Understanding Garment Classification: A Guide for U.S. Importers

By U.S. Customs & Border Protection Compliance Insights

Importing garments into the United States involves more than logistics — it requires precise classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Correct classification affects duty rates, quota categories, and regulatory compliance.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) classifies garments using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), mainly knit apparel and non-knit apparel.

Knit Apparel Example: Men's or boys' knitted sweaters of linen, each with 9 or fewer stitches per 2 centimeters measured in the direction the stitches were formed

Garment classification involves:

• Heading (4-digit): General garment category

• Subheading (6-digit): More detailed grouping

• Legal U.S. provision (8-digit): Specific tariff classification

• Statistical suffix (10-digit): Used for trade and statistical tracking

6110: Sweaters, pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted

6110.11.00: Of wool

6110.11.00.15: Sweaters - men's

6110.11.00.30: Sweaters - women's

6110.11.00.50: Vest - Men's or boys'

6110.11.00.60: Vest - Women's or girls'

Key classification factors include:

1. Garment construction (knit vs. woven)

For example:

• Shirts for men’s and boys’ are knit (with heading 6105) - are outer garments worn against the body or over underwear used as conventional attire both indoors and outdoors. Their length reaches from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but may extend as far down as the area of the mid-thigh. They have a full or partial opening starting at the neckline. They may have a collar or not. The bottoms are usually hemmed; however, they may be finished otherwise to prevent unraveling; the bottom does not have a tightening (ribbing, drawstring etc.). This term excludes garments with pockets below the waist, or garments having an average of less than 10 stitches per linear centimeter in each direction counted on an area measuring at least 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters. Heading 6105 does not cover sleeveless garments.

• Vests (heading 6110, 6211) - are upper body garments resembling a sleeveless sweater or jacket. They feature oversized armholes and are designed for wear over other outer

  garments such as blouses or shirts. Vests extend to the waist or slightly below; some

  contemporary vests may be as long as hip-length. Knit vests other than sweater vests

  (6110) have a stitch count of more than 9 stitches per 2 centimeters measured on the

  outer surface of the fabric, in the direction in which the stitches are formed.

2. Gender and age

Babies are defined as young children of a body height not exceeding 86 centimeters. Assuming the outcome is reasonable, this equates to a size range of 0-24 months. 

If a garment has a front opening with a directional closure (e.g., buttons), a garment that closes left over right is considered to be for men or boys; a garment that closes right over left is considered to be for women or girls. This rule holds unless the cut of the garment indicates that it is for the other sex.

3. Material composition

Garments made up of fabrics, or garments knit to shape of yarns, containing a mixture of two or more textile materials, such as yarns of different fibers or yarns of blended fibers, are classified according to the fiber that is in “chief weight.”

For example, a garment might be 70% cotton and 30% polyester.

Or a vest whose entire front is of knit material and whose back is of woven material might be classified as a knit vest if the front portion imparts the essential character.

4. Garment type 

Anoraks, windbreakers and similar articles (with heading 6101, 6102, 6113, 6201, 6202, 6210) -

is a group of garments which includes:

Jackets, which are garments designed to be worn over another garment, for protection against the elements. Jackets cover the upper body from the neck area to the waist area, but are generally less than mid-thigh length. They normally have a full front opening, although some jackets may have only a partial front opening. Jackets usually have long sleeves. Knit jackets (due to the particular character of knit fabric) generally have tightening elements at the cuffs and at the waist or bottom of the garment.

Ski jackets, which are jackets that, by their general appearance and texture, are identifiable as intended to be worn principally for skiing.

Shirt-Jackets, which are hybrid garments that could be classified as either jackets or shirts. The presence of three or more of the following ten criteria would generally indicate a

jacket:

•  Heavy weight shell fabric (for example, 10 ounce or heavier denim).

•  A full or partial lining.

•  Pockets at or below the waist.

•  Back vents or pleats. Also side vents in combination with back seams.

•  A belt or simulated belt or elasticized waist on hip length or longer shirt jackets.

•  Large jacket or coat style buttons, toggles or snaps, a heavy-duty zipper or other heavy-duty closure, or buttons fastened with reinforcing thread for heavy-duty use.

•  Lapels.

•  Long sleeves without cuffs.

•  A tightening element at the cuffs.

•  A tightening element at the waist or bottom of the garment.

5. Intended function

   
   

Nightdresses, pajamas and similar articles (women’s or girls’) (heading 6108, 6208) - is a group of garments worn to bed for sleeping. Pajamas consist of two components covering the upper and lower torso. The upper part, may be a pullover or shirt style, with long, short or no sleeves and a lower part, short, intermediate, or long trouser-like garments or of any style panties. The lower part sometimes encloses the feet. One piece garments worn to bed for sleeping are also classified in the subheading for nightdresses and pajamas.

The classification of women’s sleepwear separates is dependent on their condition as

imported. Women’s sleepwear tops and bottoms, if imported in the same shipment in equal numbers of tops and bottoms that match as to design, style, coloring and size, would be classified as pajamas. However, such garments imported separately or if imported as extra components without a matching top or bottom in a shipment, are classified in the “similar articles” provisions of this group.

In determining whether a particular garment is sleepwear, the garment itself may be strong evidence of use. However, when presented with a garment that is not clearly recognizable as sleepwear, Customs will consider other factors such as environment of sale, advertising and marketing, and recognition in the trade of virtually identical merchandise.

Sleepwear is characterized by a sense of privateness or private activity. On the other

hand, garments that are not sleepwear may fall into various fashion categories,

including “loungewear” or “leisure wear,” which are loose, comfortable casual clothes

that can be worn in a variety of settings. Loungewear may be worn at informal social occasions in and around the home such as watching movies with guests, barbecuing at a backyard gathering, washing the car, walking the dog, or even sleeping.

Practical Tips for Importers

• Use reasonable care: Misclassification may result in delays, penalties, or incorrect duties.

• Get a binding ruling: Submit classification ruling requests to CBP under 19 C.F.R. Part 177.

• Maintain documentation: Product specs, marketing materials, and samples can support classification.

• If you're having difficulty classifying your product, consider consulting a licensed customs broker.

Contact Spirit CHB Inc – A Trusted U.S. Customs Brokerage with 20+ Years of Experience

📧 Import@spiritchbinc.com📞 714-383-9973

Accurate classification of apparel using the HTSUS is crucial for ensuring compliance with customs regulations and facilitating international trade. By considering factors such as material composition, gender and age categories, style and functionality, and special features, importers can correctly identify the appropriate tariff codes for their garments. However, due to the complexities involved, it is recommended to seek professional expertise.

📌 Disclaimer & Contact Information

This blog post is intended to provide general information. It does not constitute legal advice or a comprehensive compliance guide. For specific questions or assistance with your import transactions, please consult official U.S. Customs and Border Protection resources or reach out to a licensed customs broker.

For more information, visit the official CBP website: https://www.cbp.gov

Or contact Spirit CHB, Inc. – A Trusted Customs Brokerage📞 Phone: (714) 383-9973📧 Email: customsbroker@spiritchbinc.com