What is the HS code for clothing?

There isn’t one universal code — it depends on the garment and whether it’s knitted (Chapter 61) or woven (Chapter 62). See the table above for common garment types.

How do I know if my garment is ‘knitted’ or ‘woven’ for classification purposes?

Knitted/crocheted fabric is formed by interlocking loops of yarn (most t-shirts, sweaters); woven fabric is formed by yarns crossing at right angles (most dress shirts, suits). If you’re unsure, check with your fabric supplier or a classification specialist — this distinction changes the chapter, not just the code.

Does fiber content affect the HS code?

Yes — within a garment type, the specific HS6 and 8/10-digit national code typically splits further by material (cotton, wool, synthetic fiber, silk), and this is often where duty rates vary the most.

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HS Code for Apparel

Here is the official Harmonized System classification, tariffs, and duty rates for shipping apparel internationally.

Primary HS6 Subheading

Chapters 61 & 62

WCO HS 2022 Verified

Official Description

“No single HS6 code — depends on garment type (t-shirt, jacket, trousers, etc.) and whether the fabric is knitted or woven.”

Apparel spans two entire chapters — knitted (Ch. 61) and woven (Ch. 62). The exact HS6 depends on the garment type and fabric construction.

Tariff Classification Hierarchy

Chapter 61 & 62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories — knitted/crocheted (Ch. 61) and woven (Ch. 62)

Heading VariousDepends on garment type and construction

Last verified: July 2026Source: WCO Harmonized System 2022

Classification Reasoning

Clothing is one of the few product categories split at the chapter level before you even get to the specific garment: Chapter 61 covers knitted or crocheted apparel (most t-shirts, sweaters, and knit activewear), while Chapter 62 covers woven apparel (most dress shirts, suits, and tailored trousers). This distinction exists because knit and woven fabrics are manufactured differently and have historically been taxed at different rates in many countries. Within each chapter, the code then depends on the specific garment type and, in many national tariff schedules, the fiber content (cotton, synthetic, wool, silk) — which is often where duty rates diverge most. There is no single 'apparel' HS6 code, and any page or tool that gives you one without asking about garment type and construction is oversimplifying.

Classification Comparison

Garment	Knitted (Ch. 61)	Woven (Ch. 62)
T-shirts	6109	—
Sweaters / pullovers	6110	—
Men’s suits / jackets	6103	6203
Women’s suits / jackets	6104	6204
Shirts	6105 (men’s) / 6106 (women’s)	6205 (men’s) / 6206 (women’s)
Trousers / shorts	6103/6104 or 6111–6114	6203/6204 or 6203.42
Dresses	6104	6204

* This table shows heading-level (4-digit) codes — the full HS6 within each heading further splits by fiber content (cotton, synthetic fiber, wool, etc.), which is where duty rates typically diverge most.

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Import Duty Rates for Apparel

Verified • July 2026

Country	Duty Rate	VAT / GST	De Minimis
🇺🇸United States	~8–32%	–	Abolished / suspended
🇬🇧United Kingdom	~8–12%	20%	£135 (ending October 1, 2028)
🇨🇦Canada	~16–18%	5% GST	CA$150 (courier) / CA$20 (post)
🇺🇸Australia	0–5%	10% GST	AU$1,000
🇪🇺Germany (EU)	~12%	19%	Replaced

United States Notice: Plus Section 122/301 surcharges. Rates vary drastically by construction (knit vs. woven) and fiber — synthetic can spike to 32%; cotton sits lower. The $800 de minimis is entirely gone; all shipments face full entry classification. Minor changes in fiber blends (e.g., >50% synthetic) can double the base rate.

United Kingdom Notice: MFN base duties sit around 12% for knitted garments. The £135 threshold is legally scheduled for full wind-down by October 1, 2028. It currently serves only as a VAT checkout collection boundary.

Canada Notice: Ad valorem duties on garments consistently cluster around 17–18% without free trade agreements. Local sales tax (GST/PST) triggers on courier packages exceeding $40 CAD.

Australia Notice: Australia’s maximum general tariff on apparel and textiles is capped at 5%. The $1,000 threshold is active for customs duties, but international vendors must collect the 10% GST at checkout if they cross local revenue boundaries.

Germany (EU) Notice: The traditional €150 exemption was eliminated on July 1, 2026. Low-value B2C parcels (< €150) now incur €3 flat customs duty per tariff category, not per package. A separate €2 handling fee is expected from November 2026. 19% Import VAT applies from the first cent.

Important Regulatory Note: EU multi-item rule: The €3 flat fee applies per tariff category, not per package. If a parcel contains a woven jacket (Chapter 62) and a knitted t-shirt (Chapter 61), it triggers €6 total flat duty, regardless of item values. | US fiber diligence: Minor changes in fiber blends (e.g., >50% synthetic in a cotton blend) can double the base tariff rate. Commercial invoices must state exact fiber breakdowns (e.g., 60% cotton / 40% polyester) to prevent classification penalties.

Landed Cost Calculation Example

Here is a breakdown of estimated import costs for shipping a $40 product to the UK:

Landed Cost Receipt

Product Value:$40.00

Duty (12%):$4.80

VAT/GST (20%):$8.00

Est. Landed Cost:$52.80

* Cotton t-shirt (knitted, HS 6109). Verified base rate for knitted cotton garments.

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