About HS Code 6108
Heading 6108 is a comprehensive classification covering 'Slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted.' As part of Chapter 61 within Section XI, this heading specifically targets knitted or crocheted undergarments, sleepwear, and loungewear designed for women and girls, distinguishing them from their woven counterparts found in Chapter 62 (e.g., 6208). The scope is broad, encompassing essential items like slips, various styles of briefs and panties, nightdresses, complete pyjama sets, luxurious negligees, and comfortable bathrobes and dressing gowns. The inclusion of 'similar articles' ensures flexibility for other related knitted or crocheted items. Accurate classification under 6108 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, specific regulatory requirements such as textile composition labeling, and eligibility for preferential tariff treatments under free trade agreements. This segment of the apparel market is highly influenced by fashion trends, comfort, and cultural preferences, making precise classification crucial for smooth international trade operations and avoiding customs delays or penalties.
Products Under This Code
Women's knitted briefs, girls' knitted panties, women's knitted nightdresses, girls' knitted pyjama sets, women's knitted bathrobes, women's knitted dressing gowns, women's knitted slips, women's knitted petticoats, women's knitted negligees, girls' knitted sleep shorts, women's knitted lounge pants, women's knitted camisoles (as part of sleepwear/loungewear sets), girls' knitted nightgowns, women's knitted thermal underwear bottoms, women's knitted thermal underwear tops, women's knitted boy shorts (underwear), girls' knitted character pyjamas, women's knitted chemises, women's knitted jersey pyjamas, women's knitted lounge dresses, girls' knitted sleep tops, women's knitted robe sets, women's knitted babydoll nighties, women's knitted tap shorts, women's knitted seamless briefs
Real World Examples
A major lingerie brand in France imports 15,000 units of women's knitted lace panties from a factory in China, using HS code 6108 for customs clearance, navigating EU import regulations and duties. An Australian retailer sources organic cotton knitted pyjama sets for girls from India, leveraging the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement for favorable tariff rates. A US-based e-commerce company exports high-end knitted silk negligees for women from Italy to discerning customers in the Middle East, requiring meticulous documentation to comply with varying import duties and cultural considerations in destination countries.
Common Misclassification
A primary misclassification risk for 6108 involves confusing knitted items with woven ones. For example, a women's silk woven slip should be classified under 6208 (Women's or girls' slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles, woven), not 6108. The 'knitted or crocheted' criterion is absolute. Another common error is classifying knitted swimwear (6112) or certain types of knitted activewear (also 6112) that might resemble briefs or shorts under 6108. The intended use and specific design features (e.g., swim lining, athletic support) dictate the correct heading. Additionally, separating components of a pyjama set (e.g., a simple knitted t-shirt top) might lead to misclassification under 6109 if not clearly part of a defined sleepwear set.
Subheadings 11
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters for HS 6108 include China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, which are significant global manufacturing hubs for knitted apparel, offering competitive pricing and extensive production capacities. Key importing markets are the United States, the European Union (Germany, UK, France, Italy), and Japan, driven by strong consumer demand across all price points for women's and girls' intimate apparel and loungewear. Free trade agreements such as the USMCA and various GSP schemes play a crucial role in shaping trade flows by offering reduced or zero tariffs for goods originating from specific partner countries, making precise classification and origin verification essential for businesses to optimize costs and ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6108?
HS code 6108 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted. Heading 6108 is a comprehensive classification covering 'Slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted.' As part of Chapter 61 within Section XI, this heading specifically targets knitted or crocheted undergarments, sleepwear, and loungewear designed for women and girls, distinguishing them from their woven counterparts found in Chapter 62 (e.g., 6208). The scope is broad, encompassing essential items like slips, various styles of briefs and panties, nightdresses, complete pyjama sets, luxurious negligees, and comfortable bathrobes and dressing gowns. The inclusion of 'similar articles' ensures flexibility for other related knitted or crocheted items. Accurate classification under 6108 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, specific regulatory requirements such as textile composition labeling, and eligibility for preferential tariff treatments under free trade agreements. This segment of the apparel market is highly influenced by fashion trends, comfort, and cultural preferences, making precise classification crucial for smooth international trade operations and avoiding customs delays or penalties.
What products fall under HS code 6108?
Women's knitted briefs, girls' knitted panties, women's knitted nightdresses, girls' knitted pyjama sets, women's knitted bathrobes, women's knitted dressing gowns, women's knitted slips, women's knitted petticoats, women's knitted negligees, girls' knitted sleep shorts, women's knitted lounge pants, women's knitted camisoles (as part of sleepwear/loungewear sets), girls' knitted nightgowns, women's knitted thermal underwear bottoms, women's knitted thermal underwear tops, women's knitted boy shorts (underwear), girls' knitted character pyjamas, women's knitted chemises, women's knitted jersey pyjamas, women's knitted lounge dresses, girls' knitted sleep tops, women's knitted robe sets, women's knitted babydoll nighties, women's knitted tap shorts, women's knitted seamless briefs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6108?
A primary misclassification risk for 6108 involves confusing knitted items with woven ones. For example, a women's silk woven slip should be classified under 6208 (Women's or girls' slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles, woven), not 6108. The 'knitted or crocheted' criterion is absolute. Another common error is classifying knitted swimwear (6112) or certain types of knitted activewear (also 6112) that might resemble briefs or shorts under 6108. The intended use and specific design features (e.g., swim lining, athletic support) dictate the correct heading. Additionally, separating components of a pyjama set (e.g., a simple knitted t-shirt top) might lead to misclassification under 6109 if not clearly part of a defined sleepwear set.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6108?
Major exporters for HS 6108 include China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, which are significant global manufacturing hubs for knitted apparel, offering competitive pricing and extensive production capacities. Key importing markets are the United States, the European Union (Germany, UK, France, Italy), and Japan, driven by strong consumer demand across all price points for women's and girls' intimate apparel and loungewear. Free trade agreements such as the USMCA and various GSP schemes play a crucial role in shaping trade flows by offering reduced or zero tariffs for goods originating from specific partner countries, making precise classification and origin verification essential for businesses to optimize costs and ensure compliance.
How is HS code 6108 structured?
HS code 6108 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.