Product classification
HS code for Cotton knitwear: 6114.20
Garments, of cotton, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61.
Classification of cotton knitwear under HS 6114.20
Cotton knitwear that does not fit into specific categories like T-shirts, sweaters, or suits is classified under HS code 6114.20. Chapter 61 covers knitted or crocheted apparel. Heading 6114 is a \"residual\" or \"basket\" heading for \"other garments, knitted or crocheted.\" This means it includes clothing items that are not specifically named in headings 61.01 through 61.13. Subheading 6114.20 is specifically for such garments made of cotton. This often includes specialized workwear, traditional garments, or athletic apparel that does not meet the strict definitions of jerseys or tracksuits. The classification requires a process of elimination: if a cotton knitted garment cannot be classified as a T-shirt (6109), a pullover (6110), or a tracksuit (6112), it falls here. This classification is guided by the Section XI notes and the specific exclusions listed in the preceding headings of Chapter 61. It ensures that all knitted cotton apparel has a designated place in the nomenclature. The garments must be made-up, meaning they are ready for wear.
- Covers
- Cotton knitted aprons
- Cotton knitted smocks or tunics
- Knitted cotton sunsuits for infants (not in 6111)
- Specialized cotton knitted athletic tops (non-jersey)
- Knitted cotton clerical or traditional robes
- Also under 6114.20
- H&M Cotton Knit Cardigan
- Zara Cotton Knit Skirt
- Uniqlo Cotton Knit Vest
- Gap Cotton Knit Shorts
- ASOS Cotton Knit Jumpsuit
Codes often confused with 6114.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using HS code 6109.10, which is strictly for T-shirts and singlets of cotton. Another frequent error is 6110.20, which covers sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans; if the garment has a different structure, it belongs in 6114.20. Importers also mistakenly use 6211.42, which is for woven cotton garments, or 6112.11 for cotton tracksuits. It is vital to ensure the garment does not fit a more specific heading before defaulting to the residual 6114.20 code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 611420 (the code used for cotton knitwear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 611420 (the code used for cotton knitwear) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 611420, not only cotton knitwear.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $726M 29% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $271M 11% of world exports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$243M 9.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $392M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $235M 12% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $180M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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.
Brazil NCM code for cotton knitwear
Brazil classifies cotton knitwear under NCM 6114.20.00: HS 6114.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton knitwear
What is the HS code for Cotton knitwear?
The HS code for Cotton knitwear is 611420 (Garments; of cotton, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61). The HS code for other knitted cotton garments not elsewhere specified is 6114.20.
How do I classify Cotton knitwear for customs?
Cotton knitwear is classified under HS code 611420 — Garments; of cotton, knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in chapter 61. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why can't I use 6109 for all cotton knit tops?
HS code 6109 is specifically for T-shirts, singlets, and tank tops. Other types of knitted tops, such as specialized athletic wear or tunics, must use 6114.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton knitwear (HS 611420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 611420 (the code used for cotton knitwear) in UN Comtrade data were China ($726M, 29% of world exports), Malaysia ($271M) and Bangladesh (about $243M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 cotton knitwear (HS 611420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 611420 (the code used for cotton knitwear) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($392M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($235M) and Malaysia ($180M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cotton knitwear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 611420 for Cotton knitwear 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 cotton knitwear in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton knitwear (HS 611420) is classified under NCM 6114.20.00.