About HS Code 6004
Heading 6004 specifically designates knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01 (pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread. This classification is critical for wide, stretchable knitted fabrics, which are foundational to modern apparel, particularly activewear, swimwear, and shapewear. The 'other than 60.01' clause ensures that pile fabrics, even if wide and elastic, are excluded. The 'width exceeding 30 cm' is a key differentiator, setting these fabrics apart from narrow elastic knits in 6002. The requirement of 5% or more elastomeric yarn or rubber thread content is crucial, ensuring only significantly stretchy fabrics fall into this category, distinguishing them from wide non-elastic knits (6005/6006). This heading is vital for trade compliance professionals, as accurate classification directly impacts duty rates and adherence to specific textile regulations. The rise of performance wear and comfortable stretch clothing has made these fabrics indispensable in the global textile market. Historically, advancements in synthetic fibers and knitting technology have driven the evolution and widespread adoption of these materials. This heading's relationship to Chapter 60 confirms its identity as a knitted fabric, providing a precise classification for these high-demand, functional textiles.
Products Under This Code
Wide knitted stretch jersey fabric, knitted power mesh (wide rolls), knitted elastane blends for activewear, wide knitted stretch interlock fabric, knitted spandex-blend fabrics for swimwear, wide knitted compression fabrics, knitted stretch denim fabric, wide knitted fabrics for yoga wear, knitted elastomeric fabrics for lingerie, wide knitted stretch fleece, knitted technical stretch fabrics for outdoor wear, wide knitted fabrics for shapewear, knitted stretch performance fabrics, wide knitted stretch tricot, knitted stretch fabrics for medical garments, knitted stretch scuba fabric, wide knitted stretch pique, knitted stretch poplin fabric, wide knitted stretch lining fabric, knitted stretch thermal fabric, wide knitted stretch double knit, knitted stretch modal fabric, knitted stretch rayon fabric, knitted stretch nylon fabric, wide knitted stretch synthetic blends.
Real World Examples
A Taiwanese textile company exports large rolls of knitted spandex-blend fabric (from Kaohsiung to Los Angeles) to a US activewear brand for their line of yoga pants and leggings, correctly classifying it under 6004 due to its width and elastomeric content. A Chinese manufacturer ships wide knitted compression fabric (from Qingdao to Hamburg) to European sportswear companies for high-performance athletic apparel, ensuring adherence to the 5% elastomeric threshold. A South Korean textile mill exports knitted stretch tricot fabric (from Busan to Ho Chi Minh City) to Vietnamese swimwear producers, leveraging this specific classification for their wide, elasticized knitted fabrics.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassification errors include confusing these fabrics with narrow elastic knits (6002) by overlooking the width criterion, or with non-elastic wide knits (6005 or 6006) by ignoring the 5% elastomeric content requirement. Another frequent mistake is classifying woven stretch fabrics (e.g., woven stretch denim in Chapter 52, 54, or 55) under 6004, failing to adhere to the 'knitted or crocheted' method. Furthermore, finished articles made from these fabrics, such as complete garments (Chapter 61 or 62), should not be classified here, as 6004 is exclusively for fabrics in the piece.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major global players in the production and trade of wide elastic knitted fabrics include China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey, all known for their expertise in synthetic fiber knitting and textile manufacturing. The United States and the European Union are significant importers, driving demand for activewear, swimwear, and performance textiles. Trade agreements often provide preferential tariffs for these fabrics, especially when they are inputs for apparel manufacturing, but rules of origin for the elastomeric component can be complex. Importers should also monitor potential anti-dumping duties on certain textile categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6004?
HS code 6004 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; 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 thread. Heading 6004 specifically designates knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01 (pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread. This classification is critical for wide, stretchable knitted fabrics, which are foundational to modern apparel, particularly activewear, swimwear, and shapewear. The 'other than 60.01' clause ensures that pile fabrics, even if wide and elastic, are excluded. The 'width exceeding 30 cm' is a key differentiator, setting these fabrics apart from narrow elastic knits in 6002. The requirement of 5% or more elastomeric yarn or rubber thread content is crucial, ensuring only significantly stretchy fabrics fall into this category, distinguishing them from wide non-elastic knits (6005/6006). This heading is vital for trade compliance professionals, as accurate classification directly impacts duty rates and adherence to specific textile regulations. The rise of performance wear and comfortable stretch clothing has made these fabrics indispensable in the global textile market. Historically, advancements in synthetic fibers and knitting technology have driven the evolution and widespread adoption of these materials. This heading's relationship to Chapter 60 confirms its identity as a knitted fabric, providing a precise classification for these high-demand, functional textiles.
What products fall under HS code 6004?
Wide knitted stretch jersey fabric, knitted power mesh (wide rolls), knitted elastane blends for activewear, wide knitted stretch interlock fabric, knitted spandex-blend fabrics for swimwear, wide knitted compression fabrics, knitted stretch denim fabric, wide knitted fabrics for yoga wear, knitted elastomeric fabrics for lingerie, wide knitted stretch fleece, knitted technical stretch fabrics for outdoor wear, wide knitted fabrics for shapewear, knitted stretch performance fabrics, wide knitted stretch tricot, knitted stretch fabrics for medical garments, knitted stretch scuba fabric, wide knitted stretch pique, knitted stretch poplin fabric, wide knitted stretch lining fabric, knitted stretch thermal fabric, wide knitted stretch double knit, knitted stretch modal fabric, knitted stretch rayon fabric, knitted stretch nylon fabric, wide knitted stretch synthetic blends.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6004?
Common misclassification errors include confusing these fabrics with narrow elastic knits (6002) by overlooking the width criterion, or with non-elastic wide knits (6005 or 6006) by ignoring the 5% elastomeric content requirement. Another frequent mistake is classifying woven stretch fabrics (e.g., woven stretch denim in Chapter 52, 54, or 55) under 6004, failing to adhere to the 'knitted or crocheted' method. Furthermore, finished articles made from these fabrics, such as complete garments (Chapter 61 or 62), should not be classified here, as 6004 is exclusively for fabrics in the piece.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6004?
Major global players in the production and trade of wide elastic knitted fabrics include China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey, all known for their expertise in synthetic fiber knitting and textile manufacturing. The United States and the European Union are significant importers, driving demand for activewear, swimwear, and performance textiles. Trade agreements often provide preferential tariffs for these fabrics, especially when they are inputs for apparel manufacturing, but rules of origin for the elastomeric component can be complex. Importers should also monitor potential anti-dumping duties on certain textile categories.
How is HS code 6004 structured?
HS code 6004 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 60 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (60) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.