Hosiery (HS Code 6115105500)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6115105500 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6117809510 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115969020 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6117809570 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212900030 | 16.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Hosiery & Shapewear Classification Deep Dive (HS Code 6115.10.55.00 Focus)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Hosiery"?
Hosiery is a broad category encompassing knitted or crocheted legwear and undergarments. In international trade, it is strictly divided by function, material, and construction.
The specific HS Code you provided, 6115.10.55.00, falls under the critical sub-category of Graduated Compression Hosiery. This is not just "socks"; it is medically or functionally engineered legwear designed to improve blood circulation.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Fashion Tights/Stockings (No compression gradient) β Go to 6115.95/96/99
- Medical Compression Stockings (Graduated pressure) β Go to 6115.10.xx
- Artificial vs. Synthetic Fibers β Determines the final 4-digit suffix (e.g., .55 vs .60)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here is how various hosiery and related articles are classified. Note that 6115.10.55.00 is the primary focus for medical-grade artificial fiber compression hosiery.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Key Feature | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6115.10.55.00 |
Graduated compression hosiery: Other graduated compression hosiery: Of artificial fibers | Artificial Fibers (e.g., Viscose, Modal, Lyocell) | Medical/Functional Gradient Pressure | Varicose vein support, post-surgical care, medical-grade compression |
6115.96.90.20 |
Panty hose, tights, stockings...: Of synthetic fibers: Other Other | Synthetic Fibers (e.g., Nylon, Polyester) | Standard Fashion Hosiery | Everyday wear, fashion tights, non-medical stockings |
6112.90.00.90 |
Brassieres, girdles, corsets...: Other | Mixed/Multi-material | Shapewear/Underwear | Girdles, corsets, supportive undergarments (non-hosiery legwear) |
6117.80.95.70 |
Other made up clothing accessories...: Of synthetic fibers | Synthetic | Accessories | Scarves, belts, hair accessories (Knitted) |
6117.80.95.10 |
Other made up clothing accessories...: Of cotton | Cotton | Accessories | Cotton scarves, neckties, knitted headbands |
π Critical Reminder:
-6115.10.55.00is ONLY for products with graduated compression (pressure is higher at the ankle and decreases up the leg).
- If the product is tight-fitting but lacks medical-grade pressure gradient, it must be classified as6115.96.90.20(Synthetic Tights/Hosiery), not compression hosiery. Misclassification here is a common customs audit trigger.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 Nov 10 (Includes subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6115.10.55.00 β Graduated Compression Hosiery (Artificial Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NOT Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6115.10.55.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Additional Tariff 25%" stems from Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act regarding Chinese imports.
- "IEEPA 10%" is the additional surcharge under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Combined Total: 45%. This is a high tariff item. Despite a 0% base rate, the effective burden is significant.
- Note: Artificial fibers (like viscose) are treated similarly to synthetics in terms of tariff liability under current U.S. trade policies for Chinese origin.
π― 2. 6115.96.90.20 β Other Synthetic Hosiery (Non-Compression)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Both medical compression and fashion synthetic hosiery from China face the same 45% effective tariff.
- However, the description on the commercial invoice MUST accurately reflect whether it is "Compression" or "Fashion" to avoid classification disputes and potential penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail fiber content (e.g., 70% Nylon, 30% Spandex) and weight (denier). |
| β Compression Pressure Graph | βοΈ | For 6115.10.55.00, you MUST provide a graph or label stating mmHg (millimeters of mercury) pressure at ankle, calf, and thigh. Without this, customs may downgrade to fashion hosiery or reject the classification. |
| β Product Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Clear images showing the product, packaging, and any medical device labeling (if applicable). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Graduated Compression Hosiery, Artificial Fibers, Medical Use" for .55.00 or "Synthetic Nylon Tights, Fashion" for .90.20. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for proving Chinese origin (triggering the 45% rate). |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | FDA Registration (if Class I/II Medical Device) or CE Marking. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Pressure Defined, Fiber Specified, Invoice Clear, Tax Avoided!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Compression Socks | HS: 6115.10.55.00Desc: "Graduated Compression Stockings, Artificial Fiber, 20-30 mmHg" |
Calling it "Nylon Socks" β Risks misclassification penalty. |
| Fashion Tights | HS: 6115.96.90.20Desc: "Synthetic Nylon Tights, Sheer, No Compression" |
Calling it "Compression Stocking" without proof β Customs may demand proof or fine. |
| Shapewear/Girdles | HS: 6112.90.00.90Desc: "Women's Girdle, Synthetic Fabric" |
Declaring as hosiery (6115) β Wrong Chapter, delayed clearance. |
| Mixed Package (Socks + Underwear) | Split Lines | Declaring all as "Hosiery" β Risk of audit for shapewear misclassification. |
β 3. Special Situations & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Medical Devices | If marketed as a medical device, ensure FDA Establishment Registration is linked to the importer. Customs may cross-check with FDA. |
| "Artificial" vs. "Synthetic" | Artificial (e.g., Viscose/Rayon) is 6115.10.55.00. Synthetic (e.g., Nylon/Polyester) is 6115.96.90.20. Do not mix these up. Viscose is regenerative; Nylon is synthetic. |
| Packaging Claims | If packaging says "Medical Grade," customs will expect 6115.10 classification. If it lacks pressure specs, they may reclassify to fashion. |
| De Minimis Exemption (Section 321) | β NOT AVAILABLE for China-origin goods subject to Section 301/IEEPA. Even under $800, duties apply. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6115.10.55.00 (Comp.) / 6115.96.90.20 (Fashion) |
45% (Total Effective) | FDA (if medical), RoHS | High tariff, strict origin checks. |
| π¨π³ China | 6115.10.55.00 / 6115.96.90.20 |
10-13% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower duty, domestic standard. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6115.10.55.00 / 6115.96.90.20 |
12% | CE (if medical) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6115.10.55.00 / 6115.96.90.20 |
12% | UKCA (if medical) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6115.10.55.00 / 6115.96.90.20 |
13% | PSE (if electrical, not applicable here) | No major surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese hosiery due to the 45% combined tariff.
- EU and UK offer better tariff rates (12%) but require CE/UKCA if marketed as medical compression devices.
- China-origin goods face significant trade barriers in the US market; consider supply chain diversification if volumes are high.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Compression Socks" without providing pressure data.
π Consequence: Customs questions classification β Delay + Possible reclassification to fashion with different duty implications or penalties.
β Error 2: Confusing "Artificial" (Viscose) with "Synthetic" (Nylon).
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code (6115.10.55.00 vs 6115.96.90.20). While tax rate is similar (45%), legal accuracy is mandatory for compliance.
β Error 3: Claiming De Minimis Exemption ($800) for Chinese-origin hosiery.
π Consequence: Goods held at border, duties + storage fees charged, potential shipment rejection. Section 301 goods are excluded from De Minimis.
β Error 4: Labeling fashion tights as "Medical Compression" to appear premium.
π Consequence: FDA compliance issues if sold as medical device without registration. Customs may fine for false labeling.
β Correct Practice:
"Graduated Compression Stockings, Artificial Fiber (Viscose), 20-30 mmHg, Medical Grade, Model XYZ, FDA Registered, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Efficiency, Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pressure Defined, Fiber Specified, No De Minimis for China!"
πΉ "HS Code is King: 45% Effective Rate, Don't Get Caught in the Net!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is not made in China (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, India), you MAY be eligible for lower tariffs (often 0% base + 0% Section 301 if excluded, or reduced rates).
β
Recommendation:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide pressure specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your commercial invoice matches the product reality exactly.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved is a dollar earned in global 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.