Swimsuit Set

🏊‍♀️ Swimsuit Set (Bathing Suits & Swimwear)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure About "Swimsuit Set"?

A Swimsuit Set is a complete bathing ensemble designed for water sports, beach activities, or pool recreation. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on material composition (Synthetic vs. Man-made/Artificial fibers) and fabric construction (Knitted/Hand-knitted vs. Woven).

Two Main Categories:

• Knitted Swimwear (针织类): Usually made from stretchy synthetic fabrics like Nylon, Spandex, or Polyester blends. These are flexible and form-fitting.
• Woven Swimwear (梭织类): Made from non-stretch or semi-stretch man-made fabrics, often featuring tailored designs or specific fashion details.

⚠️ Critical Distinction Point:
- Knitted/Synthetic (Most Common): Often falls under 6112.41.00. High tariff impact due to trade measures.
- Woven/Man-made: Falls under 6211.12.10. Generally lower base tariff but still subject to specific clauses.
- Knitted/Synthetic (Strategic Import): Under 6112.41.00.10, these are subject to additional punitive tariffs (Section 301/122 clauses).

📦 II. HS Code Breakdown & Tariff Analysis (2026 Data)

🔍 Key Insight:
- The total tax varies significantly based on the specific sub-heading.
- 6112.41.00.10 is the most expensive at 42.4% due to the combination of Base Tariff + 7.5% Section 301 Add-on + Clause 122.
- 6211.12.10.10 (Woven) is the cheapest option at 21.8%, making it a preferred classification if the fabric allows.
- Clause 122 (10%) applies to ALL swimwear entries in this dataset, acting as a mandatory surcharge on Chinese-origin goods.

💰 III. Detailed Tariff Clause Explanation (The "122" Factor)

✅ Applicable Region: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective: Current Trade Policy Environment

🎯 1. The "122 Clause" Tariff (Section 301 & 122)

• What is it?
  The 10% tariff mentioned in all three HS codes is likely derived from Section 301 or specific Section 122 measures targeting Chinese consumer goods.
• Application:
  It is applied automatically on top of the base tariff for swimsuits imported from China.
• Calculation Example (for 6112.41.00.10):
  • Base: 24.9%
  • Section 301 Add-on: 7.5%
  • Clause 122: 10%
  • Total: 42.4% of CIF Value.

🎯 2. Why 6112.41.00.10 is Risky

This specific code triggers a 7.5% additional surcharge on top of the standard base rate. This code represents Knitted/Synthetic swimwear that is heavily targeted in trade disputes. * Strategy: If your product is made of Woven fabric, try to qualify for 6211.12.10.10 to save 20.6% in taxes (42.4% vs 21.8%).

🛠️ IV. Practical Clearance Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist

To ensure smooth customs clearance, you must provide: | Document | Requirement | Why It Matters | |:---|:---|:---| | Detailed Labeling | Mandatory | Must state "100% Nylon" or "90% Polyester/10% Spandex". Vague labels like "Synthetic" can lead to misclassification. | | Fabric Composition Certificate | Critical | Distinguishes between Knitted (6112) and Woven (6211). | | Sample Photos | Required | Show the product is a "Set" (Top + Bottom) or a single piece. | | HS Code Pre-Ruling | Recommended | Especially for 6112.41.00.10 vs 6112.41.00.30. |

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy

🔥 Golden Rule: "Material Determines Code, Knitting Determines Tax!"

✅ 3. Cost Optimization Tips

1. Switch to Woven Fabric: If your design allows, use woven man-made fibers to utilize 6211.12.10.10, saving nearly $200 per $1000 in duties.
2. Avoid "Set" Confusion: If the items are sold separately, declare them individually if possible, but if sold as a "Set," they must be classified together.
3. Check the 122 Clause: Remember that 10% is non-negotiable for Chinese origin. Factor this into your FOB pricing immediately.

🌍 V. Quick Comparison: Tax Impact by HS Code

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

❌ Mistake 1: Confusing Knitted vs. Woven
👉 Result: Declaring a knitted suit as "Woven" (6211) to avoid tax.
🛠️ Fix: Provide a fabric weave diagram to prove the construction method.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Clause 122
👉 Result: Budgeting only for the base tariff (e.g., 24.9%) and being shocked by the 10% extra.
🛠️ Fix: Always calculate Total Tax = Base + Add-ons in your cost sheet.

❌ Mistake 3: Vague Material Description
👉 Result: Customs delays or forced reclassification to the highest tax bracket.
🛠️ Fix: Be specific: "92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, Knitted."

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification = Higher Profit

🎯 Key Takeaway:

Swimsuits are a high-risk category for tariffs.
- Woven (6211) is your safest bet for cost control.
- Knitted (6112) is unavoidable for most stretchy suits but choose the right sub-code (30 vs 10).
- Never forget the 10% Clause 122 surcharge on every single entry from China.

📌 Pro Tip:
If your product uses natural fibers (e.g., Cotton), the classification changes entirely (likely 6111 or 6211 with different rates). However, if it is Synthetic/Man-made, stick to the 6211.12.10.10 route to minimize costs.

📣 Action Plan:

📞 Verify Fabric Composition (Knitted vs. Woven).
📉 Calculate Total Tax (Base + 7.5% + 10%).
📝 Adjust Pricing to reflect the 21.8% vs 42.4% gap.

✨ Precise Classification is the First Step to Profitability!
💼 Don't let tariff miscalculations eat your margins!