HS Code for Textiles & Apparel (Chapters 61 and 62)
Chapters 61 (knit or crocheted) and 62 (not knit) cover finished apparel - the highest-duty consumer category in most tariff schedules. Correct classification down to 6 digits is the difference between a 5% and a 20% duty bill.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 6109.10 | T-shirts, singlets and other vests, of cotton, knitted |
| 6110.20 | Sweaters, pullovers, cardigans - cotton, knitted |
| 6203.42 | Men's trousers and shorts of cotton (not knitted) |
| 6204.62 | Women's trousers and shorts of cotton (not knitted) |
| 6205.20 | Men's shirts of cotton |
| 6404.11 | Sports footwear with textile uppers |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| United States (MFN) | 10% - 32% Textiles are one of the highest-duty US categories; check HTS 10-digit line. |
| European Union | 8% - 12% GSP preferences apply to many developing-country origins. |
| United Kingdom (UKGT) | 8% - 12% |
| India (BCD) | 10% - 20% Plus IGST at 5% or 12% depending on price point. |
| UAE | 5% Standard GCC common external tariff, plus 5% VAT. |
Numerical Example: 10,000 cotton T-shirts, FOB Chittagong USD 3.00/piece, sea freight to New York
10,000 cotton T-shirts, FOB Chittagong USD 3.00/piece, sea freight to New York. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · Country of origin must appear on garment label (US 19 CFR 134, EU 1007/2011).
- · Fiber content declaration in local languages for retail sale.
- · Formaldehyde and azo-dye limits in EU REACH Annex XVII.
- · US CPSIA flammability standard (16 CFR 1610) for wearing apparel.
- · China
- · Bangladesh
- · Vietnam
- · India
- · Turkey
- · Cambodia
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Chapter 61 is knitted or crocheted. Chapter 62 is 'not knitted' - typically woven. A cotton polo shirt is 6105 (knitted); a cotton button-down shirt is 6205 (woven).
Textiles are historically protected. The US keeps rates at 10-32%, while the EU/UK sit around 8-12% and the UAE at 5%. GSP, EBA, GSP+ and FTAs like CPTPP or India-UAE CEPA can reduce these materially.
Use our free HS lookup, then verify with the destination customs authority's binding ruling database (CROSS for US, EBTI for EU).
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to consumer goods (HS 61 & 62) in each market we cover. Rates are indicative at the 6-digit line | confirm the national 8/10-digit code with your broker.
| Market | Duty | Consumption tax | Tax base | Tax as % of CIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 12% | IGST 18% | Assessable value + duty | 32.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | 12% | VAT 5% | CIF + duty | 17.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | 12% | VAT 15% | CIF + duty | 28.8% |
| Singapore | 12% | GST 9% | CIF + duty | 22.1% |
| China | 12% | VAT 13% | CIF + duty | 26.6% |
| United States | 16.5% | Federal VAT 0% | CIF | 16.8% |
| United Kingdom | 12% | VAT 20% | CIF + duty | 34.4% |
| Germany | 12% | USt 19% | CIF + duty | 33.3% |
| Netherlands | 12% | BTW 21% | CIF + duty | 35.5% |
| Vietnam | 12% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 23.2% |
| Türkiye | 12% | KDV 20% | CIF + duty | 34.4% |
| Japan | 12% | JCT 10% | CIF + duty | 23.2% |
| South Korea | 12% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 23.2% |
| Brazil | 12% | IPI+PIS/COFINS+ICMS 32% | CIF + duty | 47.8% |
| Indonesia | 12% | PPN 11% | CIF + duty | 26.8% |
| Mexico | 12% | IVA 16% | CIF + duty | 30.8% |
| Egypt | 12% | VAT 14% | CIF + duty | 27.7% |
| Nigeria | 12% | VAT 7.5% | CIF + duty | 22.0% |
| South Africa | 40% | VAT 15% | Assessable value + duty | 67.1% |
| Australia | 12% | GST 10% | CIF + duty | 23.2% |
Run your own numbers with the landed cost calculator or check documentation requirements in the LC document checklist.
In-depth corridor guides
Full documentation, duty and worked landed-cost breakdowns for the corridors we handle client paperwork on.