Product classification

HS code for Panty girdle: 6212.20

Girdles and panty-girdles, whether or not knitted or crocheted.

Classification of panty girdle under HS 6212.20

The classification of a panty girdle under HS code 6212.20 is determined by its primary function as a body-supporting garment. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 6212 encompasses articles designed to support or hold certain parts of the body or to provide a slimming effect. Unlike standard undergarments, panty girdles are constructed with a significant proportion of elastomeric yarn or are made of woven fabrics that provide compression. This specific subheading, 6212.20, is dedicated to girdles and panty-girdles, regardless of whether they are knitted or crocheted, which is a notable exception to the usual division between Chapter 61 (knitted) and Chapter 62 (woven). The classification remains here because the structural support function overrides the material construction method. Customs authorities look for reinforced panels, high elastic content, and specific tailoring designed to contour the torso and hips. The garment must provide more than just coverage; it must exert a physical force to shape the wearer's silhouette to qualify under this specific code.

Covers
  • High-waisted control panty girdles
  • Seamless shaping panty girdles
  • Open-bottom girdles with panty attachments
  • Post-surgical compression panty girdles
  • Reinforced abdominal support panties
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. Panty girdles are frequently misclassified under HS code 6108.22 (knitted synthetic panties) or 6208.92 (woven synthetic panties). The confusion arises because both products are worn as undergarments. However, the distinction lies in the degree of support. If the garment is intended primarily for coverage without significant elastic compression or reinforced panels, it belongs in 6108 or 6208. Another common error is using 6212.10 (brassieres) for sets that include a girdle, though the girdle component must be classified separately or under 6212.20 depending on the set's primary character.

6108.22Briefs and panties; women's or girls', of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted6208.92Singlets and other vests, briefs, panties, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns etc.; women's or girls', of man-made fibres (not knitted or crocheted), excluding incontinence or other sanitary garments or garment liners of heading no. 96.1961.08Slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles; women's or girls', knitted or crocheted62.08Singlets and other vests, slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, negligees, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles; women's or girls' (not knitted or crocheted)6212.10Brassieres; whether or not knitted or crocheted

Top exporters and importers of HS 621220 (the code used for panty girdle), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621220 (the code used for panty 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 panty girdle.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $135M
  2. 2 Colombia $52M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$40M

World total: $358M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $81M
  2. 2 Japan $50M
  3. 3 Mexico $21M

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 panty girdle

Brazil classifies panty 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 panty girdle

What is the HS code for Panty girdle?

The HS code for Panty girdle is 621220 (Girdles and panty-girdles; whether or not knitted or crocheted). The correct HS code for a panty girdle is 6212.20, which covers girdles and panty-girdles whether or not they are knitted or crocheted.

How do I classify Panty girdle for customs?

Panty 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 this code include maternity support panties?

Yes, if the maternity panties are specifically designed with reinforced panels to provide abdominal and back support, they are classified under 6212.20 rather than standard maternity underwear.

Which countries are the top exporters of panty girdle (HS 621220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621220 (the code used for panty 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 panty girdle (HS 621220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 621220 (the code used for panty 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 Panty girdle the same in all countries?

The base HS code 621220 for Panty 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 panty girdle in Brazil?

In Brazil, panty girdle (HS 621220) is classified under NCM 6212.20.00.