Women's Sports Underwear
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6212109020 | 34.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6112110040 | 32.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6112410030 | 42.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6212109010 | 34.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6112410010 | 42.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Women's Sports Underwear (Sports Bras) β HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Guide
π Part I: Product Definition β What Exactly Are We Declaring?
Womenβs sports underwear (commonly known as Sports Bras) are functional garments designed to provide support during physical activity. However, in international trade, classification is not based on "use" alone, but strictly on material composition and manufacturing method (Knitted vs. Woven).
This product is split into two main categories in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS): 1. Knitted/Crocheted (Chapter 61): Made from knitted fabrics (stretchy, elastic). 2. Not Knitted (Woven) (Chapter 62): Made from woven fabrics (often structured, synthetic blends).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the fabric has visible loops (like a t-shirt knit) β Chapter 61
- If the fabric is woven (like dress shirt material) β Chapter 62
- Misclassification here can lead to significant duty discrepancies due to different base rates.
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest HTSUS)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific HS Codes for Women's Sports Bras, categorized by their technical attributes.
| HS Code | Material/Type | Summary Description | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown (US/China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6212.10.90.20 |
Woven (Knitted-like appearance but classified under Ch. 62) | Women's sports bra, synthetic fiber, classified under "Bras" category. | 34.4% | Base: 16.9% Section 301: 7.5% Section 1223: 10% |
6112.11.00.40 |
Knitted | Women's sports bra, knitted, intended for sportswear, for women. | 32.4% | Base: 14.9% Section 301: 7.5% Section 1223: 10% |
6112.41.00.30 |
Knitted (Synthetic) | Women's sports bra, synthetic fiber, meets sportswear use & gender limits. | 42.4% | Base: 24.9% Section 301: 7.5% Section 1223: 10% |
6112.10.90.10 |
Knitted (Cotton/Synthetic blend) | Women's sports bra, knitted or similar products, material inferred as cotton or synthetic. | 34.4% | Base: 16.9% Section 301: 7.5% Section 1223: 10% |
6112.41.00.10 |
Knitted (Elastic Synthetic) | Women's sports bra, synthetic fiber with elastane, shape/use matches sportswear. | 42.4% | Base: 24.9% Section 301: 7.5% Section 1223: 10% |
π Key Insight:
- The Highest Duty (42.4%) applies to Knitted Synthetic Bras classified under6112.41...(Base rate 24.9%).
- The Lowest Duty (32.4%) applies to Knitted Sport Bras classified under6112.11...(Base rate 14.9%).
- Woven Bras (6212.10...) sit in the middle at 34.4%.
π° Part III: Detailed Tariff Analysis (US Market)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 Regulations (Including Section 301 & Section 1223 implications)
π― 1. Knitted Bras β Category A (6112.11.00.40)
Best for standard knitted sports bras (e.g., Nike, Lululemon style knit fabrics).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 14.9% |
| Section 301 Duty | 7.5% |
| Section 1223 Duty | 10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 32.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Highly likely denied due to Section 301/1223 aggregation) |
| Legal Path | USITC:6112.11.00.40 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 1223 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable category for knitted sports bras.
- The lower base duty (14.9%) vs. other knitted items (24.9%) makes this the target code if the product fits the "Sportswear" definition strictly.
π― 2. Knitted Bras β Category B (6112.41.00.30 & 6112.41.00.10)
Best for high-support synthetic bras, often with high elastane/spandex content.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 24.9% |
| Section 301 Duty | 7.5% |
| Section 1223 Duty | 10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 42.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | USITC:6112.41.00.xx β Section 301 β Section 1223 |
π Explanation:
- These fall under "Other women's or girls' knitted/crocheted bras" but are taxed at a higher base rate than the specific "Sportswear" subset.
- Caution: Ensure your product description aligns with6112.11(Sportswear) rather than6112.41(General Bras) to save 10% in base duties.
π― 3. Woven Bras (6212.10.90.10 & 6212.10.90.20)
Best for bras made from non-knit synthetic fabrics or structured woven materials.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 16.9% |
| Section 301 Duty | 7.5% |
| Section 1223 Duty | 10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 34.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | USITC:6212.10.90.xx β Section 301 β Section 1223 |
π Explanation:
- Woven bras avoid the higher 24.9% base rate of certain knitted bras but are still subject to Section 301 and 1223 tariffs.
- The rate is 34.4%, which is higher than the optimal knitted sportswear rate (32.4%) but lower than the high-support knitted rate (42.4%).
π οΈ Part IV: Practical Clearance Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ Required | Must detail: Fabric composition (e.g., 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex), Knit vs. Woven, Gender, Age Group. |
| β Technical Drawings/Sketches | βοΈ Recommended | Show seams, cup construction, and strap design to prove "Sports" functionality. |
| β Fabric Swatch/Photo | βοΈ Critical | Must clearly show Knit structure (loops) vs. Woven structure (crisscross threads). This is the #1 reason for reclassification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Required | Must explicitly state: "Women's Knitted Sports Bra, Synthetic, For Exercise Use." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ Required | To confirm CN origin and trigger applicable Section 301/1223 tariffs. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ Required | Item count, weights, dimensions. |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Define the Structure First, Then the Use."
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Knit Sports Bra (e.g., racerback, wide band) | 6112.11.00.40 |
Highest base benefit (14.9%) if clearly marked as "Sportswear." |
| High-Compression Bra (High elastane, synthetic) | 6112.41.00.10 |
Often classified here due to specific synthetic/elastane composition. Expect 42.4%. |
| Woven/Structured Bra (Less stretch, more structure) | 6212.10.90.20 |
Must prove it is not knitted. Base rate 16.9%. |
| Generic Bra (No specific "sports" claim) | 6212.10.90.10 |
If knit but not for sport, may fall here. Check local CBP rulings. |
β 3. Common Errors & Risks
β Error 1: Misidentifying Knit vs. Woven
π Consequence: If a woven bra is declared as knitted, it may be audited and reassigned to 6212, leading to penalties if rates differ significantly.
π Fix: Provide fabric cross-section photos.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 1223
π Consequence: Many importers forget Section 1223 (often applied to specific textile categories from China).
π Fix: Always include the +10% in your landed cost calculation. Do not assume "De Minimis" exemption (800 USD) applies if Section 301/1223 are active. Current data suggests NO de minimis exemption for these codes.
β Error 3: Overlooking "Sportswear" Classification
π Consequence: Declaring a sports bra as 6112.41 (42.4%) instead of 6112.11 (32.4%) because the description was vague.
π Fix: Explicitly use terms like "For Athletic Use," "Moisture-Wicking," "High-Impact Support" in your invoice.
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code Strategy | Estimated Duty | Key Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6112.11.00.40 (Optimal) |
32.4% | FTC Care Labeling, CPSIA (if for kids) |
| π¨π³ China | 6112.11.00.40 |
~14.9% (Import) | GB Standards |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6112.11 |
~12% + VAT | REACH, Ecolabel (optional) |
| π¬π§ UK | 6112.11 |
~12% + VAT | UKCA Marking (if applicable) |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 6112.11 |
~17.5% + GST | Care Labeling Standards |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Section 1223.
- Effort to classify correctly under6112.11saves ~10% base duty compared to6112.41.
- Always verify De Minimis status with your freight forwarder, as policy shifts are frequent.
π Part VI: Final Checklist for Importers
- Fabric Test: Confirm Knit vs. Woven.
- Design Review: Does it look like a "Sports Bra"? (Straps, Band, Coverage).
- Invoice Wording: "Women's Knitted Sports Bra, Synthetic, for Athletic Use."
- Tariff Calculation:
- If Knit/Sport: Target
6112.11.00.40(32.4%) - If Knit/Non-Sport/High Synth:
6112.41...(42.4%) - If Woven:
6212.10...(34.4%) - Legal Review: Confirm no new Section 1223 exclusions apply to your specific product line.
π― Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Knit is Key, Sport is Sweet: 32.4% is the Goal."
πΉ "Woven is Wobbly: 34.4% if you miss the knit mark."
πΉ "High Elastane Trap: 42.4% if you don't declare Sportswear properly."
β
Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Binding Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in the 6112.11.00.40 classification and avoid audits.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult a licensed customs broker with your fabric swatches and technical specs.
π Optimize your HS Code today to save up to 10% in base duties!
β¨ Smart Classification. Efficient Clearance. Maximum Profit.
πΌ Your Supply Chain, Optimized for 2026 Trade Rules.
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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.