HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6112.31 – Swimwear; men's or boys', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted
HS code 6112.31 is the 6-digit subheading for swimwear, men's or boys', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted. It is used for polyester swim briefs, nylon blend swim trunks, spandex racing jammers, microfiber board shorts (knitted) and recycled synthetic swim shorts.
What HS 6112.31 covers
This category covers men's and boys' swimwear made from synthetic knitted or crocheted fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, or elastane blends. These materials are highly favored for their quick-drying properties, stretch, durability, and resistance to chlorine and saltwater, making them ideal for competitive swimming, beachwear, and various water sports. International trade is driven by seasonal demand, evolving fashion trends, and the global popularity of aquatic activities. Importers are typically countries with coastal tourism, strong sports cultures, or large consumer markets for swimwear, such as the US, Germany, and Australia. Exporters are often textile manufacturing hubs with expertise in synthetic fabric production and garment assembly, including China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Key trade factors include material performance, design, and brand appeal.
- Covers
- Polyester swim briefs
- Nylon blend swim trunks
- Spandex racing jammers
- Microfiber board shorts (knitted)
- Recycled synthetic swim shorts
- Performance knit swim boxers
- Lycra swim shorts
- Examples
- Speedo Endurance+ Jammers
- Arena Powerskin Carbon-Glide
- Nike Swim Volley Shorts
- Adidas Infinitex Swim Briefs
- Hurley Phantom Boardshorts
Codes often confused with 6112.31
Common mistake. Often confused with 611239 (men's/boys' swimwear of other textile materials) or 621111 (men's/boys' woven swimwear) if the fiber content or knitting method is not accurately identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 611231, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 611231 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, 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 $138M 35% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$35M 9.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Tunisia* ~$25M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $45M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $28M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $22M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $327M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 6112.31
Brazil does not split HS 6112.31: its NCM code is 6112.31.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 61.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6112.31
What is HS code 611231?
HS code 611231 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Swimwear; men's or boys', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted. This category covers men's and boys' swimwear made from synthetic knitted or crocheted fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, or elastane blends. These materials are highly favored for their quick-drying properties, stretch, durability, and resistance to chlorine and saltwater, making them ideal for competitive swimming, beachwear, and various water sports. International trade is driven by seasonal demand, evolving fashion trends, and the global popularity of aquatic activities. Importers are typically countries with coastal tourism, strong sports cultures, or large consumer markets for swimwear, such as the US, Germany, and Australia. Exporters are often textile manufacturing hubs with expertise in synthetic fabric production and garment assembly, including China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Key trade factors include material performance, design, and brand appeal.
What products fall under HS code 611231?
Polyester swim briefs, Nylon blend swim trunks, Spandex racing jammers, Microfiber board shorts (knitted), Recycled synthetic swim shorts, Performance knit swim boxers, Lycra swim shorts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 611231?
Often confused with 611239 (men's/boys' swimwear of other textile materials) or 621111 (men's/boys' woven swimwear) if the fiber content or knitting method is not accurately identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 611231?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 611231 in UN Comtrade data were China ($138M, 35% of world exports), Vietnam (about $35M) and Tunisia (about $25M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 611231?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 611231 in UN Comtrade data were France ($45M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($28M) and Italy ($22M). World imports came to about $327M, 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 611231 structured?
HS code 611231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 611231?
In Brazil, HS code 611231 is NCM 6112.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.