Product classification
HS code for Cotton sweater: 6110.20
Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
Classification of cotton sweater under HS 6110.20
The classification of cotton sweaters under HS code 6110.20 is determined by the manufacturing method and the primary material composition. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 61 covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are knitted or crocheted. Specifically, heading 6110 encompasses jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats, and similar articles. For a product to fall under subheading 6110.20, it must be predominantly composed of cotton by weight. This classification applies regardless of whether the garment is intended for men, women, or children, provided it meets the structural definition of a knitted upper-body garment. The distinction between knitted and woven fabrics is critical here; if the sweater were made from woven cotton fabric, it would likely be classified under Chapter 62. Furthermore, the presence of minor decorative elements or trims made of other materials does not typically alter the classification, provided the essential character of the garment remains a knitted cotton pullover or cardigan. Importers must ensure that the cotton content exceeds 50% by weight to maintain this classification, as blends with synthetic fibers or wool may shift the product to subheadings 6110.30 or 6110.11 respectively.
- Covers
- Knitted cotton pullovers
- Cotton cardigans with button or zip fronts
- Knitted cotton waistcoats
- Cotton jerseys and sweatshirts
- V-neck or crew-neck cotton sweaters
- Also under 6110.20
- Ralph Lauren Polo Cotton Sweater
- Tommy Hilfiger Cotton Cardigan
- Gap Cotton Crewneck
- Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Knit
Codes often confused with 6110.20
Common mistake. Cotton sweaters are frequently misclassified under HS code 6201 or 6202 if the customs broker fails to distinguish between knitted and woven construction. Woven garments belong in Chapter 62. Another common error is using 6110.30, which is reserved for man-made fibers, or 6110.11 for wool sweaters. If a sweater is made of a blend, the fiber that predominates by weight determines the subheading under GRI 3(b).
Top exporters and importers of HS 611020 (the code used for cotton sweater), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 611020 (the code used for cotton sweater) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 611020, not only cotton sweater.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.8B 19% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$4.9B 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$2.9B 9.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $30.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.3B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.8B 9.4% of world imports
- 3 France $1.4B 4.8% of world imports
World total: $29.3B 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.
Brazil NCM code for cotton sweater
Brazil classifies cotton sweater under NCM 6110.20.00: HS 6110.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton sweater
What is the HS code for Cotton sweater?
The HS code for Cotton sweater is 611020 (Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles; of cotton, knitted or crocheted). The primary HS code for a knitted or crocheted cotton sweater is 6110.20.
How do I classify Cotton sweater for customs?
Cotton sweater is classified under HS code 611020 — Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles; of cotton, knitted or crocheted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a cotton-polyester blend sweater use this code?
Only if the cotton content is greater than or equal to the polyester content by weight. If polyester predominates, it should be classified under 6110.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton sweater (HS 611020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 611020 (the code used for cotton sweater) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.8B, 19% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $4.9B) and Vietnam (about $2.9B). World exports came to about $30.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of cotton sweater (HS 611020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 611020 (the code used for cotton sweater) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.3B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($2.8B) and France ($1.4B). World imports came to about $29.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cotton sweater the same in all countries?
The base HS code 611020 for Cotton sweater 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 sweater in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton sweater (HS 611020) is classified under NCM 6110.20.00.