What the HS Code for Clothing Is and Why It Matters
The Harmonised System is an international way of naming and numbering traded goods, kept by the World Customs Organization. Almost every country uses its first six digits. The HS code for clothing therefore starts with the same six digits worldwide, and countries add more digits for their own duty and statistics. In the UK the full code has ten digits, and it is called a commodity code.
The HS code for clothing matters for several reasons. It sets the duty rate, decides whether a trade preference can apply, controls import documents and affects statistics and quotas. A wrong code can cause overpaid duty, delays at the border, penalties or later corrections. Brands that understand the HS code for clothing can plan landed cost better and brief brokers clearly.
This page is a general guide, not customs advice. For a full process, read our guides to importing jeans into the UK and documents needed to import clothing.
How Clothing Is Classified
Clothing classification starts with a few questions. Is the garment knitted or woven? Knitted clothing, including most T-shirts, hoodies and joggers, goes in chapter 61. Woven clothing, including jeans, shirts and chinos, goes in chapter 62. Next ask who the garment is for: men or boys, women or girls, or babies. Then ask what the garment is, such as a T-shirt, a jumper, a trouser or a jacket.
The fibre also matters. Within most headings, codes split by whether cotton, man-made fibres or other materials predominate by weight. A cotton hoodie and a polyester hoodie therefore have different subheadings. Construction details, such as whether a garment is lined or padded, can change the code too. Always describe garments fully to a broker, including fabric composition, construction and intended wearer.
Typical six-digit HS codes for common garments (indicative)
| Garment | Typical six-digit code | What a buyer should check |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt, knitted, cotton | 6109.10 | Fibre content and knit construction |
| T-shirt, knitted, man-made fibres | 6109.90 | Predominant fibre by weight |
| Hoodie or sweatshirt, knitted, cotton | 6110.20 | Cotton predominant and knitted |
| Hoodie or sweatshirt, knitted, man-made fibres | 6110.30 | Predominant fibre by weight |
| Jeans, men's, cotton, woven | 6203.42 | Woven, cotton predominant, men's sizing |
| Jeans, women's, cotton, woven | 6204.62 | Woven, cotton predominant, women's sizing |
| Jogger trousers, men's, knitted, cotton | 6103.42 | Knitted, men's, cotton predominant |
| Polo shirt, men's, knitted, cotton | 6105.10 | Knitted, men's, cotton predominant |
Indicative codes for explanation only. National tariffs add more digits and special rules, so always confirm the full code with your broker or the official tariff.
HS Code for Clothing: T-Shirts and Hoodies
T-shirts, singlets and tank tops fall under heading 6109 when knitted. The sixth digit separates cotton from other materials, so a cotton T-shirt is normally classified differently from a polyester one. Hoodies and sweatshirts fall under heading 6110, which covers jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar knitted articles, again split by predominant fibre.
A garment with a hood, a zip and fleece lining may attract extra questions, such as whether it is padded or whether the zip makes it a jacket. Describe the fabric, the lining and the construction in full. Brokers decide, and the importer remains responsible. Our guide to the process of importing clothing from Bangladesh to the UK shows where classification sits in the wider workflow.
How easy common garments tend to be to classify
1 dot = low, 5 dots = high
| Clear heading | Fibre rule needed | Risk of dispute | Extra detail needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain cotton T-shirt | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Cotton fleece hoodie | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Blended hoodie with lining | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Jeans, five pocket | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Padded jacket with hood | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
Indicative ratings for explanation, where more dots means more of that trait. They are not measured data.
HS Code for Clothing: Jeans and Woven Trousers
Jeans and other woven trousers fall under heading 6203 for men and boys and heading 6204 for women and girls. Subheadings separate fibres, so cotton denim trousers differ from synthetic trousers. The codes also cover shorts. Stretch denim usually remains cotton predominant, but blends should be checked by weight to confirm.
The gender of a garment is decided by cut and sizing, not by marketing. A unisex style is classified by how it is made and the market it is designed for. Our guide to importing jeans into the UK gives a detailed example, including duty, documents and common mistakes.
Typical customs process time by step, in working days (illustrative ranges)
Import clearance steps, indicative
Illustrative ranges for explanation only. Real timing depends on the port, carrier, documents and any inspections.
Other Garments and Special Cases
Other garments follow the same logic. Knitted polo shirts sit in heading 6105 for men and 6106 for women, woven shirts in 6205 and 6206, knitted trousers in 6103 and 6104, tracksuits in 6112, dresses in 6104 or 6204 and woven jackets in 6201 and 6202. Babies' garments have their own headings, which apply to small sizes only, so a children's garment may be classified differently from an adult version.
Special cases need care. Sets sold together, garments with trims or prints, reversible items and clothing with technical features can all change classification. Textile mixes require the weight of each fibre. If there is doubt, ask your broker for advice or seek a binding ruling from the authority. In the UK, HMRC can issue an advance tariff ruling, and the UK Trade Tariff shows the codes and rates.
A route for choosing the HS code for clothing
- 1Describe the garmentKnit or woven, wearer, fibre and construction
- 2Find the headingChapter 61 or 62, then the garment type
- 3Apply the fibre rulePredominant fibre by weight
- 4Check the full codeNational tariff digits and notes confirmed
- 5Record the decisionCode and reasoning kept with the file
A simplified sequence. Brokers and customs authorities make the final decision.
Duty, Preferences and Rules of Origin
The code determines the duty rate, but the origin of the garment decides whether a preference applies. Some countries receive reduced or zero duty under trade schemes if rules of origin are met. For UK imports from Bangladesh, the GOV.UK guidance on using the Developing Countries Trading Scheme may reduce or remove duty when the garment qualifies. Qualifying often depends on where fabric is made and how much work is done in the exporting country.
Rules of origin are separate from classification, but both rely on the same product description. A garment must be correctly described and documented to claim a preference. Our guide to UK DCTS rules of origin for Bangladesh garments explains the documents and checks needed.
Where import clearance problems tend to come from (worked example)
Worked example, not an industry average
- Wrong or vague product description28%
- Fibre content mismatch22%
- Missing or incorrect origin evidence22%
- Incorrect valuation16%
- Missing registrations or licences12%
An illustrative split for explanation only. Real problems vary by importer, product and route, so treat it as a prompt to review your own process.
Information a Factory Should Give for Classification
A good factory supplies the information that a broker needs. This includes fibre composition with percentages, knit or woven construction, wearer type, garment description, weight, use of lining or padding, and a packing list. Photos and a tech pack help brokers understand the product. Accuracy matters, because the declared composition must match the label and the real garment.
Ask the factory to include the HS code it normally uses on its own paperwork, but treat it as a starting point and not the final answer. The importer is responsible for the declaration in the destination country. Our guide to EORI numbers for importing clothing explains one of the registrations needed.
What to prepare before asking a broker to confirm the HS code
- Garment description and photo
- Knit or woven construction
- Fibre composition with percentages
- Intended wearer: men, women, children or baby
- Lining, padding or special features
- Country of origin and manufacturing steps
- Invoice value and packing details
- Past codes used for similar garments
A general checklist. Your broker may ask for more detail.
A Practical Example: Classifying a Cotton Hoodie and Jeans
Imagine a brand importing a cotton fleece hoodie and a pair of cotton denim jeans from Bangladesh. The hoodie is knitted, cotton predominant, with a hood and kangaroo pocket. It sits in the sweatshirt heading, with a cotton subheading. The jeans are woven cotton denim, five-pocket, men's sizing, so they sit in the men's woven trousers heading, with a cotton subheading.
The brand sends the broker a clear description, composition, photos and the supplier invoice. The broker confirms the full ten-digit commodity code, checks whether a preference applies and prepares the declaration. Because the brand prepared early, clearance is quick and the landed cost matches the plan. This is the benefit of knowing the HS code for clothing before the goods ship.
Keep a record of the codes you use for each style. When you reorder or add colours, reuse the same code unless the construction or composition changes. A consistent file also helps if customs ask questions later.
Common Mistakes and Questions to Ask a Broker
The most common mistake is guessing a code from an online search. Codes depend on exact composition and construction, and a code that fits a similar product may be wrong for yours. Always check with a broker or the official tariff, and keep notes on why the code was chosen.
Another mistake is mismatching documents. The invoice, packing list, label and declaration should describe the same garment in the same way. Differences invite queries and delays. A third mistake is ignoring preferences, which can lower duty significantly if rules of origin are met and documented. Our guide to customs broker vs freight forwarder explains who does what.
Using a customs broker vs handling declarations yourself
Strengths
- Broker: expertise and fewer mistakes
- Broker: saves time on documents and queries
- Self: lower direct cost on frequent shipments
- Self: full control and knowledge of the process
Limits
- Broker: service fees and dependence on a third party
- Broker: needs clear information from you
- Self: learning curve and risk of errors
- Self: time spent on admin and systems
A general comparison. The right choice depends on shipment volume and experience.
Questions that help you work with a customs broker
| Question | Why it matters | A good answer sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Which code do you propose and why? | Reasoning protects you later | Clear explanation with tariff references |
| Does a preference apply to this origin? | Preferences can lower duty | Check of origin rules and required documents |
| What information do you need from the supplier? | Complete data speeds clearance | A list of documents and product details |
| How do you handle queries or inspections? | Delays cost money | A process and a named contact |
| Can you get a ruling if the code is uncertain? | Rulings give certainty | Advice on binding rulings and timing |
A general question list. Adapt it to your own route and market.
How Ruhrose Supports Importers
Ruhrose develops T-shirts, hoodies, jeans, fleece and woven casualwear with production in Bangladesh and buyer support in the UK. We provide product details such as composition, construction and photos that help brokers classify garments, and we explain the documents commonly needed. We do not publish prices or minimums here, because they depend on style and quantity, and we do not give customs advice. Official guidance is available from GOV.UK guidance on importing goods. To start a conversation, visit Ruhrose and tell us about your range.