woven socks
CN β USAI Analysis
𧦠Woven Socks (Knitted/Hosiery Socks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Woven Socks"?
In international trade, "socks" are strictly defined under Chapter 61 (Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted) or Chapter 62 (Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Not Knitted or Crocheted).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- The term "Woven" in general English implies fabric made by interlacing threads. However, for socks, the vast majority are Knitted (using a knitting machine to create loops).
- If the socks are made from woven fabric (like dress socks made from woven wool/cotton blend), they fall under Chapter 62.
- If the socks are Knitted (most athletic, dress, and casual socks), they fall under Chapter 61.
- Most "Woven Socks" in casual usage are actually Knitted Hosiery. This guide covers both, but emphasizes the common Knitted classification unless specified as woven fabric.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
6115.10.00.00 |
Pantyhose and tights | Female hosiery, thin, elastic | Any fiber |
6115.21.00.00 |
Hosiery with synthetic fiber, β₯5% elastomer | Sport socks, compression socks | Synthetic + Elastic |
6115.29.00.00 |
Other hosiery with synthetic fiber | Regular synthetic socks | Synthetic |
6115.95.00.00 |
Other hosiery, of cotton | Cotton dress socks, ankle socks | Cotton |
6115.96.00.00 |
Other hosiery, of man-made fibers | Synthetic blend socks | Man-made |
6215.10.00.00 |
Woven socks of man-made fibers | Rare: Dress socks made of woven fabric | Man-made |
6215.90.00.00 |
Other woven socks | Woven cotton/wool socks | Cotton/Wool |
π Key Reminder:
- If the product is a standard sock (elastic, looped fabric), it is Knitted β Chapter 61.
- If the product is a formal dress sock made from a woven textile (non-elastic, flat weave), it is Woven β Chapter 62.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring knitted socks as "woven" to avoid Chapter 61 duties is a common audit target. Ensure the fabric structure matches the HS code.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Current Status)
π― 1. Knitted Socks (Chapter 61) β The Most Common
A. 6115.21.00.00 / 6115.29.00.00 (Synthetic Fiber, with Elastomer)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 8% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (China-specific, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 43% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Denied (Section 321) |
| Legal Path | USITC:6115.21.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
B. 6115.95.00.00 (Cotton Fiber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 10.5% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 45.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Denied |
| Legal Path | USITC:6115.95.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Knitted socks are subject to both the 301 Section tariffs (25%) and the new IEEPA tariffs (10%).
- Cotton socks have a slightly higher base rate (10.5% vs 8%) than synthetic elastic socks.
- No de minimis exemption: Small packages under $800 will still be taxed.
π― 2. Woven Socks (Chapter 62) β Less Common
A. 6215.10.00.00 (Woven, Synthetic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 12% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 47% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Denied |
π Note: Woven socks are rarer and often more expensive due to production complexity. They face higher base rates than knitted counterparts.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Socks, Knitted/Woven," material composition, and style |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail pairs per box, gross/net weight |
| β Fabric Swatch | βοΈ | Crucial for proving Knitted vs. Woven structure |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | % of Cotton, Polyester, Nylon, Elastane, Wool |
| β Labeling | βοΈ | Must include "Made in China," fiber content, and care instructions |
β 2. Declaration Tips
π₯ "Knit vs. Weave: Check the Loop!"
- If the fabric has loops β Knitted (Chapter 61).
- If the fabric has interlaced threads (like a shirt) β Woven (Chapter 62).
- Do NOT declare knitted socks as "woven" to seek lower tariffs β CBP uses fabric analysis to detect fraud.
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error |
|---|---|---|
| Standard athletic socks | 6115.21.00.00 |
Wrong: 6215.10.00.00 |
| Cotton dress socks (knitted) | 6115.95.00.00 |
Wrong: 6215.90.00.00 |
| Formal woven wool socks | 6215.90.00.00 |
Wrong: 6115.95.00.00 |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Socks with Non-Slip Silicone | Still classified as socks (Chapter 61/62), not gloves or footwear accessories |
| Infant Socks (<6 Months) | May fall under 6111.20.00.00 (Knitted/Crocheted Babiesβ Garments) β Lower Tax (20% total) |
| Compression Socks | If they have medical certification, they may still be classified as hosiery (6115.96.00.00), but check for HTS 9021 exemptions (rare) |
| Sample Shipment | Mark "Sample β Not for Resale" to avoid duties if under $2,500 and approved for free entry |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6115.21.00.00 |
43% | CPSIA (if for kids) | High tariff, no de minimis |
| π¨π³ China | 6115.21.00.00 |
5% | N/A | Import duty only |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6115.21.00.00 |
12% | CE (if medical) | No 301-style surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 6115.21.00.00 |
12% | UKCA | Post-Brexit standard |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6115.21.00.00 |
16.5% | JIS | No surcharges |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6115.21.00.00 |
5% | ACMA (if electronic) | Low tariff |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-made socks due to layered tariffs.
- Consider sourcing from Vietnam or Indonesia for US-bound socks to avoid Section 301/IEEPA duties.
- Knitted socks are far more common than woven; ensure your fabric test matches the declared classification.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring knitted socks as woven to change HS code
π Consequence: CBP rejects entry, fines for misdeclaration, potential seizure.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring elastane percentage
π Consequence: If elastane <5%, it may not be classified under 6115.21 but 6115.29 or 6115.95, changing the tariff base.
β Mistake 3: Using "Socks" as a generic description
π Consequence: Customs asks for clarification, delays shipment. Use "Ankle Socks, Knitted, 80% Polyester, 20% Elastane."
β Mistake 4: Assuming de minimis ($800) applies
π Consequence: Socks are excluded from Section 321 de minimis if they originate from China under IEEPA rules.
β Correct Practice:
"Knitted Socks, Ankle Length, 12 Pairs/Box, 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Costs
π― Remember:
πΉ "Knitted = Loop, Woven = Weave."
πΉ "US Tariff = Base + 25% + 10%."
πΉ "No De Minimis for China Socks!"
π Tip:
For infant socks (<6 months), check if they qualify under Chapter 61.11 for lower duties (20% total vs 43%). This is a common optimization strategy.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Provide fabric swatch to your customs broker.
π Calculate landed cost with 43%β45.5% tariff for US-bound Chinese socks.
π‘ Consider Vietnam-sourced socks for US market to save 35% in duties.
β¨ Accurate Classification is Key to Profitability!
πΌ Every Pair Counts β Get the HS Code Right!
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.