About HS Code 6115
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.
Products Under This Code
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
Real World 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.
Common Misclassification
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.
Subheadings 9
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
China remains a dominant exporter of hosiery globally, alongside Turkey, Italy, and Pakistan, known for both mass-market and specialized products. Major importers include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan, driven by high consumer demand. Trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or specific bilateral agreements can offer reduced tariffs for hosiery, impacting sourcing decisions. For medical compression hosiery, additional regulations such as FDA approval in the US or CE marking in the EU are critical, often influencing the choice of manufacturing and exporting countries. Duties can vary significantly based on material composition (e.g., synthetic vs. cotton) and whether the hosiery is considered medical grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 trade the most under HS code 6115?
China remains a dominant exporter of hosiery globally, alongside Turkey, Italy, and Pakistan, known for both mass-market and specialized products. Major importers include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan, driven by high consumer demand. Trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or specific bilateral agreements can offer reduced tariffs for hosiery, impacting sourcing decisions. For medical compression hosiery, additional regulations such as FDA approval in the US or CE marking in the EU are critical, often influencing the choice of manufacturing and exporting countries. Duties can vary significantly based on material composition (e.g., synthetic vs. cotton) and whether the hosiery is considered medical grade.
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.