Product classification
HS code for Girdle: 6212.20
Girdles and panty-girdles, whether or not knitted or crocheted.
Classification of girdle under HS 6212.20
Girdles and panty-girdles are classified under HS code 6212.20. This classification is governed by the specific functional design of the garment, which is intended to provide support or shaping to the human body. Unlike standard undergarments found in Chapter 61 (knitted) or Chapter 62 (woven), heading 6212 is a specialized category that includes brassieres, girdles, corsets, and similar articles. A key feature of this heading is that it encompasses these items regardless of whether they are knitted, crocheted, or made of woven fabric. The classification under 6212.20 specifically targets articles where the primary purpose is body contouring or medical/post-surgical support, often characterized by the inclusion of elastic textiles, lace, or stiffening ribs. To qualify, the garment must exhibit significant compression or support characteristics that distinguish it from standard briefs or panties.
- Covers
- Traditional high-waist girdles
- Panty-girdles with integrated leg sections
- Post-surgical compression girdles
- Shapewear designed for abdominal control
- Open-bottom girdles with suspender attachments
- Also under 6212.20
- Spanx Power Series Girdle
- Bali Skimp Skamp Panty Girdle
- Maidenform Flexees Control Brief
- Wacoal Visual Effects Minimizer Girdle
- Jockey Skimmies Slipshort.
Codes often confused with 6212.20
Common mistake. Girdles are frequently misclassified under HS code 6108.22 (knitted synthetic briefs) or 6208.92 (woven synthetic vests/panties). The confusion arises because panty-girdles often resemble standard underwear. However, Note 2 to Chapter 62 and the Explanatory Notes for heading 6212 clarify that any garment designed to provide support or shape, even if knitted, must be classified under 6212. If the item lacks the structural support or high-elasticity tension required for shaping, it should be classified as standard underwear under 6108 or 6208.
Top exporters and importers of HS 621220 (the code used for girdle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621220 (the code used for girdle) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 621220, not only girdle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $135M 38% of world exports
- 2 Colombia $52M 15% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$40M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $358M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $81M 23% of world imports
- 2 Japan $50M 14% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $21M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $351M 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 girdle
Brazil classifies girdle under NCM 6212.20.00: HS 6212.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about girdle
What is the HS code for Girdle?
The HS code for Girdle is 621220 (Girdles and panty-girdles; whether or not knitted or crocheted). The HS code for girdles and panty-girdles is 6212.20, which covers these items whether they are knitted, crocheted, or woven.
How do I classify Girdle for customs?
Girdle is classified under HS code 621220 — Girdles and panty-girdles; whether or not knitted or crocheted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does shapewear always fall under 6212.20?
Not necessarily. Only shapewear that provides significant physical support or body-contouring through its construction (like girdles) falls here. Light-control camisoles or simple elastic leggings may be classified as standard apparel under 6109 or 6115 depending on their design.
Which countries are the top exporters of girdle (HS 621220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621220 (the code used for girdle) in UN Comtrade data were China ($135M, 38% of world exports), Colombia ($52M) and Vietnam (about $40M). World exports came to about $358M, 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 girdle (HS 621220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 621220 (the code used for girdle) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($81M, 23% of world imports), Japan ($50M) and Mexico ($21M). World imports came to about $351M, 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 Girdle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 621220 for Girdle 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 girdle in Brazil?
In Brazil, girdle (HS 621220) is classified under NCM 6212.20.00.