HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 61.16 – Gloves, mittens and mitts; knitted or crocheted
What HS 61.16 covers
Heading 6116 specifically covers 'Gloves, mittens and mitts; knitted or crocheted.' This classification is straightforward, focusing on hand coverings made exclusively from knitted or crocheted textile materials. Its scope includes a wide variety of items designed to protect, warm, or adorn the hands, from simple everyday gloves to more specialized types. The key defining characteristic is the manufacturing process – knitting or crocheting – which results in a flexible, often stretchy fabric structure, differentiating these items from gloves made of woven fabrics, leather, or other materials. Sub-categories within this heading are not formally delineated but encompass various functional and stylistic types: winter gloves, fashion gloves, fingerless gloves, work gloves (if knitted and not specialized for industrial protection under other chapters), and children's mittens. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 6116 is essential to ensure correct duty assessment, as the duty rates for knitted gloves can differ significantly from those for gloves made of other materials or those intended for specific industrial uses. The global trade of knitted gloves is substantial, driven by seasonal demand for warmth and fashion trends. This heading is a clear example of how the HS system distinguishes products based on their fundamental manufacturing process and material within the broader category of clothing accessories, reinforcing Chapter 61's focus on knitted and crocheted articles.
- Covers
- Knitted winter gloves
- Crocheted fashion gloves
- Knitted wool mittens
- Crocheted fingerless gloves
- Knitted ski gloves
- Knitted work gloves (general purpose)
- Knitted driving gloves
- Knitted cycling gloves
- Knitted children's gloves
- Crocheted lace gloves
- Knitted thermal gloves
- Knitted touchscreen gloves
- Knitted gardening gloves
- Knitted liners for other gloves
- Knitted convertible mittens
- Knitted texting gloves
- Knitted sports gloves
- Knitted dress gloves
- Knitted novelty gloves
- Knitted cashmere gloves
- Knitted cotton gloves
- Knitted synthetic gloves
- Knitted fleece gloves
- Knitted wrist warmers (integrated with glove)
- Knitted snowboard gloves
- Examples
A major sporting goods retailer in Canada imports thousands of pairs of knitted wool mittens and ski gloves from manufacturers in China and Bangladesh, shipped via ocean freight to Vancouver for distribution across North America. A high-end fashion boutique in France sources intricately crocheted lace gloves and knitted cashmere gloves from artisan workshops in Italy, primarily using air freight for their premium items. An outdoor equipment supplier in the United States imports durable knitted work gloves from Mexico for construction and gardening use, benefiting from USMCA trade agreements. A Japanese accessory brand exports innovative knitted touchscreen gloves to markets in Europe and the US, known for their technological integration. A German company imports thermal knitted gloves from Turkey, catering to winter markets across Central and Eastern Europe.
Subheadings under 61.16 5
Codes often confused with 61.16
Common mistake. A common misclassification error is confusing knitted gloves with gloves made from woven fabrics, which fall under 6216 (Gloves, mittens and mitts, of textile materials, not knitted or crocheted). Another mistake involves industrial or specialized protective gloves made of materials like leather (4203), rubber (4015), or plastics (3926), which are often incorrectly grouped with textile gloves. For instance, a knitted glove coated with rubber for industrial use might be incorrectly placed in 6116 if the coating's primary function is overlooked. The key differentiator for 6116 is the 'knitted or crocheted' construction of the primary textile material, and the absence of features that would classify it as specialized protective gear outside of general textile articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6116, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6116 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 $2.9B 49% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$459M 7.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Sri Lanka $398M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $5.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $463M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $388M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 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 61.16
What is HS code 6116?
HS code 6116 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Gloves, mittens and mitts; knitted or crocheted. Heading 6116 specifically covers 'Gloves, mittens and mitts; knitted or crocheted.' This classification is straightforward, focusing on hand coverings made exclusively from knitted or crocheted textile materials. Its scope includes a wide variety of items designed to protect, warm, or adorn the hands, from simple everyday gloves to more specialized types. The key defining characteristic is the manufacturing process – knitting or crocheting – which results in a flexible, often stretchy fabric structure, differentiating these items from gloves made of woven fabrics, leather, or other materials. Sub-categories within this heading are not formally delineated but encompass various functional and stylistic types: winter gloves, fashion gloves, fingerless gloves, work gloves (if knitted and not specialized for industrial protection under other chapters), and children's mittens. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 6116 is essential to ensure correct duty assessment, as the duty rates for knitted gloves can differ significantly from those for gloves made of other materials or those intended for specific industrial uses. The global trade of knitted gloves is substantial, driven by seasonal demand for warmth and fashion trends. This heading is a clear example of how the HS system distinguishes products based on their fundamental manufacturing process and material within the broader category of clothing accessories, reinforcing Chapter 61's focus on knitted and crocheted articles.
What products fall under HS code 6116?
Knitted winter gloves, crocheted fashion gloves, knitted wool mittens, crocheted fingerless gloves, knitted ski gloves, knitted work gloves (general purpose), knitted driving gloves, knitted cycling gloves, knitted children's gloves, crocheted lace gloves, knitted thermal gloves, knitted touchscreen gloves, knitted gardening gloves, knitted liners for other gloves, knitted convertible mittens, knitted texting gloves, knitted sports gloves, knitted dress gloves, knitted novelty gloves, knitted cashmere gloves, knitted cotton gloves, knitted synthetic gloves, knitted fleece gloves, knitted wrist warmers (integrated with glove), knitted snowboard gloves
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6116?
A common misclassification error is confusing knitted gloves with gloves made from woven fabrics, which fall under 6216 (Gloves, mittens and mitts, of textile materials, not knitted or crocheted). Another mistake involves industrial or specialized protective gloves made of materials like leather (4203), rubber (4015), or plastics (3926), which are often incorrectly grouped with textile gloves. For instance, a knitted glove coated with rubber for industrial use might be incorrectly placed in 6116 if the coating's primary function is overlooked. The key differentiator for 6116 is the 'knitted or crocheted' construction of the primary textile material, and the absence of features that would classify it as specialized protective gear outside of general textile articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6116?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6116 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 49% of world exports), Vietnam (about $459M) and Sri Lanka ($398M). World exports came to about $5.9B, 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 6116?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6116 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 21% of world imports), Germany ($463M) and Japan ($388M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 6116 structured?
HS code 6116 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (61) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.