Sourcing Zip Top and Bottom Stops from China
Zip top and bottom stops from China carry 0% UK duty across the base metal and other parts lines. Consumer products must be safe when supplied in Great Britain. Specify the stop against the actual chain, tape and setting tool. Cambridge China Bridge sources zip top and bottom stops.
UK duty on zip stops
Heading 9607 covers slide fasteners and their parts. Separately supplied zip top and bottom stops belong in the parts branches: base metal parts under 9607 20 10 00 and other parts under 9607 20 90 00. The table separates top and bottom stops within these material branches.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, both parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for either line.
Confirm the material and description against the commodity code guide. For the wider heading and related replacement parts, see replacement zip sliders.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base metal zip top stops | 9607 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Plastic zip top stops | 9607 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the stop and its setting method
Specify top or bottom stop, metal alloy or plastic material, chain construction, tape thickness, stop dimensions and finish. Supply the actual chain and slider with the approved sample. State whether the bottom stop joins the tapes on a closed-end zip; distinguish it from the pin and box assembly on a separating zip.
Agree the setting tool, crimp profile or plastic attachment method and the retention test on an assembled zip. Check the stop prevents the slider leaving the chain without cutting the tape. For metal stops in direct and prolonged skin contact, confirm with the relevant authority whether REACH nickel release restrictions apply; assess the intended garment use and request suitable test evidence.
Consumer products must be safe when supplied in Great Britain. Assess sharp edges and detached-stop risks in the intended finished garment or bag, especially children's products.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20,000 base metal zip top stops under 9607 20 10 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,090, so it is £618. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure against the approved drawing and assemble samples on the actual chain and tape with the production setting tool.
Retention: pull-test fitted stops using the agreed method and operate the slider against each end; check for movement, detachment and tape damage.
Finish: check burrs, cracks, plating coverage, colour and rubbing against the approved sample.
Packing: check top and bottom stops are separated and labelled by material, compatible chain, finish and batch. Use the quality inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.
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What goes wrong
A stop that looks correct loose can fail after setting. An oversized opening leaves it loose; excessive crimping cuts the tape or cracks the stop. The wrong profile lets the slider pass over the top stop, while a poorly fitted bottom stop allows the tapes to separate.
Finish changes can alter fit or leave rough edges that snag fabric. Keep an approved assembled sample, check incoming batches on the production tool and isolate mixed or loose stops before they reach the sewing line.
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 zip stops from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for base metal parts under 9607 20 10 00 and other parts under 9607 20 90 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measures.
Are top stops and bottom stops interchangeable?
Do not assume so. Top stops retain the slider at the upper end; a closed-end bottom stop holds the tapes together. Specify the position and test the assembled zip.
Will a stop fit any zip of the same nominal size?
Do not rely on nominal size alone. Match the stop profile to the chain construction, tape thickness and setting tool, then test with the actual slider.
How should I check zip stops on arrival?
Compare dimensions and finish with the approved sample, fit them using the production tool, test retention and inspect the tape for cuts or distortion.