Hosiery (HS Code 6115104000)

🧦 Hosiery & Compression Wear (HS Code Reference: 6115.xxxx)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is “Hosiery”?

In international trade, “Hosiery” is a broad term that generally refers to knitted or crocheted garments or accessories worn on the legs, feet, or as fashion accessories. However, under the Harmonized System (HS), it is strictly categorized by material, function, and form.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Compression Garments (e.g., Gradient Pressure Socks): Often fall under 6115.10 (Pantyhose, Tights, Stockings, etc.), specifically for medical or pressure-related functions.
- Fashion Accessories (e.g., Scarves, Shawls, Muffs): Often fall under 6117.80 or 6117.90 (Other made-up accessories).
- General Socks/Collars: May fall under 6115.96 (Other women’s hosiery) or 6117.80.

The term “Hosiery” alone is too vague for precise HS classification. The correct code depends entirely on the material composition (synthetic fibers vs. cotton) and specific type (pressure socks vs. fashion accessories).

📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

The following HS Codes are relevant to “Hosiery”-related products, with their specific tax implications:

🔍 Key Insight:
- Pressure Socks (6115.10.55.00) and Synthetic Accessories (6117.80.95.70) attract the highest tax rate (32.1%).
- General Hosiery (6115.96.90.20) has a moderate rate (24.6%).
- Broad Knitted Apparel (6212.90.00.30) has the lowest rate (16.6%).
- Misclassification Risk: Classifying pressure socks as general hosiery to save tax can lead to severe penalties.

💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)

🎯 1. 6115.10.55.00 – Gradient Pressure Socks (Man-Made Fibers)

📌 Explanation:
- Section 301 (7.5%): Additional tariff on Chinese goods under Trade Act Section 301.
- Section 122 (10%): Tariff on specific textile/apparel items (often includes hosiery/compression wear).
- High Compliance Risk: This code is heavily scrutinized due to multiple layers of additional tariffs.

🎯 2. 6117.80.95.10 & 6117.80.95.70 – Hosiery Accessories (Cotton/Synthetic)

📌 Note:
- Both cotton-based (95.10) and synthetic-based (95.70) accessories under 6117.80 incur the same total tax (32.1%).
- Material inference is critical: If your product is not clearly cotton or synthetic, it may be misclassified.

🎯 3. 6115.96.90.20 – General Hosiery (Other)

📌 Advantage:
- No Section 301 tariff applies to this specific subheading, reducing the total rate by 7.5% compared to other codes.
- Caution: Only applicable if the product is not pressure socks (6115.10) and not general accessories (6117.80).

🎯 4. 6212.90.00.30 – Knitted/Crocheted Apparel (Hosiery-like)

📌 Best Rate Option:
- This code has the lowest total tax (16.6%) because it has a lower base tariff (6.6%) and no Section 301.
- Strict Condition: The product must be classified as apparel (e.g., knitted garments) rather than hosiery/accessories. Misclassification here is a common customs violation.

🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Mitigation Guide)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)

🔥 “Define Material, Define Function, Avoid Vague Terms!”

✅ 3. Special Cases & Mitigation

🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest total tax burden on Chinese hosiery due to Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%).
- EU/Asia markets are significantly cheaper but have strict rules of origin.
- USA clearance is cost-sensitive: Accurate classification is essential to avoid overpayment or penalties.

📌 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Using “Hosiery” as the product name without material/function details
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify as the highest tax code (6115.10.55.00 at 32.1%)

❌ Mistake 2: Classifying pressure socks as general fashion hosiery
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassification + penalties + delayed shipment

❌ Mistake 3: Assuming de minimis applies to small shipments
👉 Consequence: All shipments from China are subject to tariffs; de minimis is not available for Section 301/122 goods

✅ Correct Approach:

“Knitted Synthetic Compression Socks, 20-30 mmHg, 100% Polyester, for Medical Use, Model XYZ”

🎯 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money & Time

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔹 “Material + Function = Correct HS Code”
🔹 “Pressure Socks = 32.1% Tax (USA)”
🔹 “General Hosiery = 24.6% Tax (USA)”
🔹 “Knitted Apparel = 16.6% Tax (USA)”
🔹 “De Minimis Does Not Apply – All Shipments Taxed”

📌 Pro Tip:

📞 Pre-Apply for Advance Ruling with US Customs to confirm HS Code before shipment.
📦 Clearly Label Products with material and function on invoices and packaging.
🚀 Optimize Supply Chain: Consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam) to avoid Section 301 tariffs if possible.

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Tax Savings is Pure Profit!