Sourcing woven hairdressing capes from China
Woven hairdressing capes from China carry 12% UK duty across the occupational clothing lines shown, subject to confirming classification. Fibre composition labelling is required. Specify neck fit, fabric finish and washing performance before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources woven hairdressing capes.
12% duty on the occupational clothing lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 October 2026, heading 6211 covers tracksuits, ski suits, swimwear and other garments. The cotton and man-made fibre occupational clothing lines shown carry 12% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures recorded. They are classification candidates for woven hairdressing capes, rather than a ruling for every cape.
The cotton women's occupational line has a 0.00 % suspension restricted to specified medical scrub tops and bottoms; do not apply it to hairdressing capes. All the selected lines attach a seal-products import control. Seal products for trade require a seal catch certificate. For a China shipment containing seal material, confirm eligibility and documentation with your customs broker before ordering.
Send the broker a finished sample, fibre composition, fabric construction, coating details and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For other garments within this heading, see woven chef aprons.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's cotton occupational clothing: potential cape classification | 6211 32 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Men's man-made fibre occupational clothing: potential cape classification | 6211 33 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's cotton occupational clothing: potential cape classification | 6211 42 10 00 | 12% | None |
| Women's man-made fibre occupational clothing: potential cape classification | 6211 43 10 00 | 12% | None |
Specify neck fit and salon use
Specify woven polyester, nylon or cotton fabric, its weight and fibre composition, cape length and width, neck adjustment range, closure type and overlap. Agree whether the cape is for dry cutting or wet treatments, and describe the required resistance to splashes and staining separately.
Approve a sample on a seated client with the chair reclined. Check shoulder coverage, freedom of movement and whether cut hair collects at the neckline. Agree washing instructions and test the finish after washing. Fibre labels must show fibre content. Businesses importing consumer products are responsible for their safety.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 500 woven polyester hairdressing capes, assuming this classification under 6211 43 10 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,800. Duty at 12% is £336. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,136, so it is £627.20. Import taxes total £963.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £336 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Neck and closures: check adjustment against the approved sample, smooth edges on poppers, secure stitching and comfortable contact with the neck.
Fabric and finish: compare bulk fabric with the sample, check hair brushes off, and test splash resistance before and after the agreed washing process.
Seams and branding: check hems, seam puckering, loose threads, print cracking and colour transfer onto a damp pale cloth.
Labels and packing: compare fibre labels with the material evidence, check agreed care instructions and inspect for dampness or odour on arrival. Use a written inspection brief.
What goes wrong
A cape can match the artwork yet fail in use: neck gaps admit cut hair, short panels expose the client's clothes, closures snag hair and a stiff fabric hangs poorly. A splash-resistant sample can also lose its finish after washing.
Approve the fabric, closure and washing result together. Keep a signed sample and ask the inspector to compare production pieces with it. Treat resistance to hair, water and salon treatment stains as separate acceptance checks.
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 woven hairdressing capes from China?
The selected cotton and man-made fibre occupational clothing lines carry 12% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures recorded. Confirm the cape's classification before shipment.
Do hairdressing capes need fibre labels?
Yes. Textile labels must show fibre content. Check the label against the fabric composition evidence and agree care instructions separately.
Can cotton hairdressing capes use the scrub duty suspension?
No. The suspension on the women's cotton occupational line is restricted to specified medical scrub tops and bottoms, not hairdressing capes.
How do I check a splash-resistant cape?
Test the approved sample and production fabric before and after the agreed washing process. Check seams and neck overlap too, and assess salon treatment stains separately.