Hosiery (HS Code 6115309030)

🧦 Hosiery (Stockings, Socks, and Similar Articles)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Classification Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Hosiery"?

Hosiery is a broad term in international trade referring to knitted or crocheted garments or accessories for the feet, legs, or lower torso. In customs classification, the specific HS Code depends heavily on two factors:
1. Manufacturing Process: Knitted (61xx) vs. Not Knitted (62xx).
2. Material Composition: Cotton, Synthetic Fibers (Man-made), or Wool.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- The user provided code 6115.30.90.30 (Note: The data provided lists related codes 6117.80..., 6115.10..., and 6212.90.... We will analyze the provided data set against the general concept of Hosiery to provide accurate guidance based on the provided DATA).
- Knitted (Chapter 61): Most common for socks, stockings, tights.
- Non-Knitted (Chapter 62): Rare for standard hosiery, usually applies to specific supportive garments like girdles if not elasticized knitted.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided DATA)

Note: The user asked about 6115.30.90.30, but the provided contains specific alternative codes. Below is the analysis of the codes explicitly present in the to ensure accuracy within the given constraints.

🔍 Key Insight:
- The code 6115.30.90.30 (not in data) typically refers to Cotton Socks.
- The data provided suggests that if the product is Cotton, it might fall under 6117.80.95.10 (as an accessory) or generally be treated similarly to other knitted footwear.
- Gradient Pressure Socks have a specific code (6115.10.55.00).
- Non-knitted supportive items fall under 6212.90.00.30.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Current tariffs apply (Section 301 + Section 122/Other clauses)

🎯 1. Standard Knitted Hosiery (e.g., 6117.80.95.10, 6117.80.95.70, 6115.10.55.00)

📌 Explanation:
- 14.6%: Standard MFN rate for most knitted apparel accessories.
- 7.5%: Section 301 tariff imposed on Chinese goods.
- 10%: Section 122 clause tariff, often applied to specific textile and apparel categories.
- Total 32.1%: This is a significant cost factor. Importers must account for this in pricing strategies.

🎯 2. Non-Knitted Supportive Articles (e.g., 6212.90.00.30)

📌 Note:
- If the product is classified under 6212.90.00.30 (e.g., girdles, braces, suspenders not knitted), the base rate is lower, but the total rate is still 24.1%, which is 8% lower than standard knitted hosiery.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips

🔥 "Be Specific: Material + Function + Structure"

✅ 3. Common Mistakes & Consequences

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring all hosiery under one generic code without specifying material.
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify based on actual material, leading to back taxes + penalties.
👉 Example: If declared as "Synthetic" but is "Cotton", you might pay 32.1% instead of potentially lower rates if different rules applied (though in this data, both are 32.1%, specificity is key for legal compliance).

❌ Mistake 2: Using "Textile Accessory" instead of "Hosiery".
👉 Consequence: May be flagged for inspection, causing delays.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the Section 122 Clause.
👉 Consequence: Under-declaration of 10% leads to seizure or severe fines.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging due to the 32.1% total tariff.
- Importers should consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Bangladesh) to avoid Section 301 tariffs if volume is high.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Assuming all "Hosiery" is the same HS Code.
👉 Fix: Differentiate by Knitted (61) vs. Non-Knitted (62) and Material.

❌ Error 2: Overlooking the Section 122 Clause (10%).
👉 Fix: Always check if the product falls under the 122 clause list. In this data, it applies to all listed codes.

❌ Error 3: Incorrect Material Declaration.
👉 Fix: Provide lab test reports if customs questions the material composition.

✅ Correct Practice:

"100% Cotton Knitted Socks, Size M, for Men, Made in China" → 6117.80.95.10 (as per data inference)

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization

🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Total Tariff for Knitted Hosiery (China): 32.1% (14.6% Base + 7.5% Sec 301 + 10% Sec 122).
- Total Tariff for Non-Knitted Supportive Items (China): 24.1% (6.6% Base + 7.5% Sec 301 + 10% Sec 122).
- Material Matters: Ensure accurate declaration to avoid misclassification penalties.

📌 Pro Tip:
If your hosiery is not made in China, you may avoid the 7.5% Section 301 and 10% Section 122 tariffs, reducing the total to just the Base Rate (6.6%-14.6%).
- Vietnam/Bangladesh Origin: Potential savings of 17.5% - 24.5%.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Consult a Customs Broker for pre-classification ruling.
📄 Prepare Material Certificates to support HS Code selection.
💰 Calculate Landed Cost including 32.1% tariff for US imports from China.

✨ Accurate Classification, Profitable Trade!
💼 Every penny saved in tariffs is pure profit!