HS Codes for Clothing

How to Find the HS Code for a Garment

Three questions decide it.

1. Is the fabric knitted or woven? Jersey, fleece, rib and other knits go in chapter 61. Denim, poplin, twill and other woven fabrics go in chapter 62.
2. What is the garment, and who is it for? Each chapter has separate headings for men's or boys' and women's or girls' garments, so a woven cotton shirt is 6205 for men and 6206 for women.
3. Which fibre is there most of by weight? That sets the last two digits. A 95% cotton, 5% elastane T-shirt is classified as cotton.

HS Codes for Common Garments

Six-digit codes from the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System, checked against the UK Trade Tariff in November 2026. "Man-made fibres" covers synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, acrylic) and artificial ones (viscose, modal, lyocell). Where a heading splits the two, the synthetic code is shown.

Not in chapters 61 or 62: footwear is chapter 64, handbags are heading 4202, and knitted or fabric hats are heading 6505.

Rules That Catch People Out

• Unisex garments go in the women's heading. If a garment can't be identified as men's or women's, it's classified as women's or girls'.
• Blends follow the heaviest fibre. A 60% polyester, 40% cotton sweatshirt takes the man-made fibres code, 6110.30, not the cotton one.
• Babies' garments have their own headings. Clothes for young children up to 86 cm tall go in 6111 if knitted and 6209 if woven.
• Bras are always 6212, whether they're knitted or woven.

What Goes on the Commercial Invoice

When you ship to a buyer in another country, each line of the commercial invoice needs the HS code, the country of origin and the fibre composition, along with the quantity and value. Customs uses the code and the origin to set the duty, so a wrong or missing code can delay the shipment or change what your buyer pays. Duty also feeds your landed cost, so it's worth getting right before you price.

In Kōbō you set the HS code, origin and composition once on the style. Every line of the commercial invoice takes them from there, and Kōbō won't generate the invoice while a line is missing its HS code or origin. If you're getting ready for your first wholesale season, start with our line sheet guide, or see Kōbō's pricing.

In Kōbō

Set the HS code, origin, MID and composition once on the style. Every line of the commercial invoice takes them from there, and the invoice won't generate while a line is missing its HS code or origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HS code the same in every country?

The first six digits are. More than 200 countries and economies use the Harmonized System. Each country then adds its own digits: the UK and EU use 8 digits on exports and 10 on imports, and the US uses a 10-digit HTS code. Check the full code in the destination country's tariff.

Is a cotton and polyester blend classified as cotton?

Only if there's more cotton than polyester by weight. The fibre that predominates by weight decides the code, so a 60% polyester, 40% cotton sweatshirt takes the man-made fibres code, 6110.30.

Is a hoodie classified as a jumper or a jacket?

A knitted hoodie or sweatshirt usually goes in 6110 with jumpers and cardigans. A padded or lined hooded jacket is classified as an anorak or windcheater instead: 6101 or 6102 if knitted, 6201 or 6202 if woven.

Which heading does a unisex garment go in?

The women's or girls' heading. A garment that can't be identified as men's or women's is classified as women's. One that closes left over right at the front counts as men's, and right over left as women's, unless the cut clearly shows otherwise.

Does the HS code decide the duty I pay?

It's one part of it. The duty rate comes from the destination country's tariff for that code, and the country of origin decides whether a trade agreement lowers it.

Where can I check a code?

The UK Trade Tariff (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk), the EU's Access2Markets, and the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (hts.usitc.gov). Treat this page as a starting point and confirm the full code with the destination's tariff or your customs broker before you ship.

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