Diving Socks
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6117809510 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6401999000 | 47.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6401929060 | 55.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115999000 | 27.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115959000 | 31.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π€Ώ Diving Socks (Footwear & Accessories for Water Sports)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Diving Socks"?
Diving socks are specialized protective gear used in water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfboarding. In international trade, they are primarily categorized based on their material composition and primary function (thermal insulation vs. waterproof protection).
Two Main Categories: 1. Textile/Synthetic Fiber Socks: Made from knitted fabrics (nylon, polyester, spandex, or neoprene-coated fabric). These provide warmth and prevent blisters. They fall under Chapter 61 or 6115 (Knitted/Hooked Socks). 2. Rubber/Plastic Waterproof Socks: Made from solid rubber, PVC, or seamless neoprene sheets. These provide strict waterproofing and thermal insulation. They fall under Chapter 64 (Footwear) or 6115 depending on specific construction and material dominance.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the item is primarily a knitted textile (even if coated) and functions as a sock β HS 6115 or 6117
- If the item is waterproof footwear (rubber/plastic sole + upper) that covers the ankle β HS 6401
- Note: In the provided data, "Diving Socks" trigger classifications in both Chapter 61 (Socks) and Chapter 64 (Footwear) depending on material inference.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description (Inferred) | Material/Function Logic | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
6117.80.95.10 |
Other Made-up Clothing Accessories | Categorized as "Clothing Accessories" (Socks). Material inferred as cotton or synthetic fiber knitted fabric. | 32.1% |
6401.99.90.00 |
Waterproof Footwear (Rubber/Synthetic) | Inferred as rubber or synthetic material. Fits "Waterproof Footwear" characteristics. No additional Section 301 tariff. | 47.5% |
6401.92.90.60 |
Other Waterproof Footwear (Ankle Height) | Inferred as rubber/plastic. Covers ankle. Classified as "Other" under waterproof footwear. | 55.0% |
6115.99.90.00 |
Other Socks (Textile/Clothing Material) | Categorized as "Other Textile Materials" (e.g., neoprene-coated fabric or synthetic blend). | 27.4% |
6115.95.90.00 |
Other Socks (Synthetic/Neoprene) | Categorized as "Other" under socks. Material inferred as synthetic fiber or neoprene. | 31.0% |
π Critical Insight:
- The tax rate varies significantly (27.4% to 55.0%) based on whether customs views the item as a Sock (Ch. 61) or Waterproof Footwear (Ch. 64). - Chapter 64 items generally face higher base tariffs (37.5%) compared to Chapter 61 (9.9%-14.6%). - Section 301 & 122 Tariffs apply to all items from China, adding 7.5% or 0% + 10% respectively.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply for 2026 imports
π― 1. 6117.80.95.10 β Clothing Accessories (Socks)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (China-origin specific) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% (Specific provision) |
| Total Tariff | 32.1% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301/122 tariffs usually block de minimis for these codes) |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS β Section 301 Footnotes β IEEPA Provisions |
π Explanation:
- This code offers the second-lowest total rate among the options. - It is classified as an "Accessory" rather than "Footwear," avoiding the high base tariff of Chapter 64.
π― 2. 6401.99.90.00 β Waterproof Footwear (Rubber/Synthetic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 37.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Note: Some rubber footwear may have different Section 301 status, but data shows 0%) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 47.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 47.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS β IEEPA Provisions |
π Note:
- Despite having 0% Section 301, the high base tariff (37.5%) pushes the total to 47.5%. - This classification assumes the product is strictly "waterproof footwear" with rubber/synthetic construction.
π― 3. 6401.92.90.60 β Other Waterproof Footwear (Ankle)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 37.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 55.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 55.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS β Section 301 β IEEPA |
π Warning:
- This is the highest tariff option. - Classifying diving socks as "Ankle-high Waterproof Footwear" attracts the full burden of all surcharges.
π― 4. 6115.99.90.00 β Other Socks (Textile/Clothing Material)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 27.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS β Section 301 β IEEPA |
π Advantage:
- Lowest Total Tariff (27.4%). - Requires convincing customs that the product is primarily a "textile sock" (even if neoprene-lined) and not "footwear."
π― 5. 6115.95.90.00 β Other Socks (Synthetic/Neoprene)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 13.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 31.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS β Section 301 β IEEPA |
π Middle Ground:
- Slightly higher than6115.99but still significantly lower than Chapter 64 codes. - Ideal for synthetic fiber or neoprene-blend socks.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state material (e.g., "80% Nylon, 20% Spandex, Neoprene Lining") |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show sole structure. If the sole is thin/flexible textile, argue for Ch. 61. If thick/rigid rubber, Ch. 64 is likely. |
| β Bill of Lading / Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Diving Socks" or "Water Booties," not "Rubber Boots" |
| β Composition Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly list material percentages to support HS 6115 vs 6401 classification |
| β Usage Statement | βοΈ | "Used for thermal insulation and blister prevention in diving," not "Primary waterproof footwear" |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Socks = Textile/Synthetic = Ch 61 (Lower Tax) | Boots = Rubber/Plastic = Ch 64 (Higher Tax)"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Thin, flexible, knit or coated fabric | 6115.99.90.00 (27.4%) |
Prioritize "Sock" classification. Lowest tax. |
| Neoprene blend, flexible, no thick sole | 6115.95.90.00 (31.0%) |
Acceptable middle ground if material is synthetic/neoprene. |
| Accessory/Trim item | 6117.80.95.10 (32.1%) |
If used as part of a wetsuit system or liner. |
| Thick rubber sole, rigid, ankle-high | 6401.99.90.00 (47.5%) |
If it functions as a boot, not just a sock. |
| Ankle-height rubber boot | 6401.92.90.60 (55.0%) |
Avoid this unless the product is undeniably a rubber boot. |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Neoprene Diving Socks | Argue for Chapter 61 if they are cut and sewn like socks, not molded like boots. Emphasize "Textile/Neoprene Blend" over "Rubber." |
| Rubber-Soled Diving Socks | High risk of being classified as Chapter 64. Provide proof that the sole is thin (<3mm) and flexible, retaining "sock" character. |
| OEM Custom Designs | Provide design files showing the product is a "sock" pattern, not a "boot" last. |
| De Minimis Risk | Do not rely on Section 321 (De Minimis) for these HS codes if shipping from China. The Section 122/301 tariffs explicitly block the $800 exemption for many of these classifications. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6115.99.90.00 |
27.4% | None required | Best Option. Avoid Chapter 64. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6115.99.00 |
~0-10% | CE (if PPE) | Neoprene items may be classified as PPE. |
| π¨π³ China | 6115.99 |
~10-15% | N/A | Import duty varies by trade agreement. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6115.99 |
~0-12% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA has the most complex tariff structure with high surcharges. - Chapter 61 (Socks) is significantly cheaper than Chapter 64 (Footwear) for diving socks. - Strategy: Always argue for Chapter 61 unless the product is structurally a rigid rubber boot.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring rubber-soled diving socks as "Footwear" (6401) | Consequence: Pay 47.5%-55% instead of 27.4-32.1%. Overpaying by ~20-25%!
β Error 2: Using "De Minimis" for Section 301/122 items | Consequence: Package seized, fines, or forced payment of full tariff + storage fees.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Wetsuit Socks" | Consequence: Customs officer has discretion to assign the highest applicable rate (usually Ch. 64). Always specify material!
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff | Consequence: Underpayment by 10%. Correction: Include 10% in all cost calculations for these codes.
β Correct Approach:
"Diving Socks, Knitted Synthetic Fiber with Neoprene Lining, Size 10, Flexible Sole, Used for Thermal Insulation"
β Targets6115.99.90.00(27.4%) or6115.95.90.00(31.0%).
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "If it's soft and flexible, it's a SOCK (Ch 61). If it's hard and waterproof, it's a BOOT (Ch 64)."
πΉ "Chapter 61 = ~27-32%. Chapter 64 = ~47-55%. Choose wisely!"
π Pro Tip:
If your diving socks have a rubber sole but are primarily textile, consider consulting a customs broker for a Binding Ruling before shipping. A pre-approved classification can prevent costly disputes and delays at US ports.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Review your product specs.
π Highlight "Textile" and "Neoprene Lining."
π« Avoid "Rubber Boots" terminology.
π Ship with Confidence, Pay Less Tax!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
Customer Reviews
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.