About HS Code 6309
Heading 6309 specifically covers 'worn clothing and other worn articles' of textile materials. This classification is distinct from new textile articles (Chapters 61, 62, or other 63 headings) and also from textile waste (6310). The defining characteristic is that the items have been used, worn, or laundered, and are typically imported for purposes such as resale as second-hand goods, donation, repurposing, or eventual recycling. This includes a vast range of used garments, from shirts and trousers to coats and dresses, as well as worn household textiles like bed linen, towels, and curtains. It's a critical heading for the global second-hand clothing trade, which plays a significant role in circular economy initiatives, waste management, and providing affordable clothing options in many parts of the world. For trade compliance, distinguishing 'worn' from 'new' (even factory seconds or surplus) is paramount, as it drastically impacts tariffs, import restrictions, and regulatory requirements (e.g., sanitation certificates). This heading reflects a unique stage in the lifecycle of textile products within Chapter 63's broader scope of made-up textile articles.
Products Under This Code
Worn men's shirts, used women's dresses, second-hand denim jeans, worn sweaters, used children's clothing, worn coats and jackets, used bed linen, worn bath towels, second-hand curtains, used blankets, worn textile footwear, used textile handbags, worn textile scarves, second-hand hats and caps, used textile gloves, worn textile underwear, used textile socks, worn textile tablecloths, used textile napkins, worn textile rags (sorted, not industrial waste), used textile uniforms, worn textile sports apparel, used textile accessories, worn textile sleeping bags, used textile cushions.
Real World Examples
A textile recycling company in Ghana imports large bales of sorted worn clothing from donation centers in the United States, which are then processed for resale in local markets or for further sorting into specific textile grades. A vintage clothing dealer in Japan specializes in importing unique worn denim jackets and branded T-shirts from consignments collected across European countries like the UK and Germany, catering to a niche fashion market. Charitable organizations regularly ship containers of mixed worn articles, including clothing and household linens, from Canada to developing nations in Africa and the Caribbean for humanitarian aid and community distribution.
Common Misclassification
The most common misclassification is confusing worn articles with new clothing (Chapters 61 or 62) or with textile waste and rags (6310). If clothing is new, even if factory seconds, surplus, or unsold inventory, it still falls under Chapters 61 or 62. Heading 6310 is specifically for rags, scrap twine, cordage, etc., intended for industrial use or raw material for recycling, not for direct resale as worn articles. The key differentiator for 6309 is that the items are genuinely 'worn' and typically imported for reuse as clothing or household items, not primarily for material recovery.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of worn clothing and articles under HS 6309 are primarily developed nations such as the USA, EU countries, the UK, and Canada, which generate significant volumes of used textiles. The largest importers are developing countries in Africa (e.g., Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania), Asia (e.g., Pakistan, India), and Eastern Europe, where there is a strong demand for affordable second-hand goods. Import regulations and tariffs on worn clothing can be complex and vary widely, often influenced by local industry protection policies, environmental concerns, or public health regulations. Some countries have outright bans or high duties to protect domestic textile industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6309?
HS code 6309 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textiles; worn clothing and other worn articles. Heading 6309 specifically covers 'worn clothing and other worn articles' of textile materials. This classification is distinct from new textile articles (Chapters 61, 62, or other 63 headings) and also from textile waste (6310). The defining characteristic is that the items have been used, worn, or laundered, and are typically imported for purposes such as resale as second-hand goods, donation, repurposing, or eventual recycling. This includes a vast range of used garments, from shirts and trousers to coats and dresses, as well as worn household textiles like bed linen, towels, and curtains. It's a critical heading for the global second-hand clothing trade, which plays a significant role in circular economy initiatives, waste management, and providing affordable clothing options in many parts of the world. For trade compliance, distinguishing 'worn' from 'new' (even factory seconds or surplus) is paramount, as it drastically impacts tariffs, import restrictions, and regulatory requirements (e.g., sanitation certificates). This heading reflects a unique stage in the lifecycle of textile products within Chapter 63's broader scope of made-up textile articles.
What products fall under HS code 6309?
Worn men's shirts, used women's dresses, second-hand denim jeans, worn sweaters, used children's clothing, worn coats and jackets, used bed linen, worn bath towels, second-hand curtains, used blankets, worn textile footwear, used textile handbags, worn textile scarves, second-hand hats and caps, used textile gloves, worn textile underwear, used textile socks, worn textile tablecloths, used textile napkins, worn textile rags (sorted, not industrial waste), used textile uniforms, worn textile sports apparel, used textile accessories, worn textile sleeping bags, used textile cushions.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6309?
The most common misclassification is confusing worn articles with new clothing (Chapters 61 or 62) or with textile waste and rags (6310). If clothing is new, even if factory seconds, surplus, or unsold inventory, it still falls under Chapters 61 or 62. Heading 6310 is specifically for rags, scrap twine, cordage, etc., intended for industrial use or raw material for recycling, not for direct resale as worn articles. The key differentiator for 6309 is that the items are genuinely 'worn' and typically imported for reuse as clothing or household items, not primarily for material recovery.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6309?
Major exporters of worn clothing and articles under HS 6309 are primarily developed nations such as the USA, EU countries, the UK, and Canada, which generate significant volumes of used textiles. The largest importers are developing countries in Africa (e.g., Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania), Asia (e.g., Pakistan, India), and Eastern Europe, where there is a strong demand for affordable second-hand goods. Import regulations and tariffs on worn clothing can be complex and vary widely, often influenced by local industry protection policies, environmental concerns, or public health regulations. Some countries have outright bans or high duties to protect domestic textile industries.
How is HS code 6309 structured?
HS code 6309 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 63 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (63) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.