Sourcing women's woven tunic tops from China

A flat 12% for tunic tops within heading 6206

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 October 2026, heading 6206 covers women's or girls' blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses. This guide covers women's woven tunic tops within that family. All listed lines carry 12% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no duty suspensions recorded.

The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to the wool or fine animal hair line and the other textile materials line. For relevant listed species, permits apply. Before sourcing animal-derived material from China, confirm the species and the applicable import and export documentation with your customs broker.

Ask your broker to review fibre composition, construction, length and intended wear using the commodity code guide. Official guidance says a dress must be capable of being worn without other garments except underwear. Do not assume the supplier's name 'tunic' settles classification. See the wider women's blouses and shirts guide.

Specify tunic length, ease and side openings

Agree the fibre blend, weave, fabric weight, opacity and wash performance before approving bulk fabric. The label must show fibre content. Match label artwork to the tested material rather than copying a sample label.

Provide a size chart covering chest, hip, shoulder, sleeve, armhole and front and back lengths. Define hem shape, side-slit position, neckline opening and any button placket. Approve fit while sitting and reaching, with the trousers or leggings intended for the outfit. Record measurement tolerances and keep an approved sample.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,000 women's woven cotton tunic tops under 6206 30 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,600. Duty at 12% is £552. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,152, so it is £1,030.40. Import taxes total £1,582.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £552 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: measure each size against the approved chart, including hip ease, front and back lengths and slit height. Check that the hem hangs evenly.

Fabric: compare bulk shade and opacity with the approved sample. Wash-test length and width changes, colour bleeding and distortion of the hem and placket.

Construction: check seam slippage, secure stitching at slit tops, smooth neckline finishing and button attachment. Look for puckering along long side seams.

Arrival: compare carton contents with the agreed size and colour breakdown, check fibre labels and inspect for dampness or staining. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.

What goes wrong

A tunic can fit across the chest but pull across the hips when the wearer sits. Side slits can open too far, and a longer back hem can twist after washing. Approve the full size set and compare washed samples with the original measurements before accepting bulk production.

Sheer fabric, slipping seams and colour transfer onto pale trousers cause avoidable complaints. Check opacity against contrasting clothing, test the actual bulk fabric and reinforce slit tops. If the factory changes fabric or garment length, ask for a fresh sample and a classification review.

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.