Shaper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6212200020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212300020 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π©± Shapewear (Shapers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Full Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Shapewear"?
Shapewear, often referred to as "shapers," consists of form-fitting undergarments designed to temporarily alter the wearerβs body shape. In international trade, classification depends heavily on functionality and material composition:
Functional Medical/Orthopedic Devices: If the shaper is specifically designed to compensate for defects or disabilities, it falls under the category of orthopedic aids or bodily support devices. Fashion Apparel (Corsetry): If the shaper is made primarily from synthetic fibers (man-made fibers) and functions as tight-fitting lingerie or girdles for aesthetic purposes, it is classified as apparel.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If it is marketed as a medical device for body support or defect compensation βε½η±» to 9021.90.81.00 - If it is a garment (girdle/corset) made of man-made fibers β ε½η±» to 6212.20.00.20 or 6212.30.00.20
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Conflict? |
|---|---|---|---|
9021.90.81.00 |
Orthopedic appliances & bodily support devices (excluding shoes/inserts) | Medical shapers, post-surgical compression garments, defects compensation | β None (Medical context) |
6212.20.00.20 |
Girdles, panty girdles, corsets, brassieres, suspender belts, garters, etc. (of man-made fibers) | Fashion shapewear, body shapers, corsets made of synthetic fabrics | β None (Matches material) |
6212.30.00.20 |
Other support garments of man-made fibers | General shapewear not specifically listed as corsets/girdles, synthetic materials | β None (Matches morphology) |
π Key Reminder: - "Girdles/Corsets" made of man-made fibers should ideally be classified under 6212.20.00.20. - If the item is a general "shaper" that doesn't fit the strict definition of a girdle/corset but is still apparel, 6212.30.00.20 may apply. - If the item has a medical purpose (compensating for disability/defect), it must be classified under 9021.90.81.00, regardless of material.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Time: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9021.90.81.00 ββ Orthopedic/Bodily Support Devices
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +10% (Specific to China/China-origin products under Section 122/301 frameworks) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation: - This classification offers the lowest tax burden among the options. - The total rate is 10%, driven entirely by the Section 122/301 surcharge. - No base tariff applies to medical/orthopedic devices in this category.
π― 2. 6212.20.00.20 ββ Girdles, Panty Girdles, Corsets (Man-Made Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 20.0% |
| USITC Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +10% (Specific to China/China-origin products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 20%, USITC: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation: - Classified as apparel, it incurs a 20% base tariff. - Additional 7.5% surcharge applies to certain textile/apparel categories. - 10% Section 301 surcharge is added. - Total 37.5%, a significant cost increase compared to medical classification.
π― 3. 6212.30.00.20 ββ Other Support Garments (Man-Made Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 23.5% |
| USITC Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +10% (Specific to China/China-origin products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 23.5%, USITC: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation: - This is the highest tax bracket for shapewear. - The base tariff is 23.5%, plus 7.5% surcharge, plus 10% Section 301 surcharge. - Total rate is 41.0%. Avoid this classification if possible; ensure accurate sub-heading (20 vs. 30) based on specific garment type.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing items are unacceptable)
| Material | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state material composition (e.g., Nylon/Spandex ratio) and intended use |
| β Medical Certificates (if claiming 9021) | βοΈ | If classifying as 9021.90.81.00, provide FDA clearance or medical device registration to prove "compensatory/orthopedic" function |
| β Product Photos (with labels) | βοΈ | Clear shots of the garment, tag, and any structural features |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: e.g., "Orthopedic Body Support Garment" vs. "Women's Synthetic Shapewear" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailing quantities and weights |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Medical Purpose Saves Taxes, Apparel Triggers High Rates!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Surgical Compressive Wear | 9021.90.81.00 (10%) |
Misdeclared as apparel β 37.5%-41% |
| Fashion Shaper/Corsset (Synthetic) | 6212.20.00.20 (37.5%) |
Misdeclared as medical β Seizure/Fraud |
| General Shaper (Synthetic) | 6212.30.00.20 (41.0%) |
Vague description β Customs audit & penalty |
| Natural Fiber Shaper (e.g., Cotton) | Different HS Code (Not in current data) | Forcing into man-made fiber codes β Error |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Shapewear | Provide client contracts and design specs. If for general fashion, use 6212 codes. |
| Hybrid Products (Medical + Fashion) | If the primary purpose is medical (e.g., hernia support, post-op), lean towards 9021 with strong medical documentation. |
| Material Composition Dispute | Customs may test fabric. Ensure label matches actual composition (Man-made vs. Natural). Mislabeling leads to reclassification. |
| Pre-Ruling Recommendation | Given the 31.5% difference between 9021 (10%) and 6212 (37.5-41%), apply for an Advance Ruling if your product has medical features. |
π 5. Global Main Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Req. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.90.81.00 |
10.0% | FDA (if medical) | Lowest rate for shapers with medical purpose |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6212.20.00.20 |
37.5% | No special certs | Fashion shapewear tariff |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6212.30.00.20 |
41.0% | No special certs | Highest tariff option |
| π¨π³ China | 6212.20.00.20 |
~10-15%* | CCC (if applicable) | *Est. for comparison; check current CN tariff |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6212.20 |
~4-12% | CE (if medical) | Varies by member state |
π Conclusion: - USA is the critical market for tariff optimization. - The gap between Medical Classification (10%) and Apparel Classification (37.5-41%) is massive. - Strategy: If your shapewear has any therapeutic, post-surgical, or orthopedic benefit, strongly pursue classification under 9021.90.81.00. Provide medical documentation to justify. If purely for fashion/aesthetics, you must accept the higher apparel tariffs.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Medical Shaper" without supporting documentation. π Consequence: Customs rejects medical classification, reclassifies as apparel β Back taxes of ~27.5-31% + penalties.
β Mistake 2: Vague description "Shaper" on Invoice. π Consequence: Customs officer uses their judgment, likely defaults to 6212.30.00.20 (41%) β Highest possible cost.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Material Composition. π Consequence: If the item is cotton (natural fiber), it doesn't fit 6212.20/30.20 (man-made). It would go to a different chapter (e.g., 6112/6212 with different rates), causing confusion and delays.
β Mistake 4: Assuming "Shapewear" is always fashion. π Consequence: Missing out on the 10% medical rate. Many shapers are used for lumbar support or post-partum recovery. These can qualify as "bodily support."
β Correct Approach:
"Post-Surgical Abdominal Binder, Medical Grade, Compression Support, Model XYZ, FDA Cleared" β Aim for
9021.90.81.00"Women's High-Waist Waist Trainer, 100% Nylon/Spandex, Fashion Shapewear" β Use6212.20.00.20
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Medical Purpose = 10%, Fashion Apparel = 37.5%+, Don't Guess, Document!" πΉ "1% difference in classification = 30% difference in Tax!"
π Tip: If your shapewear is originated from Vietnam, Mexico, or other non-China sources, the Section 301 (10%) surcharge may not apply, significantly lowering the apparel tariff. Always check the Country of Origin before declaring.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for Advance Ruling if Medical. π Ensure your Shapewear clears customs efficiently and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! πΌ Every Penny of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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.