Shapewear Vest
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212200020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212300020 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Shapewear Vest (Functional Garments)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Shapewear"?
Shapewear vests are functional apparel items designed to compress, contour, or support the body. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on their primary function (medical/corrective vs. aesthetic/fashion) and material composition.
1. Corrective/Support Devices (Medical Category):
If the vest is specifically designed to compensate for a defect, disability, or to provide therapeutic support, it may fall under Chapter 90 (Medical/Orthopedic Appliances).
2. Fashion/Lingerie Category (Textile Category):
If the vest is primarily for aesthetic shaping, slimming, or fashion purposes (often made of synthetic fibers like nylon, spandex, or polyester), it falls under Chapter 62 or 61 (Apparel), specifically as "Bodice," "Corset," or "Support Garments."
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it claims medical benefits (e.g., posture correction for scoliosis, post-surgical support) and lacks purely fashion attributes β HS 9021
- If it is fashion-oriented or general body shaping made of artificial fibers β HS 6212
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the three potential classifications for Shapewear Vests:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Material Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
9021.90.81.00 |
Orthopedic or Body Support Appliances | Designed to compensate for defects or disabilities. Classified under orthopedic/support apparatus. | Specific functional materials; not explicitly limited to synthetic fibers in the summary. |
6212.20.00.20 |
Corsets, Girdles, Breast Supports, etc. | Classified as Corsets/Bodices. Matches the form and use of shapewear. | Artificial Fibers (Synthetic) |
6212.30.00.20 |
Support Garments (Other) | Form matches shapewear; includes artificial fiber materials. No material conflict. | Artificial Fibers (Synthetic) |
π Key Reminder:
- HS 9021 is reserved for items with a medical/corrective purpose. If you market it as "medical support," this code applies, but it carries a lower base tariff. - HS 6212 codes are for fashion/lifestyle shapewear. If the product is primarily for aesthetic shaping and made of synthetic fabrics, it likely falls here. - Material Conflict: Ensure the material description matches the code.6212.20and6212.30both assume artificial fiber content.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9021.90.81.00 ββ Orthopedic/Support Appliances
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Available (Generally, Section 321 applies if value < $800, but specific medical items may have stricter rules; however, the 10% is low enough to be manageable.) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9021.90.81.00 β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code benefits from 0% base tariff and 0% Section 301 tariff, which is rare for Chinese goods. - The only surcharge is the Section 122 tariff (10%). - Why choose this? If your product has documented medical/corrective functionality, this is the most tax-efficient option (10% total).
π― 2. 6212.20.00.20 ββ Corsets/Girdles (Artificial Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 20.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable for high-value commercial shipments, but Section 321 may apply if < $800 (note: Section 301/122 may still apply to de minimis depending on current enforcement). |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6212.20.00.20 β Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a standard textile/apparel classification. - Base tariff (20%) is high. - Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) are added on top. - Total: 37.5%. This is a high-cost option for fashion shapewear.
π― 3. 6212.30.00.20 ββ Other Support Garments (Artificial Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 23.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Same as above. |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6212.30.00.20 β Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Similar to6212.20, but with a higher base tariff (23.5%). - Total: 41.0%. This is the most expensive option for synthetic shapewear. - Why use this? Only if the product does not fit the "corset/girdle" definition of 6212.20 but is still a support garment made of artificial fibers.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Prepare Documentation List (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state function (e.g., "post-surgical support" vs. "slimming garment"). |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Detailed fabric breakdown (e.g., 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex). Crucial for 6212 codes. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing structure, clasps, and labeling. |
| β Medical Certification (If claiming 9021) | βοΈ | FDA clearance, CE Medical Device Mark, or doctorβs prescription requirement. Essential for HS 9021. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Orthopedic Vest" vs. "Fashion Shapewear Vest." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight, dimensions, and quantity. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βFunction Determines Code, Material Determines Rate, Honesty Saves Money!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Medical/Corrective Vest | 9021.90.81.00 |
If declared as fashion (6212), you pay 37.5%+ instead of 10%. BUT if itβs not medical, you face fraud penalties. |
| Fashion Shapewear (Synthetic) | 6212.20.00.20 or 6212.30.00.20 |
Misclassifying as medical to save tax = Severe Customs Fraud. |
| Natural Fiber Shapewear | Not listed in DATA | If made of cotton/wool, it may fall under different HS codes (e.g., 6212.90). Using 6212.20/30 (artificial) is incorrect. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Product is both medical AND fashion | You must choose the primary function. If itβs sold in beauty supply stores, itβs likely fashion. If sold in medical supply stores, itβs medical. |
| OEM/White Label Products | Provide detailed specs to CBP. Ambiguity leads to higher duty rates or delays. |
| De Minimis ($800) Shipments | Even for small parcels, Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs may apply. Check current CBP enforcement on de minimis for Chinese goods. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.90.81.00 |
10.0% | Best for medical/corrective. Low risk if properly documented. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6212.20.00.20 |
37.5% | High cost for fashion shapewear. |
| π¨π³ China | Depends on Import | Varies | Not applicable for US exports. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Different HS Codes | Varies | EU uses different nomenclature. Shapewear often falls under 6114 or 6212 with different rates. |
π Conclusion:
- The 10% vs. 37.5%+ difference is critical.
- If your product has any medical/corrective claim, invest in certification to use HS 9021.
- If it is purely fashion, expect to pay 37.5% β 41.0%.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling a fashion shapewear vest a "Medical Device" without certification.
π Consequence: Customs audit, seizure, fines, and potential criminal charges for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 2: Using 6212.20 for a vest made of cotton.
π Consequence: Classification error. Cotton garments fall under different subheadings (e.g., 6212.90 or 6211). Penalty for incorrect duty payment.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 and Section 301.
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties. CBP will assess back duties + interest + penalties.
β Correct Approach:
βShapewear Vest, Model XYZ, 80% Nylon/20% Spandex, for Body Contouringβ β HS 6212.20.00.20 (37.5%)
βOrthopedic Support Vest, Model ABC, Post-Surgical Use, FDA Registeredβ β HS 9021.90.81.00 (10.0%)
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Compliance
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βMedical Claim? Go 9021 (10%). Fashion Only? Go 6212 (37.5%+). Fake Claims? Jail.β
πΉ βMaterial Matters: Artificial Fibers for 6212. Natural Fibers? Check Other Codes.β
π Pro Tip:
If your shapewear vest can be legitimately marketed as orthopedic or post-surgical support, obtaining medical device registration (e.g., FDA 510(k) or CE MDR) can save you 27.5% β 31% in tariffs. This is a massive cost advantage.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Provide product photos and intended use.
π If Medical: Obtain certification documents.
π If Fashion: Budget for 37.5% β 41.0% tariff.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point of Tariff Affects Your Profit Margin!
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.