Socks (pair)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6115959000 | 31.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6117909090 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115969020 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115959000 | 31.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115969020 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧦠Socks (Socks / Double Socks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Socks"?
Socks are essential apparel items covering the foot and ankle. In international trade (specifically for US imports from China), they are classified based on material composition and knitting method. The classification is critical because it determines the base duty rate and, consequently, the total landed cost.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Knitted or Crocheted Socks fall under Chapter 61 (Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted).
- Material is King: The specific subheading (95, 96, or 97) depends on whether the socks are Cotton, Synthetic Fibers, or Other Textiles.
- "Double Socks": If packaged as a pair but made of different materials or mixed, the classification follows the predominant material or specific packaging rules.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
Based on the provided data, here are the valid HS Codes for Socks and Double Socks:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Inference | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
6115.96.90.20 |
Socks / Double Socks | Synthetic Fibers or Blended | Falls under "Other socks" (not cotton). The .20 suffix often denotes specific synthetic blends or non-cotton categories in US HTS. |
6115.95.90.00 |
Socks / Double Socks | Cotton or Common Fibers | Falls under "Other socks" where cotton is a major component or unspecified common fibers. Higher base duty than synthetic. |
6117.90.90.90 |
Socks (Alternative) | Fiber Accessories/Parts | Used if the item is deemed an "accessory or part" of clothing rather than a finished sock (e.g., loose knitting, parts). Lower volume application. |
π Critical Note:
-6115.95(Cotton) attracts a 13.5% base duty.
-6115.96(Synthetic) attracts a 14.6% base duty.
-6117.90(Other) attracts a 14.6% base duty but is less common for standard finished socks.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring Synthetic as Cotton (or vice versa) can lead to customs audits, penalties, and retroactive duty assessments.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (including Section 301 and Section 122 measures)
π― 1. 6115.96.90.20 β Socks (Synthetic/Other)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (Note: Some synthetic textiles may be exempt from specific 25% tiers, or this specific subcode is listed at 0% add-on in this dataset) |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% (Newly applied trade remedy/tariff measure) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 24.6% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deemed de minimis: deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTS:6115.96.90.20 β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to socks made of synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic).
- Total Tax = 14.6% (Base) + 0% (301) + 10% (122) = 24.6%.
- This is the most cost-effective option among the listed codes if the material is indeed synthetic.
π― 2. 6115.95.90.00 β Socks (Cotton/Common)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 13.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 7.5% (Applied to certain textile/apparel items from China) |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 31.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 31.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deemed de minimis: deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTS:6115.95.90.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to socks made of Cotton or unspecified common fibers.
- Total Tax = 13.5% (Base) + 7.5% (301) + 10% (122) = 31.0%.
- Despite a lower base duty (13.5% vs 14.6%), the Section 301 addition of 7.5% makes the total tax higher than the synthetic category.
π― 3. 6117.90.90.90 β Socks (Other Accessories/Parts)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 32.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deemed de minimis: deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTS:6117.90.90.90 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a catch-all category for other made-up clothing accessories. It is rarely used for standard socks unless they are non-standard (e.g., foot warmers, specialized parts).
- Total Tax = 14.6% (Base) + 7.5% (301) + 10% (122) = 32.1%.
- This is the most expensive classification and should only be used if the product does not fit under 6115.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Socks" or "Double Socks" and material composition (e.g., "80% Cotton, 20% Polyester"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed breakdown of pairs per box, total weight, and dimensions. |
| β Material Composition Label | βοΈ | Photos of the hangtag or label inside the sock showing fiber content. Crucial for HTS 6115.95 vs 6115.96. |
| β Brand Authorization | βοΈ | If branded, provide authorization letter to avoid IPR seizure. |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | Confirm CN origin to apply correct Section 301/122 rates. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Material Defines Code, Section 122 is Universal, Section 301 Hits Cotton Hard!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cotton Socks | 6115.95.90.00 (31.0% Total) |
Misdeclare as Synthetic (6115.96) β Risk of 31% + Penalties |
| Polyester/Acrylic Socks | 6115.96.90.20 (24.6% Total) |
Misdeclare as Cotton β Risk of 31% (Higher Tax) |
| Double Socks (Mixed Pack) | Declare based on dominant material or highest value item | Split shipment unnecessarily β Increases administrative cost |
| Foot Warmers/Heated Socks | Check if electronic β May change to 8516 |
Declare as 6115 β Incorrect Classification |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Section 122 Duty | Always Apply: The 10% Section 122 duty applies to all textile/apparel imports from China in this dataset. It is not optional. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Not Applicable: All listed HS Codes are marked deny_de_minimis. Do not use de minimis entry for socks. Full formal entry is required. |
| Labeling Compliance | Ensure US FTC labeling requirements are met (Fiber content, Country of Origin, RN/Company Name) to avoid CBP holds. |
| Anti-Dumping/Countervailing | Verify if specific yarns or dyes trigger AD/CVD. Standard socks usually do not, but specialized industrial socks might. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Total Tax (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6115.96.90.20 |
24.6% (Synthetic) | Formal Entry, IEEPA/Sec 301/122 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6115.95 / 6115.96 |
~8-12% (Base) + 0% (301) | CE Marking (if medical), EORI |
| π¨π³ China | 6115.95 / 6115.96 |
~8-14% (Base) | CCC (if special), Import License |
| π¬π§ UK | 6115.95 / 6115.96 |
~12-15% (Base) | UKCA Marking (if applicable) |
π Conclusion:
- The USA has the most complex tax structure due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- Synthetic socks (6115.96.90.20) are 7.4% cheaper in total tax than Cotton socks (6115.95.90.00) in the US market.
- Always verify material content before declaring to avoid audits.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Cotton Socks as Synthetic to Avoid Section 301
π Consequence: CBP audit β Back taxes (31% - 24.6% = 6.4% per unit) + Penalties + Potential seizure.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 Duty
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% β Interest charges and delayed clearance.
β Error 3: Attempting De Minimis Entry ($800)
π Consequence: Rejected by CBP because deny_de_minimis is flagged for these HTS codes. Shipment stuck at port.
β Error 4: Vague Description "Textile Footwear"
π Consequence: CBP may classify under footwear (64) with higher duties or refuse entry due to ambiguity.
β Correct Practice:
"Socks, Knitted, 80% Cotton, 20% Spandex, Packaged in Boxes of 12 Pairs, HTS 6115.95.90.00"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Check the Material: Cotton Hits 31%, Synthetic Saves to 24.6%."
πΉ "Section 122 is the New Normal: Add 10% to Everything."
πΉ "No De Minimis: Formal Entry is Mandatory."
π Pro Tip:
If you have mixed fiber content (e.g., 50% Cotton, 50% Nylon), consult a customs broker immediately. The principal material or value will dictate the HTS. Misclassifying mixed materials is the #1 cause of customs penalties in apparel.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Consult a Customs Broker + Verify Fiber Content + Confirm HTS 6115.xx.xx
π Clear Your Socks Smoothly, Maximize Profit, and Stay Compliant!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty 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.