HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 61.15 – Hosiery; panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted
What HS 61.15 covers
Heading 6115 is dedicated to 'Hosiery; panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted.' This classification covers an extensive array of leg and foot coverings, all characterized by their knitted or crocheted construction. The scope is broad, ranging from everyday socks and pantyhose to specialized items like medical-grade graduated compression hosiery, which provides therapeutic benefits for conditions such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis. A unique inclusion is 'footwear without applied soles,' referring to knitted or crocheted items like slipper socks that lack a separate, durable sole, distinguishing them from traditional footwear in Chapter 64. Key sub-categories include sheer hosiery, opaque tights, athletic socks, dress socks, infant booties, and various types of medical compression wear. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to varying duty rates and regulatory requirements, particularly for medical hosiery which may be subject to health product standards. The distinction between general hosiery and medical hosiery often impacts customs valuation and import restrictions. Historically, hosiery has been a significant segment of the textile industry, evolving from basic functional items to fashion statements and specialized health products, with 6115 reflecting this diverse market.
- Covers
- Panty hose
- Sheer tights
- Opaque tights
- Ankle socks
- Crew socks
- Knee-high socks
- Thigh-high stockings
- Casual socks
- Dress socks
- Athletic socks
- Compression socks
- Graduated compression stockings
- Medical compression hosiery
- Anti-embolism stockings
- Diabetic socks
- Infant booties (knitted)
- Slipper socks (without applied soles)
- Leg warmers (knitted)
- Yoga socks (knitted)
- Toe socks
- Patterned tights
- Fishnet stockings
- Thermal socks
- Fuzzy socks
- Wool socks
- Cotton socks
- Examples
A large US department store chain imports thousands of dozens of women's sheer pantyhose and opaque tights from factories in Italy and China, transported via ocean freight to major distribution centers. A specialized medical supply company in Germany exports graduated compression stockings for varicose veins to hospitals and pharmacies across the European Union and North America, often using air cargo for expedited delivery due to demand. A Japanese sports brand imports high-performance athletic socks with moisture-wicking properties from Vietnam, distributing them to sportswear retailers throughout Asia. An online retailer based in the UK sources various novelty and patterned socks from Turkish manufacturers, catering to a diverse consumer base. A Canadian baby products company imports knitted infant booties and slipper socks from Bangladesh, targeting the comfort and safety aspects for newborns.
Subheadings under 61.15 9
Codes often confused with 61.15
Common mistake. Traders often misclassify 'footwear without applied soles' under Chapter 64 (Footwear), which is incorrect for knitted items lacking a distinct sole. Similarly, medical compression hosiery might be mistakenly classified as medical devices (Chapter 90) if its therapeutic function is overemphasized, rather than its primary identity as knitted hosiery. Another common error is confusing specific types of hosiery with other knitted garments; for example, knitted leg warmers could be misclassified under 6117 (Clothing accessories) instead of 6115 if their primary function is seen as an accessory rather than hosiery. The key is to remember the 'knitted or crocheted' material and the specific items listed or implied as hosiery, including those with therapeutic properties, and the unique 'footwear without applied soles' clause.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6115, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6115 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 $6.7B 42% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $1.2B 7.2% of world exports
- 3 Germany $943M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $16.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.4B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $866M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $14.3B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 61.15
What is HS code 6115?
HS code 6115 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hosiery; panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted. Heading 6115 is dedicated to 'Hosiery; panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted.' This classification covers an extensive array of leg and foot coverings, all characterized by their knitted or crocheted construction. The scope is broad, ranging from everyday socks and pantyhose to specialized items like medical-grade graduated compression hosiery, which provides therapeutic benefits for conditions such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis. A unique inclusion is 'footwear without applied soles,' referring to knitted or crocheted items like slipper socks that lack a separate, durable sole, distinguishing them from traditional footwear in Chapter 64. Key sub-categories include sheer hosiery, opaque tights, athletic socks, dress socks, infant booties, and various types of medical compression wear. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to varying duty rates and regulatory requirements, particularly for medical hosiery which may be subject to health product standards. The distinction between general hosiery and medical hosiery often impacts customs valuation and import restrictions. Historically, hosiery has been a significant segment of the textile industry, evolving from basic functional items to fashion statements and specialized health products, with 6115 reflecting this diverse market.
What products fall under HS code 6115?
Panty hose, sheer tights, opaque tights, ankle socks, crew socks, knee-high socks, thigh-high stockings, casual socks, dress socks, athletic socks, compression socks, graduated compression stockings, medical compression hosiery, anti-embolism stockings, diabetic socks, infant booties (knitted), slipper socks (without applied soles), leg warmers (knitted), yoga socks (knitted), toe socks, patterned tights, fishnet stockings, thermal socks, fuzzy socks, wool socks, cotton socks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6115?
Traders often misclassify 'footwear without applied soles' under Chapter 64 (Footwear), which is incorrect for knitted items lacking a distinct sole. Similarly, medical compression hosiery might be mistakenly classified as medical devices (Chapter 90) if its therapeutic function is overemphasized, rather than its primary identity as knitted hosiery. Another common error is confusing specific types of hosiery with other knitted garments; for example, knitted leg warmers could be misclassified under 6117 (Clothing accessories) instead of 6115 if their primary function is seen as an accessory rather than hosiery. The key is to remember the 'knitted or crocheted' material and the specific items listed or implied as hosiery, including those with therapeutic properties, and the unique 'footwear without applied soles' clause.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6115?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6115 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.7B, 42% of world exports), Türkiye ($1.2B) and Germany ($943M). World exports came to about $16.0B, 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 6115?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6115 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Japan ($866M). World imports came to about $14.3B, 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 6115 structured?
HS code 6115 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.