HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 62 – Apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted
What HS 62 covers
Chapter 62 of the Harmonized System encompasses a vast array of apparel and clothing accessories that are *not knitted or crocheted*. This critical distinction from Chapter 61 (which covers knitted or crocheted garments) is paramount for accurate classification. This chapter includes ready-made garments for men, women, and children, crafted from woven, non-woven, felt, or other textile materials. Its scope extends from everyday wear like denim jeans, cotton shirts, and linen dresses to more specialized items such as industrial work overalls, waterproof raincoats, and formal suits. Beyond full garments, it also covers a wide range of non-knit clothing accessories, including ties, scarves, gloves, belts, and handkerchiefs. Correct classification under Chapter 62 is indispensable for international trade compliance. It directly impacts the determination of applicable tariffs, import duties, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements (e.g., Free Trade Agreements, Generalized System of Preferences). Misclassification can lead to significant customs penalties, shipment delays, and lost trade opportunities. Historically, woven garments have been a cornerstone of global commerce, reflecting evolving fashion trends, shifts in manufacturing hubs (e.g., from Europe/North America to Asia), and the rise of fast fashion. The industry is characterized by complex global supply chains and intense competition. Major headings within this chapter categorize specific garment types, such as men's overcoats (6201), women's suits and dresses (6204), men's shirts (6205), tracksuits and ski-suits (6211), brassieres and corsets (6212), and various clothing accessories (6214, 6217). Understanding these specific headings is key to navigating the chapter effectively.
- Covers
- Men's woven suits
- Women's woven blazers
- Denim jeans
- Cotton twill chinos
- Silk blouses
- Linen dresses
- Wool overcoats
- Polyester raincoats
- Industrial work overalls
- Hospital scrubs (woven)
- School uniforms (woven)
- Men's woven dress shirts
- Women's woven skirts
- Silk ties
- Leather belts (textile-covered)
- Woven scarves
- Cotton handkerchiefs
- Woven gloves
- Baby rompers (non-knit)
- Woven brassieres
- Corsets (non-knit)
- Waistcoats (non-knit)
- Tracksuits (woven material)
- Woven bathrobes
- Woven dressing gowns
- Examples
A US-based fashion brand imports 50,000 units of women's woven cotton blouses (HS 6206.30) from a factory in Vietnam to its distribution center in Los Angeles via ocean freight. The company leverages the US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement to benefit from reduced tariffs, meticulously ensuring origin rules are met. Another scenario involves a German retailer exporting high-end men's woven wool suits (HS 6203.11) manufactured in Italy to boutiques in Japan and South Korea. These shipments often travel via air freight for speed, and the exporter ensures compliance with specific labeling requirements and import duties of the respective Asian markets, utilizing EU-Japan EPA and EU-Korea FTA where applicable. Furthermore, a large apparel manufacturer in Bangladesh ships bulk orders of woven denim jeans (HS 6203.42) to major retailers in the European Union. These large volume shipments typically move by sea, and the Bangladeshi exporter benefits from GSP (Generalized Scheme of Preferences) arrangements with the EU, requiring strict adherence to rules of origin to qualify for duty-free access or reduced tariffs. Lastly, a company in China exports waterproof polyester raincoats (HS 6201.93) to various distributors in Canada. The goods are shipped via ocean freight through Vancouver, and the importer must classify them correctly to apply the appropriate Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rates, as no specific FTA might apply for this product between China and Canada.
Headings in chapter 62 17
Codes often confused with 62
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for goods in Chapter 62 occurs with Chapter 61 ('Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted'). Traders frequently overlook the crucial distinction between woven and knitted/crocheted fabrics. For instance, a woven cotton t-shirt falls under Chapter 62 (e.g., 6205), whereas a knitted cotton t-shirt belongs to Chapter 61 (e.g., 6109); the method of fabric construction is the sole determinant. Another common error involves Chapter 63 ('Other made up textile articles'), which covers items like blankets, bed linen, or sacks that are made-up textiles but not apparel. A woven textile apron used in a kitchen, for example, would typically be 6304, not 6211, as it's not considered clothing in the HS context. Confusion also arises with Chapter 42 ('Articles of leather; travel goods') for clothing accessories. A belt predominantly made of leather, even with a textile lining, is usually 4203.30, while a textile belt with a minor leather buckle would remain in Chapter 62 (e.g., 6217.10), often applying the 'essential character' rule.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 62, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 62 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $64.0B 25% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$25.8B 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$21.1B 8.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $261.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $35.1B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $22.5B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 France $13.7B 6.0% of world imports
World total: $228.6B 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 62
What is HS code 62?
HS code 62 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Apparel and clothing accessories; not knitted or crocheted. Chapter 62 of the Harmonized System encompasses a vast array of apparel and clothing accessories that are *not knitted or crocheted*. This critical distinction from Chapter 61 (which covers knitted or crocheted garments) is paramount for accurate classification. This chapter includes ready-made garments for men, women, and children, crafted from woven, non-woven, felt, or other textile materials. Its scope extends from everyday wear like denim jeans, cotton shirts, and linen dresses to more specialized items such as industrial work overalls, waterproof raincoats, and formal suits. Beyond full garments, it also covers a wide range of non-knit clothing accessories, including ties, scarves, gloves, belts, and handkerchiefs. Correct classification under Chapter 62 is indispensable for international trade compliance. It directly impacts the determination of applicable tariffs, import duties, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements (e.g., Free Trade Agreements, Generalized System of Preferences). Misclassification can lead to significant customs penalties, shipment delays, and lost trade opportunities. Historically, woven garments have been a cornerstone of global commerce, reflecting evolving fashion trends, shifts in manufacturing hubs (e.g., from Europe/North America to Asia), and the rise of fast fashion. The industry is characterized by complex global supply chains and intense competition. Major headings within this chapter categorize specific garment types, such as men's overcoats (6201), women's suits and dresses (6204), men's shirts (6205), tracksuits and ski-suits (6211), brassieres and corsets (6212), and various clothing accessories (6214, 6217). Understanding these specific headings is key to navigating the chapter effectively.
What products fall under HS code 62?
Men's woven suits, Women's woven blazers, Denim jeans, Cotton twill chinos, Silk blouses, Linen dresses, Wool overcoats, Polyester raincoats, Industrial work overalls, Hospital scrubs (woven), School uniforms (woven), Men's woven dress shirts, Women's woven skirts, Silk ties, Leather belts (textile-covered), Woven scarves, Cotton handkerchiefs, Woven gloves, Baby rompers (non-knit), Woven brassieres, Corsets (non-knit), Waistcoats (non-knit), Tracksuits (woven material), Woven bathrobes, Woven dressing gowns
What are common misclassifications for HS code 62?
The most common misclassification for goods in Chapter 62 occurs with Chapter 61 ('Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted'). Traders frequently overlook the crucial distinction between woven and knitted/crocheted fabrics. For instance, a woven cotton t-shirt falls under Chapter 62 (e.g., 6205), whereas a knitted cotton t-shirt belongs to Chapter 61 (e.g., 6109); the method of fabric construction is the sole determinant. Another common error involves Chapter 63 ('Other made up textile articles'), which covers items like blankets, bed linen, or sacks that are made-up textiles but not apparel. A woven textile apron used in a kitchen, for example, would typically be 6304, not 6211, as it's not considered clothing in the HS context. Confusion also arises with Chapter 42 ('Articles of leather; travel goods') for clothing accessories. A belt predominantly made of leather, even with a textile lining, is usually 4203.30, while a textile belt with a minor leather buckle would remain in Chapter 62 (e.g., 6217.10), often applying the 'essential character' rule.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 62?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 62 in UN Comtrade data were China ($64.0B, 25% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $25.8B) and Vietnam (about $21.1B). World exports came to about $261.0B, 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 62?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 62 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($35.1B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($22.5B) and France ($13.7B). World imports came to about $228.6B, 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 62 structured?
HS code 62 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.