the agreed fabric composition and supporting material evidence.
Does the CITES control apply to every wool garment?
Resolve it against the actual animal species and material. The tariff attaches an import control to 6108 99 00 10; ask your broker to confirm the applicable permit requirement for your shipment.