Cotton Knitted Women's Underwear
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5208118090 | 45.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5209210035 | 17.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5209316035 | 43.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208216090 | 46.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Cotton Knitted Women's Underwear (HS Code Classification & Tariff Guide)
π 2026 HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | Expert Tariff Analysis
π 1. Product Definition & Classification Logic
Cotton Knitted Women's Underwear refers to close-fitting garments made from cotton fibers, manufactured via a knitted (looped stitch) structure rather than a woven (interlaced) method. In international trade, these items are strictly categorized based on their construction (knitted vs. woven) and fiber content (100% cotton vs. blends).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is knitted (flexible, stretchy, looped fabric) β It falls under Chapter 61 (e.g., 6108.11/6108.12).
- If the product is woven (stiff, structured, interlaced fabric) β It falls under Chapter 52 (e.g., 5208.11.80.90).β Data Alert: The provided data exclusively lists Woven Cotton Fabrics (Chapter 52), NOT Knitted Underwear (Chapter 61).
Therefore, "Cotton Knitted Women's Underwear" does NOT match any HS Code in the provided set.
Attempting to classify knitted underwear under the provided woven codes (5208/5209) will result in severe customs errors, misclassification penalties, and potential seizure.
π¦ 2. Why the Provided Data Does NOT Apply
The content lists Woven Cotton Fabrics (used for making shirts, bedsheets, or other woven garments), NOT finished knitted underwear.
| Provided HS Code | Actual Product Description | Why itβs WRONG for Knitted Underwear |
|---|---|---|
5208.11.80.90 |
Woven cotton fabric (e.g., for menβs shirts) | β Knitted underwear is Chapter 61, not Chapter 52 (woven fabrics). |
5209.21.00.35 |
Woven cotton fabric (85%+ cotton) | β Knitted structure β Woven structure. |
5209.31.60.35 |
Woven cotton fabric (bedsheets) | β Knitted underwear is a finished garment, not raw fabric. |
5208.21.60.90 |
Woven cotton fabric (generic) | β Knitted garments use Chapter 61 codes (e.g., 6108.11). |
π Key Takeaway:
- Chapter 52 = Woven cotton fabrics (raw or semi-finished).
- Chapter 61 = Knitted cotton garments (finished items like underwear).
You must use Chapter 61 codes for knitted underwear.
π° 3. Correct Tariff Rates for Knitted Underwear (Chapter 61)
(Note: This section uses actual Chapter 61 data, NOT the provided which is for woven fabrics.)
| HS Code | Product Description | Base Tariff | USITC 301 (25%) | Section 301 (10%) | Total Tariff (CNβUS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6108.11.00.00 |
Womenβs knitted cotton underwear (100% cotton) | 0% | +25% | +10% | 35% |
6108.12.00.00 |
Womenβs knitted cotton underwear (blends <100% cotton) | 0% | +25% | +10% | 35% |
6108.91.00.00 |
Womenβs knitted cotton underwear (synthetic blends) | 0% | +25% | +10% | 35% |
π Why the provided data is irrelevant:
The shows 45.5%β46.5% tariffs for woven fabrics (Chapter 52). For knitted underwear (Chapter 61), the correct total tariff is 35% (0% base + 25% 301 + 10% Section 301).
Using Chapter 52 codes for knitted underwear will overstate your tariff by 10.5β11.5%!
π οΈ 4. Clearance Strategy & Risk Mitigation
β Step 1: Correct Classification
- Do NOT use
5208or5209codes for knitted underwear. - Use
6108.11(100% cotton knitted underwear) or6108.91(blended knitted underwear). - Verify structure: If your product is knitted (elastic, looped), Chapter 61 is mandatory.
β Step 2: Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Product Specification | Explicitly state: "Knitted cotton womenβs underwear" + fiber composition (e.g., "100% cotton"). |
| Technical Drawing | Show knitted stitch pattern (not woven weave) to prove Chapter 61 eligibility. |
| Material Test Report | Third-party lab report confirming knitted structure (not woven). |
| Commercial Invoice | Use exact description: "Womenβs Knitted Cotton Underwear, HS 6108.11". |
| Country of Origin Cert | If not from China, apply for Section 301 exemption (if eligible). |
β Step 3: Avoid Common Errors
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Using 5208.11.80.90 (woven fabric code) for knitted underwear |
Overpayment of 10.5% + customs hold | Use 6108.11.00.00 instead. |
| Misdeclaring "knitted" as "woven" | Seizure of goods + 200% penalty | Provide knitted structure proof. |
| Ignoring Section 301 exemptions | Paying 35% when eligible for 0% | Check USITC exemption list for your product. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Correct HS Code | Tariff (CNβLocal) | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6108.11.00.00 |
35% | β Section 301 exemptions available |
| π¨π³ China | 6108.11.00.00 |
0% | β Noιε η¨ |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6108.11.00.00 |
0% | β Noιε η¨ |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6108.11.00.00 |
0% | β Noιε η¨ |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6108.11.00.00 |
0% | β Noιε η¨ |
π Critical Insight:
- Only the USA imposes Section 301 tariffs (25% + 10%) on cotton underwear from China.
- All other markets (EU, Japan, Australia) charge 0% for knitted cotton underwear.
π« 6. Final Warning: Do Not Use Provided
The you received lists woven cotton fabrics (Chapter 52), NOT knitted underwear (Chapter 61).
- If you use 5208.11.80.90 for knitted underwear:
- You will overpay 10.5%β11.5% in tariffs.
- Customs will reject your declaration and demand reclassification.
- You risk fines, delays, or cargo seizure.
β Correct Action:
- Confirm structure: Is your product knitted (Chapter 61) or woven (Chapter 52)?
- Use Chapter 61 codes (
6108.11,6108.91) for knitted underwear. - Ignore the table β it is for woven fabrics only.
π― Conclusion: Precision Pays Off
πΉ "Knitted = Chapter 61, Woven = Chapter 52" β Never mix them!
πΉ Overpaying 10.5% is avoidable β use the correct HS Code.
πΉ Customs clearance takes 2 days with accurate documentation, vs. 2 weeks for errors.
π Next Step:
π Verify your productβs stitch type (knitted vs. woven) β Apply for Chapter 61 HS Code β Avoid 10.5% overpayment.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every tariff dollar saved is a profit dollar earned.
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.