HS Code 61.06 – Blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted

HS code 6106 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted. Heading 6106 specifically covers 'Blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted,' making it a vital classification within Chapter 61 of Section XI. This category encompasses a diverse range of knitted or crocheted tops designed for women and girls, clearly distinguishing them from their woven equivalents found under 6206. The distinction between a 'shirt' and a 'blouse' within this heading often relates to styling, ornamentation, and typical usage, with blouses generally being more decorative or formal. 'Shirt-blouses' combine elements of both. Critically, this heading excludes simple t-shirts, singlets, and other vests, which are classified under 6109, emphasizing the need for precise product differentiation. Accurate classification under 6106 is fundamental for trade compliance, affecting import duties, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade programs. The global market for women's and girls' knitted tops is highly dynamic, influenced by fast-changing fashion trends and consumer preferences for comfort and style. Understanding the nuances of this heading is indispensable for customs brokers, importers, and exporters to navigate international trade effectively and avoid costly delays or penalties.

Women's knitted blouses, girls' crocheted shirts, women's knitted tunic blouses, women's knit button-down shirts, girls' knitted polo shirts, women's knitted lace blouses, women's knit peasant blouses, women's knitted wrap blouses, girls' knitted collared shirts, women's knitted off-the-shoulder blouses, women's knit ruffled shirts, women's knitted cowl neck blouses, girls' knitted uniform blouses, women's knit cold-shoulder shirts, women's knitted tie-front blouses, women's knit puff-sleeve shirts, girls' knitted smocked blouses, women's knitted embroidered blouses, women's knit dolman sleeve shirts, women's knitted high-neck blouses, girls' knitted Peter Pan collar shirts, women's knit peplum blouses, women's knitted sheer blouses, girls' knitted Henley shirts, women's knitted mock-neck blouses

A common classification error for 6106 is confusing these items with basic knitted t-shirts or vests, which belong to 6109 (T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted). The presence of a collar, placket, or more elaborate styling typically differentiates a shirt/blouse from a simple t-shirt. Another frequent mistake is classifying woven blouses or shirts under 6106; for example, a women's silk woven blouse should be classified under 6206 (Women's or girls' blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses, woven). The 'knitted or crocheted' criterion is absolute. Lastly, some knitted sweaters (6110) might resemble blouses, but sweaters are generally defined by their warmth and typically lack shirt-like openings or collars.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6106 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $980M, 17% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $525M) and China ($451M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6106 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 36% of world imports), Japan ($426M) and Germany ($385M). World imports came to about $6.1B, 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.

HS code 6106 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.