HS code · 2-digit chapter

HS Code 60 – Fabrics; knitted or crocheted

What HS 60 covers

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.

Covers
  • 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
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.

Headings in chapter 60 6

60.01Fabrics; pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or crocheted60.02Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width not exceeding 30cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread60.03Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of heading 60.01 and 60.02, of a width not exceeding 30 cm,60.04Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread60.05Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.0460.06Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04

81 Brazil NCM codes in chapter 60 →

Codes often confused with 60

Common mistake. 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.

60.01Fabrics; pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or crocheted58.01Fabrics; woven pile and chenille fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 580659.03Textile fabrics impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, other than those of heading no. 5902

Top exporters and importers of HS code 60, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 60 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 19% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its exports here ($1.1B, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $25.0B
  2. 2 Türkiye $1.6B
  3. 3 South Korea $1.5B

Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its exports here ($1.1B, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $38.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$6.6B
  2. 2 Cambodia* ~$2.9B
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$2.4B

World total: $34.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Questions about HS 60

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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 60?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 60 in UN Comtrade data were China ($25.0B, 65% of world exports), Türkiye ($1.6B) and South Korea ($1.5B). World exports came to about $38.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its exports here ($1.1B, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 60?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 60 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $6.6B, 19% of world imports), Cambodia (about $2.9B) and Bangladesh (about $2.4B). World imports came to about $34.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

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.