Sourcing women's silk blouses from China

Duty on woven silk blouses

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, women's woven blouses of silk or silk waste under 6206 10 00 00 carry 12% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line.

Heading 6206 covers women's or girls' blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses that are not knitted. The table shows different blouse fabrics sharing the silk commodity line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the women's blouses and shirts guide for the wider heading.

Confirm construction and tested fibre composition before selecting the commodity code, especially for silk blends. A satin finish alone does not establish silk content. Budget separately for import VAT using the duty and VAT guide.

Specify silk fabric, opacity and fit

Specify fibre composition, weave, fabric weight, colour reference and finish. Agree whether the blouse is satin, crepe or chiffon, whether it is lined, and how sheer fabric should look when worn. Approve chest, shoulder, sleeve and garment length measurements across the size range, with tolerances written into the order.

Fibre composition must be labelled; confirm the permitted fibre names with Trading Standards. Test bulk fabric before printing silk labels, and agree care instructions against the tested washing or cleaning method. Products should only be sold once compliance with product safety regulations has been demonstrated appropriately.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 women's woven silk blouses; illustrative order, not a quotation under 6206 10 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 12% is £792. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,392, so it is £1,478.40. Import taxes total £2,270.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £792 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Composition: compare the bulk fabric test report with the sewn-in label and approved fabric sample.

Seams: check seam slippage, puckering, skipped stitches and fraying at armholes, side seams and cuffs.

Colour and care: compare shades across cartons and test colour transfer and dimensional change using the agreed care method.

Fit and finish: measure each sampled size, check opacity, collar shape, buttonholes and button attachment. Include these checks in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A sample's sheen and handle can conceal a different bulk fibre composition. Keep an approved fabric sample and obtain a bulk composition test before approving labels. Thin fabric can open at seams or show needle damage, so inspect stressed seams as well as the blouse hanging on a rail.

Printed colours can transfer onto pale trims, while washing can change fit or surface appearance. Test each colourway using the intended care method. Compare delivered garments with the approved size chart and sample before releasing stock for sale.

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.