If you’re importing clothing into the United States, choosing the right HTS code for clothing import to USA is essential. The HTS code determines your duty rate, regulatory requirements, and whether your shipment gets delayed or cleared smoothly. In this article, we’ll break down how to find the correct HTS codes for garments, what factors affect classification, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
👗 What Is an HTS Code for Clothing?
The HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a 10-digit number used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to classify all imported goods. For apparel, these codes fall under Chapter 61 (knitted or crocheted) and Chapter 62 (not knitted or crocheted) of the tariff schedule.
Example HTS codes:
- 6109.10.0012 – Cotton T-shirts, men’s or boys’
- 6204.62.4021 – Women’s trousers of cotton (not knitted)
- 6115.30.9010 – Socks, synthetic fibers
Each of these codes determines the import duty, which may vary from 0% to over 30%, depending on the material, gender, and garment type.
🧵 How to Classify Garments Correctly
When determining the HTS code for clothing, the following attributes are crucial:
✅ 1. Material Composition
- Cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, or blends?
- The dominant fiber by weight determines classification.
✅ 2. Garment Type
- Is it a shirt, dress, pants, coat, underwear, or accessory?
- Each type has a specific code series.
✅ 3. Gender & Age
- Men’s, women’s, or children’s clothing?
- Classification changes depending on the target demographic.
✅ 4. Construction Method
- Is it knitted/crocheted (Chapter 61) or woven/non-knit (Chapter 62)?
- This changes the entire chapter of classification.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Clothing
- Assuming all T-shirts have the same HTS code
➤ Codes vary by gender, fabric, and style. - Ignoring blend ratios
➤ A shirt made of 51% polyester and 49% cotton will be classified under synthetic fiber, not cotton. - Using outdated HTS codes
➤ The Harmonized Tariff Schedule is updated annually—use the most recent version.
💵 Understanding Duties and Trade Preferences
Duty rates for clothing can be high, especially for cotton and synthetic garments. However, preferential trade agreements like:
- AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
- CAFTA-DR
- USMCA
…may allow for duty-free imports if specific rules of origin are met.
Always check the “Special” column of the HTS database to see if your product qualifies.
🌍 HTS Codes and Global Apparel Sourcing
If you import from:
- China: Watch for Section 301 tariffs (extra duties on many textile items).
- Bangladesh, Vietnam, or Turkey: Duty rates still apply but may be lower than China.
- Africa: Many Sub-Saharan African countries enjoy reduced or zero duties under AGOA.
🧾 Where to Find the Right HTS Code for Clothing
Use these resources:
- https://hts.usitc.gov – Official U.S. government HTS search tool
- Commercial lookup tools (like ImportYeti or Panjiva)
- Freight forwarder or customs broker consultation
✅ Conclusion: Correct HTS Code = Faster Clearance & Lower Cost
Using the correct HTS code for clothing import to USA ensures your shipments are legally compliant, cleared quickly, and taxed correctly. With so many subcategories, don’t guess — do the research or ask a professional.
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