Quick answer: Most knitted garments such as t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys fall under HS chapter 61, and woven garments under chapter 62; the exact code depends on the product and fibre.
Every garment that crosses a border needs an HS code. The code decides the duty rate, whether a trade preference applies, which statistics the shipment counts towards and sometimes which documents customs will ask for. Using the wrong code can mean overpaying duty, delays or penalties. This guide lists the HS codes most used for sportswear, t-shirts, hoodies and sports jerseys, explains how clothing is classified, and shows how to confirm the right code for your products.
Quick answer
Clothing falls in HS Chapter 61 (knitted or crocheted) or Chapter 62 (woven). Common codes are 6109.10 for cotton t-shirts, 6109.90 for polyester t-shirts and tank tops, 6110.20 / 6110.30 for cotton or synthetic hoodies, sweatshirts and many sports jerseys, 6112.11 / 6112.12 for knitted tracksuits, 6104.63 for women’s synthetic leggings and shorts and 6212.10 for sports bras. The first 6 digits are international; each country adds its own digits, so the importer should confirm the full national code.
Export paperwork handled. Ravix Pro Industry is a sportswear and apparel manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan, exporting for clothing brands and sports clubs: correct fibre descriptions, HS codes on commercial invoices, packing lists, statements on origin and door-to-door delivery to the USA, UK, EU and beyond. MOQ 30 pieces per design. Get a free quote.
Part of our guide: Import Duty and Trade Rules for Clothing From Pakistan · Quick answers
How clothing is classified
- Knitted or woven? Jersey, interlock, fleece and mesh are knitted (Chapter 61). Twill, poplin, taslan and ripstop are woven (Chapter 62).
- What is the garment? T-shirt, pullover, trousers, tracksuit, bra and so on, each has its own heading.
- Men’s, women’s or unisex? Many headings split by gender; unisex items are often classified as women’s in some countries, so check local rules.
- Main fibre by weight? Cotton, synthetic (polyester, nylon), artificial or other fibres change the subheading.
Common HS codes for sportswear and clothing (6-digit)
| Product | HS code | Description (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton t-shirts | 6109.10 | T-shirts, singlets and vests, knitted, of cotton |
| Polyester t-shirts, tank tops, compression tops | 6109.90 | T-shirts, singlets and vests, knitted, of other textiles |
| Cotton hoodies and sweatshirts | 6110.20 | Jerseys, pullovers, sweatshirts, knitted, of cotton |
| Polyester hoodies, sports jerseys, long-sleeve tops | 6110.30 | Jerseys, pullovers, sweatshirts, knitted, of man-made fibres |
| Knitted tracksuits (cotton / synthetic) | 6112.11 / 6112.12 | Track suits, knitted |
| Men’s knitted shorts and joggers (cotton / synthetic) | 6103.42 / 6103.43 | Men’s trousers and shorts, knitted |
| Women’s knitted leggings, shorts and joggers (cotton / synthetic) | 6104.62 / 6104.63 | Women’s trousers and shorts, knitted |
| Sports bras | 6212.10 | Brassieres |
| Sports socks (cotton / synthetic) | 6115.95 / 6115.96 | Socks and hosiery, knitted |
| Woven windbreakers and jackets, men’s (man-made fibres) | 6201.40 | Men’s anoraks, windcheaters and similar, woven |
| Woven windbreakers and jackets, women’s (man-made fibres) | 6202.40 | Women’s anoraks, windcheaters and similar, woven |
| Woven cargo pants, men’s (cotton) | 6203.42 | Men’s trousers and shorts, woven, of cotton |
Codes shown are 6-digit HS 2022 headings for guidance. Sports jerseys can fall under 6110.30 or 6109.90 depending on construction (for example collar, cut and fabric), so get a ruling for high-volume styles.
National codes: USA, UK and EU
| Market | Code length | Where to check | Binding ruling |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 10-digit HTSUS | USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule | CBP rulings (CROSS database) |
| European Union | 8-digit CN, 10-digit TARIC | EU TARIC database | Binding Tariff Information (BTI) |
| United Kingdom | 10-digit commodity code | UK Trade Tariff (GOV.UK) | Advance Tariff Ruling (ATaR) |
Mistakes to avoid
- Describing goods vaguely (“garments”, “sportswear”) on the invoice instead of naming the item, fabric and composition.
- Classifying a polyester item as cotton, or the reverse.
- Using men’s codes for women’s or unisex items without checking local rules.
- Assuming a whole kit has one code; jersey, shorts and socks usually have separate codes.
- Forgetting that preferential duty (GSP+ in the EU, DCTS in the UK) also needs valid proof of origin.
What your manufacturer should put on the invoice
- Clear product description, for example “Men’s knitted short-sleeve jersey, 100% polyester”
- HS code (at least 6 digits), quantity, unit price and total value
- Country of origin and, where applicable, a statement on origin for preferences
More in our guides to importing sportswear to the USA and importing clothing to the UK, and our apparel export documents guide.
From our factory floor in Sialkot
Ravix Pro Industry has exported sportswear and clothing since 2008. On every shipment we describe each item by garment type, gender, knit or woven construction and fibre composition, and list a suggested HS code, which makes customs clearance faster for the buyer’s broker. When a buyer’s broker uses a different national code, we update our records so every reorder ships with the same classification. The final classification is always the importer’s responsibility, so we recommend confirming codes with your customs broker.
Shipping sportswear abroad? Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp. We prepare the export documents and ship door to door.
FAQs
What is the HS code for a polyester sports jersey?
Usually 6110.30 (knitted jerseys of man-made fibres) or 6109.90 if it is a t-shirt-type garment. Confirm the national code with your customs broker.
What is the HS code for cotton hoodies?
6110.20 for knitted cotton hoodies and sweatshirts.
What is the HS code for leggings?
Women’s knitted synthetic leggings are usually 6104.63; cotton leggings 6104.62.
Are HS codes the same in every country?
The first 6 digits are international. Countries add more digits for their own tariffs, so full codes differ by country.
Who is responsible for the HS code?
The importer is legally responsible for correct classification, though the exporter usually provides a suggested code.
Related guides: how to source clothing from Pakistan, how European brands source from Pakistan, sportswear sourcing guide.
Sources
Quick answers by garment
- What HS code is used for hoodies?
- What HS code is used for tracksuits?
- What HS code is used for t-shirts?
- What HS code is used for leggings, joggers and sweatpants?
- What HS code is used for uniforms?
- What HS code is used for sports jerseys?
