HS (Harmonized System) code is an internationally standardized product classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), adopted by over 200 countries. It consists of 6 digits globally, with countries extending to 10 digits (e.g., US HTS 10-digit, UK Commodity Code 10-digit, China HS 10-digit).

How accurate is AI HS code classification?

HSBot is built on official customs policy and real customs data. For common products, classification accuracy exceeds 95%. AI results are for reference only—actual declarations should be verified with customs authorities. Combining product details (material, usage, composition) improves accuracy.

What countries does HSBot support?

HSBot currently supports US HTS codes and UK tariff codes (import classification) and China HS codes (export classification), covering the most common China-US and China-UK trade scenarios. More countries including EU, Japan, Vietnam, and Mexico are coming soon.

How many free queries do I get per day?

Free users can make 20 classification queries per day. The quota resets at 00:00 Beijing time daily. Contact us for enterprise plans with higher limits and API access.

What is Section 232 tariff?

Section 232 tariff is an additional US import duty on steel, aluminum, and copper products based on national security grounds. HSBot automatically calculates applicable Section 232 rates based on HS code prefixes and exporting country.

What is Section 301 tariff?

Section 301 tariff is an additional US import duty on certain products from China, in response to trade practices. HSBot automatically identifies applicable Section 301 rates and checks for tariff exclusions.

What is the tariff on apparel from China?

Apparel from China faces two layers of tariffs: the MFN duty (typically 16-32% depending on the garment type) and a Section 301 tariff of 7.5% or 25% depending on which list the product falls under. The total tariff rate for most apparel ranges from 23.5% to 57%.

Why are apparel MFN rates so high?

The US maintains high MFN tariff rates on textile and apparel products to protect its domestic manufacturing industry. These rates have been in place for decades and represent some of the highest MFN duties in the US tariff schedule, ranging from 16% to 32% for most garment categories.

Do apparel imports face Section 232 tariffs?

No, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum do not apply to apparel or textile products. Apparel imports are only subject to MFN duty and Section 301 tariffs.

What is the difference between List 3 and List 4A for apparel?

Most apparel products are on List 3 (25% Section 301 tariff). Some categories were moved to List 4A (7.5% tariff) but many were later moved back to List 3 at 25%. The classification depends on the specific HTS 10-digit code, so it's important to verify which list applies to your product.

Are there any duty-free programs for apparel?

The US offers duty-free apparel programs including AGOA (for African countries), CBTPA (for Caribbean countries), and HTS Program (for designated beneficiary countries). China does not qualify for any of these programs. The USMCA provides duty-free treatment for apparel meeting yarn-forward rules of origin from Mexico and Canada.

US Import Tariff for Apparel from China

Apparel imports from China face some of the highest combined tariff rates in the US import system, with MFN duties of 16% to 32% plus Section 301 tariffs of 7.5% or 25%. The total effective tariff for most Chinese apparel ranges from 23.5% to 57%, making it one of the most heavily taxed import categories. No Section 232 tariffs apply to apparel.

Tariff Breakdown

Tariff Component	Rate	Applies To
MFN Duty	16% - 32%	All apparel products (varies by HTS code)
Section 301	7.5% or 25%	Chinese apparel on List 4A (7.5%) or List 3 (25%)
Section 232	0%	Not applicable to apparel
AD/CVD	0%	Rare for apparel

Common Apparel Tariff Rates

Product Category	HTS Chapter	MFN Rate	Section 301	Total Rate
Cotton T-Shirts	6109	16.5%	25%	41.5%
Cotton Jeans/Trousers	6203/6204	16.6%	25%	41.6%
Synthetic Shirts (M/B)	6205	25% - 27%	25%	50% - 52%
Women's Blouses (cotton)	6206	15.9% - 26.9%	25%	40.9% - 51.9%
Winter Coats/Jackets	6201/6202	27.7%	25%	52.7%
Sweaters (cotton)	6110	15.9% - 19.7%	25%	40.9% - 44.7%
Underwear (cotton)	6107/6108	16.2% - 16.5%	25%	41.2% - 41.5%
Socks/Hosiery	6115	14.6% - 16.6%	25%	39.6% - 41.6%
Synthetic Activewear	6114	28.2%	25%	53.2%
Silk Apparel	6207/6208	7.2% - 12.6%	25%	32.2% - 37.6%
Leather/Other Apparel	4203	6% - 8.5%	25%	31% - 33.5%

Note: MFN rates vary significantly by fiber content (cotton, synthetic, wool, silk) and garment construction. Use HSBot to find the exact rate for your product.

Calculation Example

For 5,000 cotton winter jackets from China (CIF value: $25,000):

Component	Rate	Duty Amount
MFN Duty	27.7%	$6,925
Section 301	25%	$6,250
Section 232	0%	$0
AD/CVD	0%	$0
Total	52.7%	$13,175

The total duty of $13,175 on a $25,000 import represents a significant cost that importers must factor into pricing.

Compliance Requirements

1. Textile and Apparel Import Documentation

Commercial Invoice: Must include detailed product description, fiber content, HTS code, and country of origin
Textile Declaration: Required for certain textile products (CBP Form 6051D or electronic equivalent)
Visa/Export License: Some countries require textile export visas; China currently does not require a visa for most categories
Certificate of Origin: Required for USMCA or other FTA preference claims

2. Fiber Content Labeling (FTC)

All textile and wool products must comply with the FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA):

Fiber content must be listed by percentage in descending order
Country of origin must be clearly stated
Manufacturer/RN number or business name
Care labeling instructions (per FTC Care Labeling Rule)
Labels must be permanently attached, legible, and accessible

3. Flammability Standards (CPSC)

Children's Sleepwear (16 CFR Part 1615/1616): Must meet strict flammability standards
Clothing Textiles (16 CFR Part 1610): General wearing apparel must meet flammability classes
Vinyl Plastic Film (16 CFR Part 1611): For transparent or translucent apparel

4. Additional Requirements

Lead Content: Children's products must meet CPSC lead limits (100 ppm total lead content)
Phthalates: Children's toys and care articles must meet phthalate limits
Fur Products: Must comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act (FPLA)
Wool Products: Must comply with the Wool Products Labeling Act (WPLA)

Tariff Engineering Opportunities

Importers can legally optimize tariff costs through tariff engineering:

1. Fiber Content Optimization

MFN rates differ significantly by fiber content: - Cotton apparel: 15-28% - Synthetic (man-made fiber) apparel: 25-32% - Silk apparel: 7-13% - Wool apparel: 10-30%

Blending fibers or choosing different materials can result in substantial duty savings.

2. HTS Classification

Many apparel items can be classified under different HTS codes depending on construction details: - Knitted vs. woven garments (Chapter 61 vs. 62) - Gender-specific classifications - Use-specific categories (workwear vs. fashion)

3. Cotton vs. Man-Made Fiber

For the same garment type: - Cotton T-shirt: 16.5% MFN + 25% Section 301 = 41.5% - Synthetic T-shirt: 32% MFN + 25% Section 301 = 57%

This 15.5% difference can significantly impact landed cost.

Strategic Sourcing Alternatives

Country	Section 301	MFN Rate	Notes
Vietnam	0%	16-32%	Major apparel manufacturing hub
Bangladesh	0%	16-32%	GSP-eligible for some products
Cambodia	0%	16-32%	Competitive labor costs
India	0%	16-32%	Large textile industry
Mexico	0%	0% (USMCA)	Duty-free with yarn-forward rules
Honduras	0%	0% (HTS Program)	Strong apparel manufacturing base

How HSBot Can Help

Use HSBot to:

Find the correct HTS code for your apparel product (Chapter 61 or 62)
Calculate total tariff including MFN and Section 301
Compare fiber content classifications to identify tariff optimization opportunities
Check compliance requirements including FTC labeling and CPSC flammability standards
Evaluate alternative sourcing countries with lower total tariff burden

Related Resources

Complete Guide to US Import Tariffs — Comprehensive overview of all US tariff types
US Import Tariff for Electronics from China — Electronics tariff breakdown
US Import Tariff for Steel from China — Steel tariff breakdown