HTS Codes for Clothing: The Complete Guide

HTS codes for clothing are 10-digit numbers from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) that classify garments for customs entry, determining the duty rate your business pays on every shipment. Getting the classification right is not optional — misclassification exposes importers to back duties, interest, and civil penalties under federal law.

Clothing is one of the most complex and heavily traded import categories in the U.S. In 2023, the United States imported more than $88 billion worth of apparel, making it one of the top three import categories by value, according to the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). Duties on clothing range from 0% to over 32%, so even a one-heading misclassification can cost thousands of dollars per shipment — or trigger a CBP audit.

What Is an HTS Code for Clothing?

HTS Code: A Harmonized Tariff Schedule code is a 10-digit numeric identifier assigned to every product imported into the United States. The first six digits align with the international Harmonized System (HS) maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), giving the code global consistency. Digits 7 and 8 represent the U.S. subheading, and digits 9 and 10 are statistical suffixes used for trade data collection.

For clothing specifically, the HTSUS organizes garments across two primary chapters:

• Chapter 61 — Knitted or crocheted clothing and clothing accessories
• Chapter 62 — Woven (not knitted) clothing and clothing accessories

This chapter split is the single most important structural distinction in apparel classification, and it is also the most common source of classification errors.

The HTSUS is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and is updated periodically. The authoritative, searchable version is available at hts.usitc.gov.

How Clothing HTS Codes Are Structured

Understanding the code’s architecture helps you navigate the schedule faster and audit your classifications more reliably.

Step 1: Identify the Chapter (Knit vs. Woven)

Determine how the fabric was made. Knitted fabrics — including jersey, rib, interlock, and fleece — fall in Chapter 61. Woven fabrics, where yarns interlace at right angles — denim, twill, poplin, canvas — fall in Chapter 62. When in doubt, check the fabric construction with your supplier before the shipment departs.

Step 2: Identify the Garment Type

Within each chapter, headings are organized by garment category. Common headings include:

• 6101 / 6201 — Overcoats, carcoats, anoraks (knit / woven)
• 6105 / 6205 — Men’s shirts (knit / woven)
• 6106 / 6206 — Women’s blouses and shirts (knit / woven)
• 6109 / 6209 — T-shirts, singlets, tank tops (knit only — there is no woven equivalent at this heading)
• 6110 — Jerseys, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats
• 6203 / 6104 — Men’s and women’s suits, jackets, trousers

Step 3: Identify Gender and Age Group

Most clothing headings branch by gender (men’s/boys’ vs. women’s/girls’) and sometimes by infant or unisex. CBP uses the garment’s design and cut — not its marketing label — to determine gender classification. A women’s-cut shirt must be classified under the women’s heading even if the brand markets it as unisex.

Step 4: Identify the Chief Fiber Content

Once you have the garment type and gender, the subheading level narrows by fiber. The “chief weight” rule applies: the fiber that makes up the greatest percentage by weight determines the classification. Common fiber breakdowns:

• Cotton — most common, generally carries moderate duty rates
• Manmade fibers (polyester, nylon, rayon, acrylic) — often carry the highest duty rates in a heading
• Wool or fine animal hair — typically separate subheadings
• Other textile materials — a catch-all for silk, linen, hemp, and blends not classified above

For a 60% polyester / 40% cotton blend shirt, the chief fiber is polyester, so you classify under the manmade fibers subheading — even though cotton is present.

Step 5: Select the 10-Digit Statistical Suffix

The final two digits refine the classification for statistical reporting. These digits do not change the duty rate but are required for a complete, valid entry. Confirm the correct suffix at hts.usitc.gov by expanding the full 10-digit breakdown.

Step 6: Check for Special Programs and Additional Duties

After identifying the base HTS code, check the “Special” duty column for applicable trade agreement rates (USMCA, CAFTA-DR, GSP where reinstated) and verify whether any Section 301 tariffs, antidumping, or countervailing duties apply. The enforcement.trade.gov/adcvd database lists all active antidumping and countervailing duty orders by product and country.

The Legal Framework: What the Regulations Require

Under 19 USC 1484, the importer of record bears legal responsibility for the accuracy of every entry filed with CBP. This includes the HTS classification, the declared value, and the country of origin. The statute does not allow ignorance as a defense.

Classification disputes and penalty assessments are governed by 19 USC 1592, which establishes three tiers of penalties for material false statements on customs entries:

• Fraud — up to the domestic value of the merchandise
• Gross negligence — up to four times the unpaid duties
• Negligence — up to two times the unpaid duties

The General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), codified in the HTSUS itself, set the legal standard for how to classify goods. GRI 1 requires classification according to the heading’s terms and any applicable Section or Chapter notes. GRI 3 governs how to classify mixtures and composite goods when two headings seem applicable — for blended-fiber garments, the chief-weight rule flows from GRI 3(b).

CBP Binding Rulings, available at rulings.cbp.gov, are legally binding determinations that lock in a classification for a specific product. If you import a high-volume clothing line and are uncertain about the correct code, requesting a binding ruling before your first shipment is one of the most effective risk management tools available. CBP typically issues rulings within 30 days of receiving a complete request.

For official CBP guidance on classification procedures, visit cbp.gov.

Real-World Examples: Clothing HTS Classification in Practice

The table below shows how classification logic plays out across common garment types. Duty rates shown are the Column 1 General rates (MFN) and will differ under trade agreements or for goods subject to additional tariffs.

Key takeaway from the table: Manmade fiber garments, particularly fleece and synthetic swimwear, carry some of the highest duty rates in the schedule — often above 25%. If your product line skews toward synthetic fabrics, accurate fiber content documentation from your supplier is a direct cost-control issue, not just a compliance formality.

Country of origin impact: A men’s cotton T-shirt from Bangladesh (a GSP-eligible country when the program is active) may enter duty-free under a preferential program. The same shirt from China carries the full 16.5% MFN rate plus any applicable Section 301 surcharge, which for clothing has been set at 7.5% under List 4A since 2020, bringing the effective rate to approximately 24%.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Mistake 1: Confusing Chapter 61 and Chapter 62. This is the most frequent classification error in apparel. A knit polo shirt filed under Chapter 62 (woven) will trigger a different duty rate and may not qualify for the same trade program treatment. When a garment arrives and the supplier’s label says “100% cotton” but does not specify construction, request the fabric specification sheet before filing.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong gender heading. CBP auditors look at the garment’s construction — sleeve length relative to torso, hip-to-waist ratio, button direction — not the brand’s marketing copy. A women’s-cut jacket marketed as unisex must be classified as women’s. Filing it under men’s to take advantage of a lower rate is a misclassification.

Mistake 3: Ignoring fiber blends. Many importers list a garment as “cotton” because that is what the supplier communicated verbally. When the physical label shows 55% cotton / 45% polyester, the classification and duty rate are different. Demand the full fiber content breakdown in writing before each purchase order.

Mistake 4: Overlooking antidumping orders on textiles. Vietnam, China, and several other major apparel-exporting countries are subject to antidumping or countervailing duty orders on specific garment categories. These duties are assessed separately from — and in addition to — the standard HTS duty rate. Check enforcement.trade.gov/adcvd before sourcing from any new country.

Mistake 5: Applying last season’s codes to new products. The HTSUS is updated annually, typically effective January 1. Codes can be renumbered, split, or merged. A code that was valid for your spring shipment may have changed by fall. Verify codes at hts.usitc.gov against the current schedule before each entry season.

Misconception: “My freight forwarder handles classification.” Freight forwarders can file entries, but under 19 USC 1484, the importer of record is legally responsible for the accuracy of the classification. If your forwarder uses the wrong code, you — not the forwarder — owe the back duties and face potential penalties. Review every entry summary before it is filed.

If you import clothing through a busy port such as Los Angeles, New York/Newark, or Savannah, working with a licensed customs broker who specializes in textiles significantly reduces this risk. You can browse brokers by specialty at CustomsBrokerIndex.com to find brokers with demonstrated apparel and textile experience, or browse by U.S. port of entry to find brokers licensed at the specific port where your shipments arrive.

Tools and Resources for Clothing HTS Classification

1. USITC HTS Search Tool — hts.usitc.gov The official, free, searchable version of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. You can search by keyword (“polo shirt,” “denim jacket”) or navigate the chapter structure manually. The tool displays the full 10-digit code, duty rates, and applicable trade program columns.

2. CBP Binding Rulings Database — rulings.cbp.gov Search past rulings by keyword, HTS code, or ruling number. If CBP has already ruled on a product similar to yours, the published ruling gives you strong classification guidance. You can also submit your own ruling request online for a legally binding determination.

3. ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) Portal The ACE portal is CBP’s primary trade processing system. Licensed brokers file entries through ACE, and importers with ACE accounts can review entry status and historical filings.

4. OTEXA (Office of Textiles and Apparel) — trade.gov OTEXA publishes trade data, textile and apparel rules of origin, and tariff preference level (TPL) information for free trade agreements. Essential if you are sourcing from USMCA or CAFTA-DR countries and want to claim preferential rates.

5. NCBFAA Broker Directory — ncbfaa.org The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America maintains resources for finding licensed brokers and understanding the broker-client relationship.

6. CustomsBrokerIndex.com For importers who want to find a licensed customs broker with clothing and textile experience, search all CBP-licensed customs brokers on CustomsBrokerIndex.com. The directory includes ~11,000 verified