Processing...

Thinking...

AI is analyzing your product

60s

过膝袜

CN → US
HS Code Tariff Rate Origin Destination Doc
6115309030 32.1% CN US Official Doc
6115969020 24.6% CN US Official Doc
6115309010 32.1% CN US Official Doc

AI Analysis

🧦 Over-Knee Socks (Stockings & Knee-Highs)


🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Over-Knee Socks"?

Over-knee socks, broadly categorized under Chapter 61 (Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted), refer to hosiery that extends above the ankle, often reaching the knee or thigh. In international trade, they are strictly classified based on fiber composition and knitting method.

Key Classification Criteria: 1. Material: Are they made from Man-Made Fibers (Synthetic/Artificial) or other textiles? 2. Length/Cut: Do they extend over the knee or stop at/just below the knee? 3. Construction: Must be knitted or crocheted (not woven).

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- "Over-Knee" (Thigh-High): Typically classified under 6115.30 (Stockings, tights, and panty hose).
- "Knee-High" or "Above-Ankle but Below-Knee": Typically classified under 6115.96 (Other women’s full-length or knee-length hosiery).
- Fiber matters: The tax rate differs significantly between Synthetic (e.g., Nylon, Polyester) and Artificial (e.g., Viscose, Rayon) fibers due to specific trade rules (like Section 122 tariffs).


📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)

Based on the provided data, here are the three specific HS Codes applicable to over-knee and knee-high socks, with their corresponding tax structures.

HS Code Product Description Fiber Type Length/Cut Total Tax Rate Tax Breakdown
6115.30.90.30 Over-knee socks, knitted or crocheted Mixed/Unspecified in summary* Over the Knee 32.1% Base: 14.6% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10%
6115.96.90.20 Women’s knee-high socks, synthetic fiber Synthetic At/Below Knee 24.6% Base: 14.6% + Section 301: 0.0% + Section 122: 10%
6115.30.90.10 Women’s knee-high socks, artificial fiber Artificial At/Below Knee 32.1% Base: 14.6% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10%

🔍 Important Note on Data Consistency:
- 6115.30.90.30: Explicitly described as "Over-knee socks" (过膝袜). It attracts the highest total tax (32.1%) due to the combination of Base, Section 301 (7.5%), and Section 122 (10%) tariffs. - 6115.96.90.20: Described as "Women’s knee-high socks, synthetic fiber" (女士及膝袜,合成纤维制). It attracts a lower total tax (24.6%) because the Section 301 tariff is 0%, but it still carries the Section 122 tariff (10%). - 6115.30.90.10: Described as "Women’s knee-high socks, artificial fiber" (女士及膝袜,人造纤维制). It attracts the same high tax (32.1%) as the over-knee synthetic/mixed category, due to the 7.5% Section 301 tariff.

📌 Clarification:
- "Over-knee" generally falls under 6115.30 (Stockings/Tights).
- "Knee-high" (ending at the knee) may fall under 6115.96 if made of synthetic fibers, which offers a tax advantage.
- Section 122 Tariff (10%) applies to all three categories listed in the data, indicating a blanket surcharge on certain hosiery imports from China.


💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Analysis (Including Surcharges)

Applicable Country: United States (US)
Origin: China (CN)
Effective Time: 2025/2026 Current Rules

🎯 1. 6115.30.90.30 – Over-Knee Socks (Knitted/Crocheted)

Item Detail
Base Duty 14.6%
Section 301 (Trade War) +7.5%
Section 122 Tariff +10%
Total Effective Rate 32.1%
Calculation CIF Value × 32.1%
De Minimis Exemption Not Eligible (Hosiery is generally excluded from de minimis thresholds for duty-free entry if subject to these surcharges)
Legal Basis HTSUS 6115.30.90.30 + USITC Footnotes + Section 122 Authority

📌 Explanation:
- This is the most common classification for true "over-knee" hosiery.
- The 7.5% Section 301 tariff is significant here.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a specific surcharge on certain apparel/hosiery imports.
- Total Cost Impact: High. Importers must account for nearly 1/3 of the CIF value in duties alone.


🎯 2. 6115.96.90.20 – Women’s Knee-High Socks, Synthetic Fiber

Item Detail
Base Duty 14.6%
Section 301 (Trade War) 0.0%
Section 122 Tariff +10%
Total Effective Rate 24.6%
Calculation CIF Value × 24.6%
De Minimis Exemption Not Eligible
Legal Basis HTSUS 6115.96.90.20 + USITC Footnotes + Section 122 Authority

📌 Strategic Advantage:
- Savings: This category saves 7.5% compared to the other two, thanks to the 0% Section 301 rate.
- Condition: Must be Synthetic Fiber (e.g., Nylon, Polyester, Spandex blend).
- Length: Must be Knee-High (ending at or below the knee), not over-knee.
- Tip: If your product is synthetic, ensure the design is marketed as "knee-high" rather than "over-knee" to potentially qualify for this lower tax bracket.


🎯 3. 6115.30.90.10 – Women’s Knee-High Socks, Artificial Fiber

Item Detail
Base Duty 14.6%
Section 301 (Trade War) +7.5%
Section 122 Tariff +10%
Total Effective Rate 32.1%
Calculation CIF Value × 32.1%
De Minimis Exemption Not Eligible
Legal Basis HTSUS 6115.30.90.10 + USITC Footnotes + Section 122 Authority

📌 Explanation:
- Artificial Fibers (e.g., Viscose, Rayon, Modal) are treated similarly to synthetic over-knee socks in terms of surcharges.
- No Savings: Unlike synthetic knee-highs, artificial fibers do not get the 0% Section 301 benefit in this subheading.
- Tax Impact: Same high burden (32.1%) as true over-knee socks.


🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

Document Required? Purpose
Product Specification Sheet ✔️ Must specify Fiber Content (e.g., 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex) and Length (Over-Knee vs. Knee-High).
Commercial Invoice ✔️ Must clearly state "Knitted Hosiery" and avoid vague terms like "Clothing."
Packing List ✔️ Include size range, color, and quantity.
Label/Tag Photos ✔️ Must show fiber composition and care instructions (required for textile customs).
Certification of Origin ✔️ Required for Section 301 verification (China origin triggers surcharges).
Section 122 Declaration ✔️ Some ports require explicit declaration for hosiery under Section 122.

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)

🔥 “Fiber Dictates Duty, Length Determines Code, Section 122 is Universal!”

Scenario Recommended HS Code Tax Rate Reason
True Over-Knee Socks (Any Fiber) 6115.30.90.30 32.1% Classified under "Stockings/Tights" (6115.30).
Knee-High + Synthetic Fiber 6115.96.90.20 24.6% Optimal Choice if design allows. Saves 7.5%.
Knee-High + Artificial Fiber 6115.30.90.10 32.1% No Section 301 benefit for artificial fibers in this subheading.
Cotton Over-Knee Socks Not in Data N/A Cotton hosiery falls under 6115.95 or 6115.96. Not covered in provided data.

⚠️ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT mislabel "Knee-High" as "Over-Knee" to avoid Section 301. Customs inspections verify length and style.
- Do NOT mislabel "Artificial Fiber" as "Synthetic." Fiber analysis tests are common.
- Section 122 (10%) applies to ALL three categories. Do not expect to avoid this surcharge unless product origin changes.


✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Management

Scenario Action
Mixed Fiber Content If a sock is 51% Synthetic and 49% Artificial, it is classified as Synthetic. Use 6115.96.90.20 if knee-high, or 6115.30.90.30 if over-knee.
Sample Imports Even for samples, Section 122 tariffs may apply. Do not assume "no commercial value" exempts you from duty if the value exceeds de minimis thresholds for hosiery.
Return Goods If goods are rejected, ensure the HS Code matches the original classification to facilitate duty drawback claims.
Design Changes A slight change in length (e.g., 2 inches above knee vs. just at knee) can shift classification from 6115.30 to 6115.96. Optimize design for tax efficiency.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)

Market HS Code Focus Duty Rate (China Origin) Key Requirement
🇺🇸 USA 6115.30.90.30 / 6115.96.90.20 24.6% – 32.1% Section 122 Tariff (10%) is critical. Section 301 varies by fiber.
🇨🇳 China 6115.96.90.20 ~14.6% No Section 122 or 301.
🇪🇺 EU 6115.96.90 12% – 16% No Section 122. CE marking not required for socks.
🇬🇧 UK 6115.96.90 12% – 16% Post-Brexit rules apply.
🇦🇺 Australia 6115.96.90 5% – 10% No Section 122.

📌 Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-made hosiery due to Section 122 (10%) and Section 301 surcharges.
- Strategic Recommendation: For the US market, prioritize Synthetic Fiber and Knee-High designs to access the 24.6% rate.
- For Over-Knee designs, accept the 32.1% rate or consider supply chain diversification.


📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

Error 1: Calling all hosiery "Socks" and using a generic HS Code
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify to the highest applicable code (32.1%).
👉 Fix: Use precise descriptions: "Women's Synthetic Knee-High Socks."

Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of 10%. Customs will assess duties + penalties + interest.
👉 Fix: Always add 10% to your cost calculation for US-bound hosiery.

Error 3: Misidentifying Fiber Content
👉 Consequence: If Customs tests find "Artificial Fiber" but you declared "Synthetic," you pay back 7.5% (Section 301) + penalties.
👉 Fix: Obtain supplier certificates for fiber composition.

Correct Declaration Example:

"Women's Knitted Knee-High Socks, 80% Nylon/20% Spandex, Synthetic Fiber. Model: KH-2026. Origin: China."


🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rules:

🔹 "Synthetic + Knee-High = 24.6% (Best Rate)"
🔹 "Artificial/Over-Knee = 32.1% (Highest Rate)"
🔹 "Section 122 (10%) Applies to ALL!"

📌 Action Item:
- Review your product line. Can any "over-knee" designs be shortened to "knee-high"?
- Confirm fiber content with suppliers.
- Calculate landed cost using 24.6% or 32.1% accordingly.


📣 Immediate Next Steps:

📞 Engage a Customs Broker to verify HS Code classification before shipment.
📄 Request Fiber Certificates from manufacturers.
🚀 Optimize Product Design for tax efficiency in the US market.


Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every 7.5% 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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
  • Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
  • Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
  • National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
  • General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
  • Trade remedy duties — 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.