Football Game Cloth
CN β USAI Analysis
π½ Football Game Cloth (Jerseys & Kits)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Football Game Cloth"?
"Football Game Cloth" typically refers to the jerseys, shorts, and socks worn by players during official matches. In international trade, these are classified as sports jerseys or knitted/crocheted garments. The key distinction lies in the material composition (e.g., polyester vs. cotton) and the manufacturing method (knitted vs. woven).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Knitted/Crocheted Sports Jerseys (most common for professional games): Usually made of polyester mesh for breathability β Chapter 61.
- Woven Sports Shirts (less common for high-intensity games, often for training): β Chapter 62.
- Complete Kits (Jersey + Shorts + Socks): Often declared as a "Set" under specific heading if packed together for retail sale.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
6109.10.00.00 |
T-shirts, singlets, and other vests, of cotton | Cotton football jerseys | β Cotton, Knitted |
6109.90.00.00 |
T-shirts, singlets, and other vests, of other textile materials | Polyester/Nylon/Mesh Football Jerseys | β Other, Knitted |
6103.43.00.00 |
Shorts, knitted or crocheted, of man-made fibers | Polyester Football Shorts | β Man-made, Knitted |
6103.49.00.00 |
Shorts, knitted or crocheted, of other textile materials | Cotton/Blend Football Shorts | β Other, Knitted |
6115.94.00.00 |
Other footwear (not applicable, but often confused) | N/A for jerseys | β N/A |
6115.10.00.00 |
Panty hose, tights, stockings, socks, and other hosiery, knitted or crocheted | Football Socks | β Knitted Hosiery |
6114.20.00.00 |
Garments, knitted or crocheted: of cotton | Cotton tracksuits/training wear | β Cotton, Knitted |
π Key Reminder:
- Most professional football jerseys are made of 100% polyester or polyester blends for moisture-wicking. They fall under 6109.90.00.00 (T-shirts, etc., of other textile materials).
- If the jersey includes significant reflective patches, logos, or team emblems, ensure the main fabric value determines the classification, not the decoration.
- Complete Sets (Jersey + Shorts + Socks): If sold as a single retail unit, customs may classify the entire set under the heading of the constituent material that gives the set its essential character (usually the jersey).
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6109.90.00.00 ββ T-shirts, Singlets, and Other Vests, of Other Textile Materials (Polyester Football Jerseys)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 16% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (from USITC Footnote 88.53.90.00 for certain apparel) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (for products from China/HK, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 51% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 51% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Allowed (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6109.90.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:88.53.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surtax applies to many knitted apparel items under Section 301 tariffs.
- The 10% IEEPA surtax is the new layer targeting Chinese textile products.
- Total 51% is a very high tariff, significantly impacting profit margins.
π― 2. 6103.43.00.00 ββ Shorts, Knitted or Crocheted, of Man-Made Fibers (Football Shorts)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 16% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 51% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 51% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Allowed |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6103.43.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:88.53.90.00 |
π Note:
- Shorts and jerseys are taxed at the same rate due to similar classification in Chapter 61.
π― 3. 6115.10.00.00 ββ Football Socks (Knitted Hosiery)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 15.5% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 50.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Allowed |
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Includes fabric composition (e.g., 100% Polyester), GSM, fit type |
| β Labeling Photos | βοΈ | Clear view of care labels, country of origin ("Made in China"), size tags |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly states "Football Jersey, Knitted, Polyester, Size M, Qty 100" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details packing method (e.g., 1 piece per polybag, 100 pcs per carton) |
| β Test Report (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | OEKO-TEX, REACH compliance, colorfastness tests |
| β Original Packaging | βοΈ | If sold in retail boxes, include photos of packaging with brand logo |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Fabric Dictates Code, Knitted is Ch 61, Cotton Ch 61, Man-Made Ch 61, Total 51%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester Jersey | 6109.90.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "T-shirt of Cotton" (6109.10.00.00) β Audit risk |
| Cotton Jersey | 6109.10.00.00 |
Same tariff, but different code. Ensure accuracy. |
| Jersey + Shorts Set | Declare as Set under 6109.90.00.00 (if jersey is dominant) |
Split declaration β May still be 51%, but risk of "missing items" flags |
| Training Wear (Woven) | 6211.43.00.00 |
Confuse with knitted jersey β Wrong chapter |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/ODM Football Kits | Provide design authorization or license agreement from the football club to avoid IP disputes at customs. |
| Embroidered vs. Printed Logos | Ensure embroidery cost is not over-declared as "garment cost" to avoid valuation issues. |
| Reflective Strips | If the jersey has significant reflective material, ensure it is still classified under 6109, not as "high-visibility safety gear." |
| Sample vs. Commercial | Samples declared as "Sample - Not for Resale" may still incur duties if value > $800 (de minimis threshold). |
π Part 5: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 6109.90.00.00 |
51% (China) | None specific, but FDA/FTC labeling required | High tariff due to Section 301 + IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 6109.90.00.00 |
5% | None | Low domestic tariff |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 6109.90.00.00 |
12% (MFN) | REACH, CE marking for chemical safety | No IEEPA surtax, but high base tariff |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 6109.90.00.00 |
12% (MFN) | UKCA marking (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6109.90.00.00 |
16% (MFN) | PSE (if electronic components involved) | No surtax |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6109.90.00.00 |
5% (MFN) | ACMA (if electronic tags) | Moderate tariff |
π Conclusion:
- US is the most expensive market for football jerseys due to 51% total tariff.
- EU and UK have no surtaxes but have base tariffs of 12%.
- China, Japan, Australia have lower base tariffs but no surtaxes for China-origin goods (except US).
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons from Tears)
β Error 1: Declaring polyester jersey as "Cotton T-shirt"
π Consequence: Misclassification β Customs audit, fines, and 51% vs. ~21% rate difference.
β Error 2: Ignoring Country of Origin labeling
π Consequence: Detention by US Customs (CBP) for missing "Made in China" label β Storage fees + return shipping.
β Error 3: Splitting Jersey + Shorts into separate shipments to avoid "Set" classification
π Consequence: Customs may consolidate them anyway under "Set" rules, leading to higher duties or delays.
β Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Cloth" or "Garment"
π Consequence: Customs may classify under worst-case scenario (e.g., "Other garments" β higher tariff).
β Correct Practice:
"Men's Knitted Football Jersey, 100% Polyester, Size L, with Team Logo Printed, Made in China, FCC/REACH Compliant"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Knitted Apparels: Chapter 61, Polyester is 90, Cotton is 10, Total 51% in US!"
πΉ "Label Origin, Specify Fabric, Avoid Ambiguity, Keep Customs Happy!"
π Pro Tip:
If your football kits are shipped from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Bangladesh, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption (0%~5% tariff) due to third-country processing.
Consider relabeling and repacking in these countries to avoid the 10% IEEPA surtax.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide fabric composition + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure your football kits clear customs smoothly, avoid delays, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters in the apparel trade!
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.