Product classification
HS code for Braces: 6212.90
Braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles, whether or not knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in heading no. 6212.
Classification of braces under HS 6212.90
Braces, also known as suspenders, are classified under HS code 6212.90. This heading covers a variety of body-supporting or garment-supporting articles, including brassieres, girdles, and garters. Specifically, 6212.90 is a residual category for articles in this heading other than brassieres, girdles, or corsets. Unlike most apparel in Chapter 62, articles in heading 6212 are included here regardless of whether they are knitted, crocheted, or woven. The classification is based on the function of the item as an accessory designed to hold up clothing or support parts of the body. Braces typically consist of straps, often elasticated, that pass over the shoulders to hold up trousers. The material can vary from textile webbing to leather combinations, but the functional design remains the primary determinant for this HS code.
- Covers
- Men's and boys' trouser braces
- Elasticated suspenders
- Leather-ended textile braces
- Garters for socks or stockings
- Armbands (sleeve suspenders)
- Also under 6212.90
- Trafalgar suspenders
- Brooks Brothers braces
- Jockey shirt stays
- Calvin Klein garters
- Dickies work suspenders
Codes often confused with 6212.90
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is 6217.10, which covers other made-up clothing accessories. However, because braces are specifically mentioned in the text of heading 6212, that heading takes precedence. Another critical error is confusing apparel braces with orthopedic braces, which are classified under 9021.10. Orthopedic braces are medical devices used to support or hold parts of the body following injury or surgery, whereas 6212.90 is strictly for fashion or general support accessories.
Top exporters and importers of HS 621290 (the code used for braces), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621290 (the code used for braces) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 621290, not only braces.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $241M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $88M 11% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $64M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $814M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $210M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $106M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $58M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $894M 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.
Brazil NCM code for braces
Brazil classifies braces under NCM 6212.90.00: HS 6212.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about braces
What is the HS code for Braces?
The HS code for Braces is 621290 (Braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles; whether or not knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in heading no. 6212). The HS code for clothing braces and suspenders is 6212.90.
How do I classify Braces for customs?
Braces is classified under HS code 621290 — Braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles; whether or not knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in heading no. 6212. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are leather braces classified differently?
No, even if they contain leather parts, if they function as suspenders/braces, they are generally classified under 6212.90 as clothing accessories of this type.
Which countries are the top exporters of braces (HS 621290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621290 (the code used for braces) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($241M, 30% of world exports), China ($88M) and Hong Kong ($64M). World exports came to about $814M, 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 braces (HS 621290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 621290 (the code used for braces) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($210M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($106M) and Germany ($58M). World imports came to about $894M, 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.
Is the HS code for Braces the same in all countries?
The base HS code 621290 for Braces is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for braces in Brazil?
In Brazil, braces (HS 621290) is classified under NCM 6212.90.00.