Emma runs a small but growing online boutique specializing in women’s apparel. One of her best-selling products is a line of comfortable, breathable women’s cotton bras made in China, which her customers in the United States absolutely love. But when she first started shipping internationally, Emma faced a headache that many small exporters dread: customs classification and tariffs.
The Customs Puzzle: HS Codes and Unexpected Costs
Emma’s first shipment of cotton bras arrived at the U.S. port, only to be held up by customs. The problem? The HS code she used on her shipment documents was too generic, and customs officers weren’t sure how to classify her product. Without the correct Harmonized System (HS) code, the shipment faced higher tariffs and longer delays.
She soon learned that bras fall under Chapter 62: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted, with more specific HS codes depending on materials and design:
- HS Code 6212.10.50.10: Brassieres containing lace, net, or embroidery, made of cotton.
- HS Code 6212.10.90.10: Other brassieres made of cotton without lace or embroidery.
Each HS code carries a different tariff rate, and misclassification can lead to extra fees and compliance issues. According to the latest tariff info for shipments from China to the U.S.:
| HS Code | Description | Basic Duty | Additional Duty | Post-April 2, 2025 Additional Duty | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6212.10.50.10 | Cotton brassieres with lace/embroidery | 16.9% | 7.5% | 30% | 54.4% |
| 6212.10.90.10 | Other cotton brassieres | 16.9% | 7.5% | 30% | 54.4% |
The Game Changer: Discovering FioWind
Frustrated and worried about losing customers, Emma searched for a solution and discovered FioWind, an AI-powered trade compliance platform that helps exporters like her automatically find the right HS codes.
By simply inputting her product description — “women’s cotton bras, some with lace” — and specifying the shipment route from China to the U.S., FioWind quickly recommended the exact HS codes along with detailed tariff breakdowns, including the significant 30% additional duty that would come into effect on April 2, 2025.
Avoiding Pitfalls and Saving Costs
Thanks to FioWind’s classification guidance, Emma was able to:
- Split her shipment declaration properly, separating bras with lace and those without, ensuring each was classified under the correct HS code.
- Understand the full tariff structure: a basic duty of 16.9%, an additional 7.5%, plus the looming 30% tariff after April 2025, allowing her to price her products realistically.
- Prepare detailed documentation proving the cotton material composition and origin from China, which is critical to passing customs inspections.
- Avoid customs delays, fines, or unexpected surcharges.
This smart approach saved her thousands of dollars and gave her peace of mind — a game changer for a small business.
Important Considerations for Exporters
Emma learned a few key lessons every exporter should keep in mind:
- Material Accuracy: The bras must be 100% cotton; otherwise, a different HS code might apply, impacting tariffs.
- Decorative Details: The presence of lace or embroidery matters — minimal decoration might not qualify for the lace-specific HS code.
- Invoice Clarity: For mixed shipments, splitting the invoice lines with corresponding HS codes helps avoid confusion.
- Documentation: Maintaining origin certificates and material composition reports is essential for customs compliance.
- Stay Updated: Tariff rates can change, as the 30% additional duty taking effect in April 2025 shows.
Beyond HS Codes: The Bigger Picture
Emma’s story is far from unique. Many small exporters struggle with complex customs rules and ever-changing international tariffs. Platforms like FioWind offer more than just HS code lookups — they provide compliance advice, real-time tariff updates, API integrations for large-scale operations, and comprehensive trade risk management.
For Emma, this meant focusing on growing her boutique and perfecting her products while letting smart technology handle customs complexity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re shipping products like women’s cotton bras internationally, knowing the right HS code and tariff rates isn’t just a detail — it’s the key to saving money and avoiding delays.
Emma’s boutique is thriving, shipping confidently across borders thanks to smart classification with FioWind. What’s your customs story? Share it with us below!