Product classification

HS code for Garters: 6212.90

Braces, suspenders, garters and similar articles, whether or not knitted or crocheted, n.e.c. in heading no. 6212.

Classification of garters under HS 6212.90

Garters are classified under HS code 6212.90. This classification is governed by the specific nomenclature of heading 6212, which includes brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters, and similar articles. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), products specifically named in a heading must be classified there regardless of their material composition, provided they are not excluded by other notes. Garters are designed to hold up stockings or socks and are typically made of elasticized fabric or webbing with fasteners. Even if these items are knitted or crocheted, they remain in heading 6212 because the heading explicitly includes "whether or not knitted or crocheted." Subheading 6212.90 serves as the residual category for all items in this heading that are not brassieres, girdles, or corsets. This classification ensures that all support-related clothing accessories are grouped together for customs and statistical purposes.

Covers
  • Men's sock garters
  • Women's stocking garters
  • Sleeve garters (armbands)
  • Suspender belts (if not part of a girdle)
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. Garters are often misclassified under HS code 6117, which covers other made-up clothing accessories that are knitted or crocheted. However, because garters are specifically named in heading 6212, that heading takes precedence. Another common error is using 6217, which is for other made-up clothing accessories not elsewhere specified. Since garters are specified in 6212, 6217 is incorrect. Additionally, simple elastic bands not finished with fasteners or specifically constructed as garters might be classified under the material of the elastic (e.g., Chapter 59 or 60).

Top exporters and importers of HS 621290 (the code used for garters), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621290 (the code used for garters) 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 garters.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Morocco $241M
  2. 2 China $88M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $64M

World total: $814M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $210M
  2. 2 United States $106M
  3. 3 Germany $58M

World total: $894M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

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 garters

Brazil classifies garters 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 garters

What is the HS code for Garters?

The HS code for Garters 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 garters and similar articles is 6212.90.

How do I classify Garters for customs?

Garters is classified under HS code 621290 โ€” 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.

Does the material (knitted vs. woven) change the HS code for garters?

No, heading 6212 specifically includes articles whether they are knitted, crocheted, or woven.

Which countries are the top exporters of garters (HS 621290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621290 (the code used for garters) 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 garters (HS 621290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 621290 (the code used for garters) 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 Garters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 621290 for Garters 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 garters in Brazil?

In Brazil, garters (HS 621290) is classified under NCM 6212.90.00.