handkerchief
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6213202000 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6213201000 | 23.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208118090 | 45.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208216090 | 46.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6117106010 | 27.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6213900500 | 18.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ά Handkerchief (Handkerchiefs)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know βHandkerchiefsβ?
Handkerchiefs are essential daily accessories used for personal hygiene. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition (Cotton vs. Silk) and structural form (Woven Fabric vs. Knitted Garment Accessory).
Misclassification leads to significant tariff differences, especially under current US trade policies (Section 301 and IEEPA).
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- Knitted Handkerchiefs (Garments/Accessories): If the handkerchief is knitted and classified as a garment accessory (shawl/scarf category), it falls under 6117.10.60.10.
- Woven Cotton Handkerchiefs: If woven and made of cotton, it generally falls under 6213.20.xxxx.
- Raw Fabric vs. Finished Goods: Some codes (5208.xx) refer to the fabric itself. If imported as a finished handkerchief, using fabric codes may be risky unless the product is sold as "raw material for sewing."
- Silk Handkerchiefs: Made of silk or silk waste, classified under 6213.90.05.00.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
6213.20.20.00 |
Handkerchiefs, woven, of cotton | Standard cotton handkerchiefs | β Woven Cotton |
6213.20.10.00 |
Handkerchiefs, woven, of cotton (Specific Subcategory) | Standard cotton handkerchiefs | β Woven Cotton |
5208.11.80.90 |
Woven Cotton Fabric (85%+ Cotton), Finishing | Note: Often refers to the fabric before cutting. If sold as finished handkerchief, verify with customs. | β Cotton Fabric (>85%) |
5208.21.60.90 |
Woven Cotton Fabric, Other Specifications | Note: Refers to specific cotton fabric types. High tariff if misclassified as finished goods without justification. | β Cotton Fabric |
6117.10.60.10 |
Handkerchiefs, knitted, as part of shawls/scarves/accessories | Knitted handkerchiefs treated as garment accessories | β Knitted/Accessory |
6213.90.05.00 |
Handkerchiefs, woven, of silk or silk waste | Luxury silk handkerchiefs | β Silk |
π Critical Reminder:
- Woven vs. Knitted: Knitted items often fall under Chapter 61 (Knitted), while Woven items fall under Chapter 62. However, some knitted handkerchiefs are classified under accessories (6117) if deemed "shawls/scarves." - Fabric vs. Product: Codes5208.11.80.90and5208.21.60.90describe fabrics. Using them for finished handkerchiefs requires strong justification that the goods are unfinished textiles. Otherwise, stick to 6213. - Silk Premium: Silk handkerchiefs (6213.90.05.00) have a lower base tariff but still attract additional duties.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply for imports post-2025/2026 policies.
π― 1. 6213.20.20.00 ββ Cotton Handkerchief (Woven)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.1% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 24.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Subject to high duties) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6213.20.20.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a standard classification for woven cotton handkerchiefs. - The total duty of 24.6% is moderate compared to fabric categories. - Section 122 (often related to specific anti-dumping or countervailing duties depending on current enforcement) adds a fixed 10%.
π― 2. 6213.20.10.00 ββ Cotton Handkerchief (Specific Subcategory)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 13.2% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6213.20.10.00 β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Slightly lower total duty than20.20due to 0% Section 301 in this specific subcategory. - Verify if your product qualifies for this specific subcategory description ("material for handkerchiefs").
π― 3. 5208.11.80.90 & 5208.21.60.90 ββ Cotton Fabric (High Tariff Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 10.5% / 11.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 45.5% / 46.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ ~46% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:5208.xx β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Warning:
- These rates apply to fabrics. If you ship finished handkerchiefs, using these codes may trigger audits for "misdeclaration." - High Duty Alert: ~46% is extremely high. Only use if the product is indeed unsewn fabric or if you have a specific duty drawback plan. - Section 301 is 25%, which is the maximum penalty tier for many textiles.
π― 4. 6117.10.60.10 ββ Knitted Handkerchief (Accessory)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 27.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6117.10.60.10 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Classified as a "shawl, scarf, etc." accessory. - If your handkerchief is knitted (not woven), this is the correct chapter (61). - Duty is slightly higher than woven cotton (6213) due to base rate, but avoids the 25% Section 301 surcharge.
π― 5. 6213.90.05.00 ββ Silk Handkerchief
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.1% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 18.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 18.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6213.90.05.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Advantage:
- Lowest Total Duty among all listed codes (18.6%). - Low base tariff (1.1%) for silk helps offset additional taxes. - Ideal for luxury goods targeting US market.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (Cotton %, Silk, Knitted vs. Woven) |
| β Product Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Show texture (weave/knit), edges (hemmed/uncut), and packaging |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Handkerchief, 100% Cotton, Woven" or "Silk Handkerchief" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity and weight |
| β Material Composition Certificate | βοΈ | For cotton/silk verification to avoid misclassification |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βWoven is 62, Knitted is 61, Silk is Low Duty, Fabric is High Risk!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cotton Handkerchief (Woven) | 6213.20.20.00 or 6213.20.10.00 |
Misdeclare as fabric (5208) β Audit Risk |
| Knitted Handkerchief | 6117.10.60.10 |
Misdeclare as woven (6213) β Wrong Chapter |
| Silk Handkerchief | 6213.90.05.00 |
Declare as cotton β Overpay/Underpay |
| Raw Cotton Fabric Rolls | 5208.11.80.90 |
Declare as finished handkerchief β Wrong Product Type |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Handkerchiefs | Provide design specs to prove material and construction method (woven vs. knitted) |
| Hybrid Materials | If mixed cotton/polyester, confirm if it still qualifies as "Cotton Handkerchief" (usually requires >50% cotton) |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to duties; no duty-free exemption for commercial samples from China to US under current rules |
| Return Merchandise | Provide proof of previous export to claim Duty Drawback if eligible |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 6213.20.20.00 |
24.6% (Cotton) | Section 301 + 122 Apply |
| πΊπΈ United States | 6213.90.05.00 |
18.6% (Silk) | Lowest US Duty for Handkerchiefs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 6213.20.00 |
4% - 6% | No Section 301/122. Lower overall cost. |
| π¨π³ China | 6213.20.00 |
10% - 15% | Import duty to China |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 6213.20.00 |
4% - 12% | Post-Brexit Tariffs vary by FTA |
π Conclusion:
- US Market: Silk (6213.90.05.00) offers the lowest duty (18.6%). For cotton,6213.20.10.00(23.2%) is slightly better than6213.20.20.00(24.6%). - Fabric Codes (5208): Avoid unless importing unfinished fabric. The ~46% duty is prohibitive for finished goods. - Knitted vs. Woven: Ensure accurate identification. Knitted (6117) has a 27% duty, which is higher than woven cotton but avoids the 25% Section 301 surcharge.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring finished handkerchiefs as "Cotton Fabric" (5208) to avoid Chapter 62 complexities.
π Consequence: Customs rejection, fines, or forced reclassification to 6213 with retroactive duties + penalties.
β Error 2: Misidentifying Knitted Handkerchiefs as Woven (6213 instead of 6117).
π Consequence: Incorrect HS Code, potential delay, and inaccurate duty calculation (27% vs. 24.6%).
β Error 3: Assuming "De Minimis" ($800) applies.
π Consequence: No De Minimis for China-origin goods under Section 301/122. Even small shipments incur full taxes.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122.
π Consequence: Failure to declare adds a hidden 10% to the duty bill.
β Correct Practice:
"Cotton Handkerchief, Woven, 100% Cotton, Hemmed Edges, 30cm x 30cm, for Personal Hygiene"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Save Time!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ βSilk is Cheapest (18.6%), Cotton Woven is Mid (24.6%), Fabric is Expensive (46%).β
πΉ βKnitted is Accessory (6117, 27%), Woven is Product (6213, 24.6%).β
πΉ βNo De Minimis for China! Declare Accurately!β
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Silk Handkerchiefs, prioritize 6213.90.05.00 for the lowest US tariff (18.6%).
If importing Cotton, compare 6213.20.10.00 (23.2%) vs. 6213.20.20.00 (24.6%) based on exact product description fit.
Always Pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) with CBP if unsure about Knitted vs. Woven status.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Product Images + Confirm Material Composition
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Maximize Profit, Minimize Risk!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Duty Matters!
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.