About HS Code 60
HS Chapter 60, encompassing 'Fabrics; knitted or crocheted,' is a pivotal classification for the global textile industry, covering all materials produced by the intricate interlocking of loops of yarn. This chapter specifically deals with fabrics in the piece, rolls, or specific forms, but not yet cut and sewn into finished articles of apparel or other made-up goods, which fall under subsequent chapters like 61 (knitted garments) or 63 (other made-up textile articles). The scope is broad, covering fabrics made from virtually any textile fiber—cotton, synthetic, wool, silk, linen, or blends thereof—as long as the manufacturing process is knitting or crocheting. This distinction from woven fabrics (Chapters 50-59) is fundamental. Key sub-categories within Chapter 60 differentiate fabrics based on their construction, width, and composition. Heading 6001 covers pile fabrics, including long pile and terry fabrics; 6002 and 6003 distinguish narrow knitted fabrics (not exceeding 30 cm in width), with 6002 specifically for those containing elastomeric yarn. Heading 6004 addresses wider fabrics (exceeding 30 cm) with elastomeric content, crucial for activewear and stretch garments. Headings 6005 and 6006 serve as catch-all categories for other warp knit and weft knit fabrics respectively, further subdivided by fiber type (cotton, synthetic, etc.). Correct classification under Chapter 60 is paramount for trade compliance. It directly impacts import duties, eligibility for preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – where 'yarn forward' or 'fabric forward' rules of origin are common – and compliance with textile quotas or anti-dumping measures. Historically, knitted fabrics have gained immense significance due to their comfort, stretch, and versatility, becoming the backbone of the casual wear, activewear, and intimate apparel sectors. Understanding these nuances is essential for importers, exporters, and customs professionals to ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid penalties, and optimize supply chain costs in the dynamic global textile trade.
Products Under This Code
Cotton jersey fabric, Polyester fleece fabric, Rib-knit fabric (cotton), Interlock knit fabric, French terry fabric, Single jersey fabric, Double knit fabric, Ponte di Roma fabric, Warp knit tricot fabric, Weft knit jacquard fabric, Stretch knit athletic fabric, Mesh knit fabric, Velour knit fabric, Circular knit fabric, Flat knit fabric, Lycra blend stretch knit fabric, Nylon spandex jersey, Bamboo viscose knit fabric, Wool blend knit fabric, Acrylic knit fabric for sweaters, Microfleece fabric, Knitted denim look fabric, Sequin embellished knit fabric, Terry towel knit fabric (for bathrobes), Knitted upholstery fabric
Real World Examples
A US apparel brand imports large rolls of organic cotton single jersey fabric (likely 6006.22) from a supplier in India. This fabric, destined for t-shirt production, is shipped via ocean freight from Chennai to Los Angeles, where it undergoes customs clearance, with duties applied based on the MFN rate or any applicable GSP benefits. Another scenario involves a German activewear manufacturer sourcing specialized warp-knit polyester-spandex fabric (6004.10) from Taiwan. This high-performance stretch fabric, crucial for athletic wear, is often air-freighted from Taipei to Frankfurt to meet tight production schedules, incurring EU tariffs and VAT. Furthermore, a Chinese textile mill exports vast quantities of acrylic rib-knit fabric (6006.42) to a garment factory in Vietnam, which uses it for sweater cuffs and necklines. Given that both countries are part of the RCEP agreement, preferential tariffs may apply, making accurate classification vital for competitive pricing and supply chain efficiency. Finally, a Mexican furniture company imports decorative knitted chenille fabric (6001.29) from Turkey for custom sofa upholstery. This trade route typically involves ocean freight from Izmir to Veracruz, with duties and taxes processed according to Mexican customs regulations.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications in Chapter 60 often arise from confusing the manufacturing process or the stage of completion. Traders frequently confuse knitted pile fabrics (6001) with their woven counterparts (5801), leading to incorrect duty rates and potential non-compliance. The key differentiator is the method of fabric construction: interlocking loops for knitting versus interlacing warp and weft for weaving. Another frequent error is classifying coated or impregnated knitted fabrics under Chapter 60 when they should fall under Chapter 59 (e.g., 5903 for plastic-coated fabrics). This distinction hinges on whether the coating fundamentally alters the character of the textile. Lastly, a significant mistake is classifying finished knitted garments or accessories (e.g., t-shirts, socks) under Chapter 60, which is strictly for fabrics in the piece. These finished articles belong to Chapter 61, and misclassifying them can result in severe penalties, delays, and incorrect application of quotas or anti-dumping duties.
Headings in This Chapter 6
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major importers of knitted fabrics include countries with large garment manufacturing sectors, such as the USA, EU nations (Germany, Italy, Spain), Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico. Key exporters are textile manufacturing powerhouses like China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Turkey, and Pakistan. Trade agreements heavily influence this chapter; many FTAs (e.g., USMCA, RCEP, EU-Vietnam FTA) include 'yarn forward' or 'fabric forward' rules of origin for textile products, meaning the yarn or fabric must originate within the free trade area to qualify for preferential tariffs. Additionally, specific knitted fabrics may be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties from certain countries, necessitating careful origin determination and classification for compliance and duty optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 60?
HS code 60 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; knitted or crocheted. HS Chapter 60, encompassing 'Fabrics; knitted or crocheted,' is a pivotal classification for the global textile industry, covering all materials produced by the intricate interlocking of loops of yarn. This chapter specifically deals with fabrics in the piece, rolls, or specific forms, but not yet cut and sewn into finished articles of apparel or other made-up goods, which fall under subsequent chapters like 61 (knitted garments) or 63 (other made-up textile articles). The scope is broad, covering fabrics made from virtually any textile fiber—cotton, synthetic, wool, silk, linen, or blends thereof—as long as the manufacturing process is knitting or crocheting. This distinction from woven fabrics (Chapters 50-59) is fundamental. Key sub-categories within Chapter 60 differentiate fabrics based on their construction, width, and composition. Heading 6001 covers pile fabrics, including long pile and terry fabrics; 6002 and 6003 distinguish narrow knitted fabrics (not exceeding 30 cm in width), with 6002 specifically for those containing elastomeric yarn. Heading 6004 addresses wider fabrics (exceeding 30 cm) with elastomeric content, crucial for activewear and stretch garments. Headings 6005 and 6006 serve as catch-all categories for other warp knit and weft knit fabrics respectively, further subdivided by fiber type (cotton, synthetic, etc.). Correct classification under Chapter 60 is paramount for trade compliance. It directly impacts import duties, eligibility for preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – where 'yarn forward' or 'fabric forward' rules of origin are common – and compliance with textile quotas or anti-dumping measures. Historically, knitted fabrics have gained immense significance due to their comfort, stretch, and versatility, becoming the backbone of the casual wear, activewear, and intimate apparel sectors. Understanding these nuances is essential for importers, exporters, and customs professionals to ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid penalties, and optimize supply chain costs in the dynamic global textile trade.
What products fall under HS code 60?
Cotton jersey fabric, Polyester fleece fabric, Rib-knit fabric (cotton), Interlock knit fabric, French terry fabric, Single jersey fabric, Double knit fabric, Ponte di Roma fabric, Warp knit tricot fabric, Weft knit jacquard fabric, Stretch knit athletic fabric, Mesh knit fabric, Velour knit fabric, Circular knit fabric, Flat knit fabric, Lycra blend stretch knit fabric, Nylon spandex jersey, Bamboo viscose knit fabric, Wool blend knit fabric, Acrylic knit fabric for sweaters, Microfleece fabric, Knitted denim look fabric, Sequin embellished knit fabric, Terry towel knit fabric (for bathrobes), Knitted upholstery fabric
What are common misclassifications for HS code 60?
Common misclassifications in Chapter 60 often arise from confusing the manufacturing process or the stage of completion. Traders frequently confuse knitted pile fabrics (6001) with their woven counterparts (5801), leading to incorrect duty rates and potential non-compliance. The key differentiator is the method of fabric construction: interlocking loops for knitting versus interlacing warp and weft for weaving. Another frequent error is classifying coated or impregnated knitted fabrics under Chapter 60 when they should fall under Chapter 59 (e.g., 5903 for plastic-coated fabrics). This distinction hinges on whether the coating fundamentally alters the character of the textile. Lastly, a significant mistake is classifying finished knitted garments or accessories (e.g., t-shirts, socks) under Chapter 60, which is strictly for fabrics in the piece. These finished articles belong to Chapter 61, and misclassifying them can result in severe penalties, delays, and incorrect application of quotas or anti-dumping duties.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 60?
Major importers of knitted fabrics include countries with large garment manufacturing sectors, such as the USA, EU nations (Germany, Italy, Spain), Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico. Key exporters are textile manufacturing powerhouses like China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Turkey, and Pakistan. Trade agreements heavily influence this chapter; many FTAs (e.g., USMCA, RCEP, EU-Vietnam FTA) include 'yarn forward' or 'fabric forward' rules of origin for textile products, meaning the yarn or fabric must originate within the free trade area to qualify for preferential tariffs. Additionally, specific knitted fabrics may be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties from certain countries, necessitating careful origin determination and classification for compliance and duty optimization.
How is HS code 60 structured?
HS code 60 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.