Harmonization Code for Clothing in US | Garments HS Code

Harmonization Code for Clothing 2025

The harmonization code system represents the backbone of international trade classification, serving as the universal language for identifying and categorizing clothing products across global markets. In 2025, the United States continues to rely on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) system, administered by the US International Trade Commission (USITC), to ensure consistent classification of apparel imports and exports. This standardized numerical method enables customs authorities, importers, and exporters to accurately identify clothing products while determining appropriate tariff rates and maintaining comprehensive trade statistics.

The clothing industry’s reliance on precise harmonization codes has become increasingly critical as US apparel imports represent approximately 2.5 percent of total imports while contributing 15.6 percent of total tariff duties collected. Fashion companies paid $11.9 billion in tariffs during 2024, highlighting the significant financial impact of proper code classification. The 10-digit classification system used in the United States expands upon the international 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) foundation, providing detailed categorization that facilitates accurate duty assessment and comprehensive trade monitoring throughout 2025.

Key Facts About Clothing Harmonization Codes in US 2025

The harmonization code system continues to demonstrate its essential role in facilitating US clothing trade throughout 2025, with the USITC administration ensuring consistent application of classification standards. The 10-digit structure provides manufacturers, importers, and retailers with precise identification capabilities that extend beyond the international 6-digit foundation, enabling detailed tracking of specific clothing categories and subcategories. This enhanced classification system supports accurate duty assessment while maintaining comprehensive statistical records that inform trade policy decisions and market analysis.

Recent data indicates that US apparel imports experienced a 3.2 percent increase in February 2025, reflecting the continued importance of proper harmonization code classification in managing trade flows. The clothing industry’s contribution of $11.9 billion in tariff payments during 2024 underscores the financial significance of accurate code selection, as misclassification can result in substantial penalties and delayed shipments. Fashion companies operating in the US market must navigate the complexities of HS Chapters 61 and 62, which encompass knitted and woven apparel respectively, ensuring compliance with evolving trade regulations and maintaining efficient supply chain operations.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule Structure for Clothing in US 2025

The harmonized tariff schedule provides US clothing companies with a standardized framework that streamlines international trade operations while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The 10-digit classification system enables precise product identification that supports accurate duty calculations, reduces customs processing delays, and facilitates comprehensive market research through detailed trade statistics. Companies utilizing the Schedule B export codes benefit from simplified export documentation processes, particularly for shipments exceeding $2,500 in value, while maintaining compliance with Automated Export System (AES) requirements.

The integration of HS Chapters 61 and 62 within the broader classification framework allows clothing manufacturers and retailers to navigate complex product categories with confidence, knowing that the first 6 digits remain consistent with international standards while the additional 4 digits provide US-specific classification detail. This system supports free trade agreement qualification assessments, enables accurate certificate of origin completion, and facilitates efficient commercial invoice preparation. The World Customs Organization’s five-year update cycle ensures that classification standards evolve with industry developments, maintaining relevance for emerging clothing technologies and materials throughout 2025 and beyond.

Garments HS Code Classifications in US 2025

US clothing importers must develop comprehensive HS code selection strategies that account for the complex classification requirements governing different garment types and materials. The distinction between Chapter 61 knitted and Chapter 62 woven products requires careful evaluation of manufacturing processes, fiber content, and construction methods to ensure accurate classification. Companies importing men’s suits under codes 6203.11-6203.19 must consider fabric composition, while women’s dress importers navigate the 6204.41-6204.69 range based on material and design characteristics.

T-shirt and casual wear importers working with codes 6109.10-6109.90 benefit from understanding cotton content thresholds and synthetic blend classifications that affect both duty rates and trade preference eligibility. The denim category presents unique challenges with jeans classified under 6203.42 for men and 6204.52 for women, requiring attention to cotton content percentages and finishing treatments. Athletic wear classification spans multiple code ranges depending on garment type and technical features, necessitating detailed product analysis to achieve optimal classification results while maintaining compliance with CBP regulations and avoiding costly penalty assessments.

Import Duty Rates for Clothing Categories in US 2025

Import duty rates continue to significantly influence US clothing market dynamics throughout 2025, with synthetic garments facing the highest burden at 15.3-32.0 percent while silk products enjoy preferential treatment with rates ranging from 0.9-8.0 percent. The cotton apparel sector, representing a substantial portion of clothing imports, operates within the 8.4-16.6 percent duty range, creating meaningful cost implications for retailers and manufacturers. Wool clothing importers navigate 13.6-25.0 percent rates that reflect the premium nature of these products while maintaining competitive pricing strategies.

Free trade agreement benefits provide significant advantages for qualifying products, with many cotton and synthetic garments eligible for reduced or eliminated duties when sourced from partner countries. The children’s clothing category benefits from relatively moderate 6.0-15.5 percent rates that support family-focused retail strategies, while athletic and technical apparel classifications at 7.5-20.0 percent reflect the growing importance of performance-based clothing in the US market. Companies leveraging Most Favored Nation (MFN) status achieve standard rates, while strategic sourcing from free trade agreement partners enables significant cost savings that enhance competitive positioning throughout 2025.

Export Requirements for US Clothing Manufacturers in 2025

US clothing manufacturers expanding into international markets must master the Schedule B classification system that governs export documentation requirements for shipments exceeding $2,500 in value. The Automated Export System (AES) filing mandate ensures comprehensive tracking of US apparel exports while supporting government statistical collection and trade monitoring efforts. Companies shipping textile and apparel sets face unique challenges under GRI Chapter 50 rules that require careful analysis of component relationships and primary classification determinations.

NAFTA/USMCA participants benefit from preferential treatment when products meet stringent rules of origin requirements, necessitating detailed material tracking and comprehensive certificate of origin documentation. The North American textile and apparel provisions ensure that most production activities occur within the trade agreement region, creating opportunities for qualifying manufacturers while imposing strict compliance obligations. High-value shipments and licensed products require enhanced security measures and government approvals that extend processing timelines, making advance planning essential for maintaining efficient export operations throughout 2025.

Technology Integration in Clothing Classification Systems in US 2025

The CROSS database continues to serve as the authoritative source for legally binding rulings on Harmonized Tariff System classifications, providing US clothing companies with reliable precedents for complex product categorization decisions. The Census Bureau’s Schedule B search engine offers free access to classification tools that streamline export documentation while supporting small and medium enterprises with limited classification resources. Trade.gov’s Customs Info Database enables efficient foreign HS code lookup capabilities that facilitate international market entry and competitive analysis.

Automated Export System (AES) integration has revolutionized export filing processes, providing real-time validation and reducing documentation errors that previously caused shipment delays and compliance issues. Third-party classification software solutions increasingly incorporate machine learning capabilities that analyze product descriptions and suggest appropriate codes, reducing manual classification time while improving accuracy rates. The combination of government databases and private sector analytics tools creates a comprehensive ecosystem that supports informed decision-making and efficient trade operations throughout 2025.

Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.