✅ Step 1: Understand the Product Details
For example, if you’re importing a sports bra like this one from Fiowind:
Fiowind Sports Bra Product Page
You need to clarify:
- 📌 Material composition: e.g., 80% nylon, 20% spandex (knitted or not?)
- 💰 Unit price (CIF or FOB): e.g., $2.50 per unit
- 🌍 Country of import: e.g., United States
✅ Step 2: Choose the Correct HS Code
The HS Code (Harmonized System Code) determines import taxes and regulatory requirements. For sports bras, two common classifications apply:
🔹 HS Code: 6114.90.90.10
Description: Knitted garments (like tank tops, activewear tops)
- ✅ Use this if the item is primarily knit fabric
- 🧵 Example: Nylon-spandex seamless sports bras
- 📦 Duties to the USA:
- Basic Duty: 5.6%
- Additional Duty (from April 2, 2025): +30%
- Total (Post-April 2025): 35.6%
🔹 HS Code: 6212.10.90.40
Description: Brassieres and similar support garments (woven or complex support structure)
- ✅ Use this if the bra has more structured, non-knit elements
- 📦 Duties to the USA:
- Basic Duty: 16.9%
- Additional Duty: 7.5%
- Additional Duty (from April 2, 2025): +30%
- Total (Post-April 2025): 54.4%
📌 Tip: Misclassification = delays, penalties, or overpaying duties. Ask your supplier for the material breakdown and check with a customs broker.
✅ Step 3: Calculate Your Total Import Cost
For example:
- FOB Price: $2.50
- HS Code: 6114.90.90.10
- Total tax (after April 2025): 35.6%
- Landed cost (estimated): $2.50 + (35.6% of $2.50) ≈ $3.39/unit
✅ Step 4: Prepare Your Import Documents
Make sure you have:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (showing “Made in China”)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill
- Product photos/spec sheets
- Compliance certificates if required by the destination country (e.g., fiber labeling)
✅ Step 5: Ship and Clear Customs
Choose your shipping method:
- Air freight: faster but expensive
- Sea freight: cheaper for bulk orders
Hire a customs broker in your destination country to:
- Classify products properly
- File customs entries
- Pay duties
🔍 Additional Tips
- ✅ Order Samples First: Check quality before buying in bulk
- ✅ Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, or verified suppliers like Fiowind
- ✅ Negotiate Incoterms: Prefer FOB terms to control freight and customs clearance
- ✅ Track Duty Changes: Especially with the 2025 U.S. tariff hike on Chinese goods
📌 Final Thoughts
Importing sportswear like sports bras from China is viable and scalable, but you must:
- Get the HS code classification right
- Calculate accurate import taxes
- Prepare all customs documentation
- Monitor changes in trade tariffs, especially post-April 2025
For the Fiowind sports bra, if it’s mainly knitted nylon/spandex, 6114.90.90.10 is likely the best HS code — but confirm with your supplier and customs expert.