Sun Protection Clothing
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6109100027 | 34.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6205202063 | 37.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6205302071 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6114909030 | 15.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6109901049 | 49.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
βοΈ Sun Protection Clothing (UV-Protective Apparel)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Sun Protection Clothing"?
Sun protection clothing, often referred to as "sun shirts" or "UPF apparel," is designed to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. In international trade, it is primarily classified under Chapter 61 (Knitted or Crocheted) or Chapter 62 (Non-Knitted) textiles, depending on its construction. The key differentiator is whether the fabric is knitted (looped structure) or woven/non-knitted.
Key Classification Factors: * Construction: Knitted vs. Non-knitted (Woven). * Material Composition: Synthetic fibers (Polyester/Nylon) vs. Natural fibers (Cotton) vs. Blends. * Garment Type: T-shirt style, Shirt style, or General "Sun Suit."
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the garment is knitted (like a standard t-shirt), it generally falls under Chapter 61.
- If the garment is non-knitted (like a woven button-down shirt), it generally falls under Chapter 62.
- Misclassification between Chapter 61 and 62 can lead to significant duty discrepancies and customs delays.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
Based on the provided data, here are the four potential HS Codes for Sun Protection Clothing, along with their tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Basis for Classification | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6109.10.00.27 | Sun Protection Shirt (Knitted) | Knitted garment; inferred material: Synthetic fiber or Cotton blend. | 34.0% |
| 6205.20.20.63 | Sun Protection Shirt (Non-Knitted) | Non-knitted garment; classified as a shirt (textile category). | 37.2% |
| 6205.30.20.71 | Men's Sun Protection Shirt | Inferred material: Chemical fiber or blend; fits men's shirt logic. | 29.1Β’/kg + 25.9% + 17.5% |
| 6114.90.90.30 | Knitted/Crocheted Sun Suit | Knitted/Crocheted sunwear; textile material classification. | 15.6% |
| 6109.90.10.49 | Knitted T-Shirt (Synthetic) | Knitted garment; Material: Polyester or Nylon (Synthetic). | 49.5% |
π Analysis:
- Cheapest Option:6114.90.90.30(15.6%) is the most tax-efficient if the item can be classified as a general "sun suit" rather than a specific shirt.
- Most Expensive Option:6109.90.10.49(49.5%) applies if the item is deemed a synthetic knitted t-shirt (likely Polyester/Nylon) with high additional tariffs.
- Variable Cost Option:6205.30.20.71involves both specific duty per kg and ad valorem rates, requiring careful calculation based on weight.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current tariff structure applies (Includes Section 301 & IEEPA surcharges)
π― 1. 6109.10.00.27 ββ Knitted Sun Shirt (Cotton/Synthetic Blend)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 16.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 34.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 34.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High duty rate typically disqualifies from 8042 exemption) |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate + Section 301 (7.5%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- This classification assumes a blended material (Cotton/Synthetic).
- The 34.0% total rate is a sum of the base US MFN rate and specific US trade remedies.
- Risk: If customs determines the material is 100% synthetic, you might be reclassified to6109.90.10.49, increasing the rate to 49.5%.
π― 2. 6205.20.20.63 ββ Non-Knitted Sun Shirt (Woven)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 19.7% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate + Section 301 (7.5%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Woven shirts typically have a higher base duty (19.7%) than knitted t-shirts (16.5%) in this dataset.
- Warning: Ensure the garment is truly "woven." If it has knit properties, it must be moved to Chapter 61.
π― 3. 6205.30.20.71 ββ Men's Chemical Fiber Shirt
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 29.1Β’/kg + 25.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Burden | Specific Duty + 43.4% Ad Valorem |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight in kg Γ $0.291) + (CIF Value Γ 25.9%) + Additional Surcharges |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | Mixed Duty Structure + Trade Remedies |
π Explanation:
- This is a Mixed Duty classification.
- Cost Driver: For lightweight garments, the 29.1Β’/kg specific duty can be surprisingly high. For heavy garments, the 25.9% ad valorem rate dominates.
- Complexity: Requires precise declaration of both weight and value.
π― 4. 6114.90.90.30 ββ Knitted Sun Suit (Textile Material)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.6% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β οΈ Borderline (Low base rate may allow de minimis in some specific scenarios, but generally high total tariff prevents it for China origin) |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate (5.6%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Most Cost-Effective Option.
- Crucial Condition: The item must be classified as a general "Sun Suit" or similar textile article under 6114, NOT a specific "Shirt" (6109) or "T-shirt."
- Risk: Customs may challenge this if the item looks like a standard t-shirt. You must provide design proof that it is distinct from standard apparel (e.g., unique cut, specialized UPF labeling).
π― 5. 6109.90.10.49 ββ Knitted Synthetic T-Shirt (Polyester/Nylon)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 32.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 49.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate + Section 301 (7.5%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Highest Risk/High Cost.
- If your product is made of 100% Polyester or Nylon and is knitted, it defaults to this high-tariff category.
- Strategy: Avoid this classification if possible. Consider blending materials to qualify for6109.10.00.27(34.0%) or reclassifying as6114.90.90.30(15.6%) if design allows.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Fabric composition (e.g., 90% Poly, 10% Spandex), UPF rating (e.g., UPF 50+), construction method (Knitted/Woven). |
| β Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Front/back views, label close-up, fabric texture (to prove knit vs. woven). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code logic (e.g., "Knitted UV-Protection Top" vs. "Woven Shirt"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Accurate weight is critical for 6205.30.20.71 classification. |
| β UPF Test Report | βοΈ | While not always mandatory for duty, it proves the "Sun Protection" claim, supporting the functional description. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Knit vs. Woven is King, Synthetic is Springing Trap!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Standard T-shirt shape | Classify as 6109 (Knitted) | Do NOT call it a "Shirt" if it's a t-shirt style; use "Top" or "Shirt" carefully based on cut. |
| Button-down shape | Classify as 6205 (Non-Knitted) | Do NOT declare as Knitted if it's woven. |
| Specialized UV Gear | Try to argue for 6114 (Sun Suit) | Do NOT admit it's a standard t-shirt if claiming 6114. Highlight unique design/features. |
| 100% Polyester Knit | Expect 49.5% (6109.90) | Do NOT under-declare material composition. Customs will test it. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material (Cotton/Poly) | Check the predominant weight. If >50% Cotton, it may fall under 6109.10 (34.0%). If >50% Synthetic, it risks 6109.90 (49.5%). Optimize blend to favor Cotton if possible. |
| Sample vs. Bulk | Ensure sample material matches bulk. Discrepancies lead to reclassification and fines. |
| OEM/Private Label | Provide OEM agreement. If the design is unique, support a 6114 classification more strongly. |
| High Value Items | If CIF > $800, de minimis exemption is lost anyway. Focus on accurate HS code to avoid penalties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6114.90.90.30 |
15.6% (Best Case) | High risk of reclassification to 34-49%. Strict enforcement on China. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6109.90.10.49 |
49.5% (Worst Case) | Applies to 100% synthetic knitted tops. |
| π¨π³ China | 6109.10.00.90 |
~12-16% | Import duties into China are lower, but this guide focuses on US export. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6109.10.00 |
12% + VAT | No Section 122/301 equivalent, but VAT applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6109.10.00 |
12% + VAT | Post-Brexit tariff structures. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market for Sun Protection Clothing due to Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges.
- Strategy: Aim for 6114.90.90.30 (15.6%) if the product design allows. If not, 6109.10.00.27 (34.0%) is safer than 6109.90.10.49 (49.5%).
- Material Blending: Using Cotton blends can significantly reduce duty rates compared to 100% Synthetic.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a Polyester T-shirt as "Sun Shirt" under 6114 to save money.
π Consequence: Customs determines it's a standard shirt β Reclassified to 6109.90 (49.5%) β Back taxes + Penalties.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the Knitted vs. Woven distinction.
π Consequence: Wrong Chapter (61 vs. 62) β Shipment Held for inspection β Delays.
β Mistake 3: Under-declaring Weight.
π Consequence: For 6205.30.20.71, specific duty applies. Under-declaring weight leads to underpayment of duty β Fines.
β Correct Approach:
"UV-Protection Knitted Top, 80% Cotton/20% Polyester, UPF 50+, Model ABC"
HS Code:6109.10.00.27
Duty: 34.0%
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Maximize Profit!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Cotton blends are your friend, Synthetics are expensive."
πΉ "6114 is the gold mine, but only if you can justify the design."
πΉ "Never mislabel Knit as Woven or vice versa."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is 100% Polyester, consider adding Cotton to the blend to shift from
6109.90(49.5%) to6109.10(34.0%). This 15.5% savings is significant!
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to verify your fabric composition and design features.
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if importing high volumes, to lock in the HS Code and avoid surprises.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Saved is Pure Profit!
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.