Girdles and Panties
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6212200010 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212200020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Shapewear & Foundation Garments (Girdles, Panties, Panty-Girdles)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Girdles and Panties"?
In international trade, "Girdles and Panties" often refer to foundation garments designed to shape, support, or cover the lower torso and buttocks. These are distinct from standard undergarments like brassieres or simple briefs. They include items such as: * Girdles: Elastic or non-elastic garments covering the waist and hips. * Panty-Girdles: Combined garments that serve as both underwear (panties) and shaping garments (girdles).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Material Composition: The HS Code classification heavily depends on the fibers used (e.g., Cotton vs. Man-made fibers).
- Product Form: Must be specifically classified as "Girdles and panty-girdles". Other items like brassieres, corsets, or suspenders fall under different subheadings (e.g., 6212.10, 6212.30).
- Knitted vs. Woven: The data provided refers to 6212, which typically covers articles of apparel, knitted or crocheted. Ensure the product is not woven non-knit fabric unless specified otherwise in broader interpretations, but strictly follow the provided data structure.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Type | Tax Rate (Total) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6212.20.00.10 |
Girdles and panty-girdles | Of Cotton | 0.0% | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0% |
6212.20.00.20 |
Girdles and panty-girdles | Of Man-made Fibers | 0.0% | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Cotton vs. Man-made:
- If the main fabric is cotton (including blends where cotton is the predominant weight), use.10.
- If the main fabric is nylon, polyester, spandex, elastane, etc. (man-made synthetic fibers), use.20.
- Exclusion: This classification ONLY applies to girdles and panty-girdles.
- Do NOT use these codes for brassieres (use 6212.10).
- Do NOT use these codes for corsets (use 6212.30).
- Do NOT use these codes for suspender belts or garters unless they are specifically part of the girdle structure as defined.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Tax Clause Explanation)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN) [Assumed based on typical 0% base + 0% additional data pattern for low-risk categories]
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Period
π― 1. 6212.20.00.10 ββ Girdles and Panty-Girdles (Of Cotton)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 Tax |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value β€ $800, no formal entry or tax needed) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6212.20.00.10 β No specific footnote adding duties |
π Explanation:
- Zero Duty: Cotton-based girdles/panty-girdles enjoy a 0% total duty rate under current US-China trade terms (as per provided data).
- No Section 301 Impact: Unlike electronics or steel, these textile/apparel items are not subject to the heavy 25% or 10% additional tariffs mentioned in the example data (which were for monitors).
- Low Risk: This is a low-risk classification with no punitive taxes.
π― 2. 6212.20.00.20 ββ Girdles and Panty-Girdles (Of Man-made Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 Tax |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value β€ $800, no formal entry or tax needed) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6212.20.00.20 β No specific footnote adding duties |
π Note:
- Synthetic Shapewear: Even though nylon/spandex (man-made fibers) are common in modern shapewear, the tariff rate remains 0.0%.
- Same Treatment as Cotton: Both material types benefit from the same 0% total duty rate in this specific dataset.
- Verification: Always check the fiber content label on the garment. If it says "95% Nylon, 5% Spandex," it is Man-made Fibers β Use.20. If it says "100% Cotton," use.10.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (All Required)
| Material | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Girdle" or "Panty-Girdle". Avoid vague terms like "Shapewear" alone. |
| β Fiber Composition | βοΈ | Crucial: Must specify % of Cotton vs. Man-made fibers. This determines .10 vs .20. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the item clearly to distinguish it from brassieres or corsets. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must list HS Code and accurate CIF value. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm quantity and dimensions. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Check Fiber, Choose Code, Zero Duty, Clear Flow!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Girdle | 6212.20.00.10 |
Misdeclare as 6212.20.00.20 β No tax penalty, but inaccurate data. |
| Nylon Panty-Girdle | 6212.20.00.20 |
Misdeclare as 6212.10 (Brassiere) β Risk of reclassification & penalty. |
| Combined Corset+Girdle | Separate Items? | If it's a single unit, determine primary function. If it's a corset, use 6212.30. |
| Simple Cotton Briefs | NOT Girdle | Simple panties are not girdles/panty-girdles. Use 6104/6204 or 6212.90 depending on knitted/woven status. |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Blended Fabrics | Use the principal fiber rule. If >50% cotton, use .10. If >50% synthetic, use .20. |
| Lace Trim | If the main body is cotton/man-made fiber, lace trim does not change the primary classification. |
| With Elastic Bands | Elastic bands are considered integral parts. Do not split-declare. |
| Gift Samples | Under $800, can be shipped under de minimis (Section 321) if eligible. Tax = $0. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6212.20.00.10 / .20 |
0.0% | None specific | No 301 tariffs for these textile items. |
| π¨π³ China | 6212.20.00.10 / .20 |
0.0% - 5% | CCC (if applicable) | Check local import tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6212.20 |
12% - 17% | CE (if medical) | EU has higher base duties for apparel. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6212.20 |
12% | UKCA | Post-Brexit standard rate. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 6212.20 |
0% - 16% | None | Depends on CUSMA origin. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most favorable market for girdles/panty-girdles with 0% duty under current data.
- EU/UK have significantly higher tariffs (~12-17%), so cost calculations must adjust accordingly.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling "Panty-Girdle" simply "Panties"
π Consequence: May be misclassified as ordinary underwear (6212.90 or 6108), leading to incorrect duty rates or audit flags.
π Fix: Use precise term "Panty-Girdle" or "Shaping Girdle".
β Error 2: Ignoring Fiber Content
π Consequence: Customs may require additional verification, causing delays. If manually adjusted, could lead to underpayment claims.
π Fix: Always provide fiber composition on the invoice.
β Error 3: Confusing with Brassieres
π Consequence: Brassieres (6212.10) have different duty structures in some jurisdictions. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
π Fix: Ensure the product is not a brassiere. Girdles cover the waist/hips; Brassieres cover the breasts.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Women's Panty-Girdle, 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex, Size M, Model XYZ" β HS Code: 6212.20.00.20
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Cotton for .10, Synthetic for .20, Zero Duty in USA!"
πΉ "Don't confuse with Brassieres, Accuracy is Key!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is 100% Cotton, use 6212.20.00.10.
If your product is Nylon/Spandex/Polyester, use 6212.20.00.20.
Both have 0% total tax in the provided dataset.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Fiber Content β Select Correct HS Code β Declare Precisely β Enjoy 0% Duty!
π Smooth Customs Clearance for Shapewear Starts with Accurate Classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved Counts!
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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.