HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 61.09 – T-shirts, singlets and other vests; knitted or crocheted
What HS 61.09 covers
Heading 6109 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses "T-shirts, singlets and other vests; knitted or crocheted," a critical classification for the global apparel trade. This category specifically covers a wide array of knitted or crocheted garments designed for the upper body, characterized by their lack of collars, sleeves (though long-sleeve T-shirts are included), or elaborate openings. The scope is broad, ranging from basic undershirts and tank tops (singlets) to fashion-forward T-shirts with various necklines (crew, V-neck, scoop) and embellishments. Key sub-categories include men's, women's, and children's T-shirts made from diverse materials like cotton, synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon), or blends. This classification is pivotal for trade compliance because it dictates applicable import duties, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to costly delays, penalties, or even goods seizure. Historically, T-shirts have evolved from military undergarments to ubiquitous casual wear, becoming a staple in fast fashion and sportswear, driving significant volumes in international trade. As a sub-heading within Chapter 61, which exclusively covers knitted or crocheted articles of apparel, 6109 emphasizes the manufacturing method, distinguishing these items from their woven counterparts found in Chapter 62. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for accurate customs declarations and navigating the complexities of textile trade regulations worldwide, ensuring smooth cross-border movement of these popular garments.
- Covers
- Cotton crew neck t-shirts
- Polyester athletic t-shirts
- Graphic print t-shirts
- V-neck t-shirts
- Long-sleeve knitted t-shirts
- Basic undershirts
- Ribbed tank tops
- Muscle shirts
- Athletic singlets
- Knitted camisoles
- Thermal vests
- Sleeveless undershirts
- Fashion vests
- Children's printed t-shirts
- Baby singlets
- Organic cotton t-shirts
- Performance compression singlets
- Scoop neck t-shirts
- Knitted polo undershirts
- Women's fashion vests
- Bamboo blend t-shirts
- Jersey knit t-shirts
- Activewear singlets
- Casual knitted vests
- Pigment-dyed t-shirts
- Examples
A major US retail chain imports millions of basic cotton crew-neck t-shirts from factories in Bangladesh and Vietnam via ocean freight through the Port of Los Angeles, leveraging Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits. Simultaneously, an EU-based sportswear brand exports high-performance polyester athletic singlets, designed for running, to distributors across Japan and South Korea, utilizing air cargo for speed to market. Furthermore, a Chinese manufacturer ships bulk orders of graphic-print T-shirts to various e-commerce businesses in Brazil and Mexico, navigating different Free Trade Agreement (FTA) rules where applicable to reduce import duties and enhance competitiveness.
Subheadings under 61.09 2
Codes often confused with 61.09
Common mistake. A common mistake is confusing T-shirts under 6109 with woven shirts classified under 6205. The critical distinction lies in the manufacturing method: 6109 is strictly for knitted or crocheted garments, while 6205 covers woven shirts. Traders might also misclassify collared, button-front knitted shirts, which typically fall under 6105 (jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, etc., if they resemble a polo shirt) rather than the simpler T-shirt definition of 6109. Another error can occur with knitted vests intended as outerwear, which, depending on their style and purpose, might belong in 6110 (jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats) if they are more substantial and designed as a primary outer layer, as opposed to a basic singlet or undershirt.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6109, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6109 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $9.9B 17% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$9.7B 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$3.6B 6.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $58.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.7B 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.0B 10% of world imports
- 3 France $2.7B 5.5% of world imports
World total: $49.5B 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 61.09
What is HS code 6109?
HS code 6109 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: T-shirts, singlets and other vests; knitted or crocheted. Heading 6109 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses "T-shirts, singlets and other vests; knitted or crocheted," a critical classification for the global apparel trade. This category specifically covers a wide array of knitted or crocheted garments designed for the upper body, characterized by their lack of collars, sleeves (though long-sleeve T-shirts are included), or elaborate openings. The scope is broad, ranging from basic undershirts and tank tops (singlets) to fashion-forward T-shirts with various necklines (crew, V-neck, scoop) and embellishments. Key sub-categories include men's, women's, and children's T-shirts made from diverse materials like cotton, synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon), or blends. This classification is pivotal for trade compliance because it dictates applicable import duties, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to costly delays, penalties, or even goods seizure. Historically, T-shirts have evolved from military undergarments to ubiquitous casual wear, becoming a staple in fast fashion and sportswear, driving significant volumes in international trade. As a sub-heading within Chapter 61, which exclusively covers knitted or crocheted articles of apparel, 6109 emphasizes the manufacturing method, distinguishing these items from their woven counterparts found in Chapter 62. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for accurate customs declarations and navigating the complexities of textile trade regulations worldwide, ensuring smooth cross-border movement of these popular garments.
What products fall under HS code 6109?
Cotton crew neck t-shirts, polyester athletic t-shirts, graphic print t-shirts, V-neck t-shirts, long-sleeve knitted t-shirts, basic undershirts, ribbed tank tops, muscle shirts, athletic singlets, knitted camisoles, thermal vests, sleeveless undershirts, fashion vests, children's printed t-shirts, baby singlets, organic cotton t-shirts, performance compression singlets, scoop neck t-shirts, knitted polo undershirts, women's fashion vests, bamboo blend t-shirts, jersey knit t-shirts, activewear singlets, casual knitted vests, pigment-dyed t-shirts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6109?
A common mistake is confusing T-shirts under 6109 with woven shirts classified under 6205. The critical distinction lies in the manufacturing method: 6109 is strictly for knitted or crocheted garments, while 6205 covers woven shirts. Traders might also misclassify collared, button-front knitted shirts, which typically fall under 6105 (jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, etc., if they resemble a polo shirt) rather than the simpler T-shirt definition of 6109. Another error can occur with knitted vests intended as outerwear, which, depending on their style and purpose, might belong in 6110 (jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats) if they are more substantial and designed as a primary outer layer, as opposed to a basic singlet or undershirt.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6109?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6109 in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.9B, 17% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $9.7B) and Vietnam (about $3.6B). World exports came to about $58.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 6109?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6109 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.7B, 14% of world imports), Germany ($5.0B) and France ($2.7B). World imports came to about $49.5B, 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 6109 structured?
HS code 6109 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.