HTS Codes for Apparel and Textiles: Everything You Need to Know

In global commerce, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes associated with clothing and textiles are very important. They offer a systematic approach to reclassifying goods into standardized categories when importing and exporting. These HTS codes for apparel and textiles are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, and customs/other regulatory authorities for classification and determining applicable tariffs and regulated trades associated with garments and textiles. This article will elaborate on HTS codes for apparel and textiles, outlining the composition, importance, and use in the apparel/textile industry.

Understanding the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for Apparel and Textiles

HTS codes for apparel originate from the Harmonized System (HS), an internationally accepted designator for products in international trade developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS is used in more than 200 countries globally, representing about 98% of trade value. The HTS system includes a base HS system with a 6-digit coding structure that each country can expand further for even more detailed classification in their respective tariff systems (like the U.S. HTS, which has a 10-digit code apparel import code).

The chapters of the HS system and Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the apparel and textile industry are largely Chapters 50 through 63, which include fiber, fabric, and apparel categories.

• Chapters 50-55: Raw fiber materials, including, for example, silk, wool, cotton, and man-made fibers.
• Chapters 56-60: Fabric materials, including, for example, nonwovens, carpets, specialized woven fabrics, impregnated/coated/laminated fabrics, or yarns, and knitted fabrics or garments with knit or crochet elements.
• Chapter 61: Knitted or crocheted apparel items and clothing accessories.
• Chapter 62: Woven apparel items and clothing accessories (e.g., a woven garment).
• Chapter 63: Other made-up textile items, including categories such as home textiles, textile set articles (like towels or bedding sets), and worn clothing.

Each chapter is subdivided into headings and sub-headings, classifying more and more from more general categories down to items with more specific descriptions based on the fabric type, garment construction, gender, fabric content, etc., so that customs can charge the proper rate of tariff duty for many thousands of different textile products, all tied to the HS code for textiles and garments.

The Importance of Detailed HTS Classification

Proper HTS code classification is essential, as it has a direct effect on customs clearance efficiency, duties and taxes due, compliance with regulations, and eligibility for trade preference programs created by free trade agreements. Tariffs on textile imports range from zero rates to over 30% depending on product classification and entry point by origin. Mistakes in HTS code can create delays, expose the business to penalties, and threaten preferential treatment on future imports. 

Harmonized Tariff Schedule code for apparel also improves the quality of trade data reporting, stock inventory, and supply chain efficiency for the apparel industry. The complexity of textiles (blends, technical fabrics, seasonal assortment changes, etc.) necessitates refined HTS code knowledge in detail. 

Core Criteria for Classifying Apparel and Textiles under HTS

There are several important factors that determine exact HTS codes for apparel and textiles, including:

1. Type of Fabric Construction: Knitted or Woven

The key distinction of the apparel import code is the type of fabric structure:

• Knitted or crocheted fabrics are found in Chapter 61 of the HTS. They rely on inter-looping yarns to create stretch and flexibility. Examples are t-shirts, leggings, sweaters, and hosiery.
• Woven fabrics are found in Chapter 62 of the HTS. They are made by combining two types of yarns together, producing a more set structure of the garment. Typical of this garment are the suits, pants, dress shirts, and coats.

This is the key feature you will be looking for, and it can significantly change tariff rates.

2. Fiber Content and Composition

The fiber type governs the classification within each chapter. The principal categories include: 

• Natural fibers which include categories of cotton, wool, silk, flax, and hemp.
• Blended fabric which is generally a combination of natural and manufactured fibers.
• Manufactured fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and viscose.

In the case of combinations, international rules detail the “essential character” treatments. When one fiber represents 85% or more of the weight of the fabric, the classification should be the fiber type. If there is no dominant fiber, special rules provide classes, often favoring the fiber that constitutes a greater weight or the fiber that provides the essential performance characteristics. 

3. Garment Type and Usage

The textile product HS code categorizes clothing in detail, based on both the specific style of the product and the demographic group it is intended for.

• Men’s, boys’, women’s, girls’, and infants’ clothing are distinct classes.
• From coats to suits, dresses, shirts, trousers, and underwear, in each of the categories, there are specific classes that identify accessories.

This component allows customs authorities and businesses to align tariffs with fashion product segments.

4. Special Treatments and Technical Features

Clothing with coatings, laminations, or otherwise produced with non-traditional textile processes may require a different textile product HS code. For instance: 

• Waterproof or breathable layer fabrics.
• Electrically heated or otherwise enhanced apparel with sensors for temperature or environmental performance.
• Protective or medical textiles.

These garments will need to be evaluated referencing the updated schedule of tariffs or customs rulings. 

5. Country-Specific Extensions and Updates

While the first 6 digits of the HTS codes are consistent internationally, each country adds digits for national tariff and trade policy nuances. For example, the United States uses a 10-digit HTS code, recently revised in March 2025 (Revision 23).

Best Practices for HTS Code Classification in Apparel & Textiles

Businesses should check that they are compliant with the HTS code for apparel textiles, and be as cost-effective as possible by doing the following:

• Conduct laboratory tests and obtain manufacturer certifications to validate fiber content.
• Make sure garments are classified correctly by identifying fabric construction: knitted or woven.
• Check the details of the garment—such as gender and age group—are appropriate.
• Review new HTS and customs rulings objectively from reliable resources such as USITC and WCO. 
• If your product is a complex or specialty textile product, consult with a customs broker or other trade professional. 
• Keep detailed and organized records on your products’ documentation (namely, fiber content or construction, and any other treatments the first parties do on the fabrics).

Future Outlook: Digitalization and Evolving Textile Classifications

The increasing utilization of AI and machine-learning technologies in classifying HTS code for apparel & textiles is allowing for quicker and more precise determinations. Emerging areas such as technical textiles and multi-functional clothing will most likely lead to the creation of specific HS codes in future revisions, allowing for better alignment to HS codes with the revised tariff classifications.

Additionally, sustainability and standards of recycled content will influence future customs policies, and new practices will emerge in connection with classifying textile and apparel items. Improving interactive trading portals will allow customs databases to provide real-time guidance for products being classified.

Understanding  HTS Codes for Apparel & Textiles for Safer Trade

For apparel and textile goods, globalization has made accurate classification imperative when using the Harmonized System (HS) to maintain compliance, facilitate the duty cost process, and facilitate the flow of international trade. The fabric technologies, sustainability trends, and regulatory shifts around the year will be critical in avoiding heavy penalties and delays in shipment by being diligent around HTS code application.

Credlix understands these implications and supports businesses to address HTS code classification with confidence in mind as the experts on classification codes. With trade finance and industry knowledge to simplify the import-export experience, Credlix offers businesses assurance of full customs clearance compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary characteristic of an apparel item for the HTS chapter 61 or 62?

The primary characteristic is in the form of construction of the fabric: Chapter 61: knitted or crocheted fabric (Chapter 62: woven fabric).

Q2: How do blended fibers affect HTS classification?

The determination of classification is based on the fiber that constitutes at least 85% of the product by weight. If no single fiber reaches the minimum of 85%, other rules apply. 

Q3: What are the financial implications of incorrectly classifying apparel products?

Implications may include penalties (such as monetary fines), prior duties that are now owed, halting shipments, and/or forfeiture of goods.