Product classification
HS code for Men's cotton shorts: 6203.42
Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts, men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted).
Classification of men's cotton shorts under HS 6203.42
Men's cotton shorts are classified under HS code 6203.42 because they fall within Chapter 62, which covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted. Heading 6203 specifically addresses men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, and shorts. The classification process begins by determining the construction of the garment; if the fabric is woven rather than knitted, Chapter 62 is appropriate. Within heading 6203, the code is further subdivided by the type of garment and the primary textile material. Subheading 6203.42 is reserved for trousers and shorts made predominantly of cotton. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these shorts are made of cotton and are woven, they meet the specific criteria for this code. The determination of cotton usually requires the material to be at least 50% cotton by weight, or the chief weight if blended with other fibers, following the guidelines in Section XI of the Harmonized System. Furthermore, the garment must be designed to cover the lower part of the body, encircling each leg separately but not covering the entire leg, which distinguishes shorts from trousers in a technical sense, though they share the same four-digit heading.
- Covers
- Woven cotton cargo shorts
- Denim shorts (cotton-based)
- Cotton chino shorts
- Woven cotton athletic shorts
- Bermuda shorts made of woven cotton fabric
- Cotton corduroy shorts
- Also under 6203.42
- Levi's cotton chinos
- Dockers khakis
- Carhartt cotton work pants
- Gap cotton shorts
- Uniqlo cotton trousers
Codes often confused with 6203.42
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these items under 6103.42, which is reserved for knitted or crocheted cotton shorts. The distinction between woven (6203) and knitted (6103) is fundamental in textile classification. Another common mistake is using 6203.43, which applies to shorts made of synthetic fibers like polyester, or 6211.11, which is specifically for swimwear. If the shorts have a built-in liner and are primarily designed for swimming, 6211.11 is the correct code regardless of the cotton content.
Top exporters and importers of HS 620342 (the code used for men's cotton shorts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 620342 (the code used for men's cotton shorts) in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 620342, not only men's cotton shorts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$6.9B 25% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $3.9B 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.5B 9.1% of world exports
World total: $27.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.4B 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.3B 14% of world imports
- 3 France $1.5B 6.0% of world imports
World total: $24.2B 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 men's cotton shorts
Brazil classifies men's cotton shorts under NCM 6203.42.00: HS 6203.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about men's cotton shorts
What is the HS code for Men's cotton shorts?
The HS code for Men's cotton shorts is 620342 (Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)). The standard HS code for men's woven cotton shorts is 6203.42.
How do I classify Men's cotton shorts for customs?
Men's cotton shorts is classified under HS code 620342 — Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 6103.42 and 6203.42?
The distinction lies in the fabric construction. Code 6103.42 is for knitted or crocheted fabrics (stretchy, interlocking loops), while 6203.42 is for woven fabrics (stable, interlaced warp and weft yarns).
Which countries are the top exporters of men's cotton shorts (HS 620342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 620342 (the code used for men's cotton shorts) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $6.9B, 25% of world exports), China ($3.9B) and Germany ($2.5B). World exports came to about $27.2B, 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 men's cotton shorts (HS 620342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 620342 (the code used for men's cotton shorts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($3.3B) and France ($1.5B). World imports came to about $24.2B, 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 Men's cotton shorts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 620342 for Men's cotton shorts 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 men's cotton shorts in Brazil?
In Brazil, men's cotton shorts (HS 620342) is classified under NCM 6203.42.00.