Product classification
HS code for Second-hand clothes: 6309.00
Clothing, worn, and other worn articles.
Classification of second-hand clothes under HS 6309.00
HS code 6309.00 is a unique heading designed for "worn clothing and other worn articles." For a product to be classified here, it must meet two primary criteria established by the World Customs Organization and the General Interpretative Rules. First, the articles must show signs of appreciable wear, meaning they are clearly not new and have been used for their intended purpose. Second, they must be presented in bulk, such as in bales, sacks, or similar large-scale packings. This heading covers a wide range of textile items that have been previously owned and used, including garments, footwear, and household linens. The classification is intended to distinguish between the trade of new garments (which are classified by material and type in Chapters 61 and 62) and the secondary market for used textiles. This distinction is crucial for trade statistics and the application of specific tariffs or import restrictions that many countries place on used goods to protect local industries or for sanitary reasons. If the clothing is used but sold as individual high-value vintage items in a retail setting without bulk packaging, customs authorities may occasionally challenge the use of 6309.00, potentially reclassifying them under their respective headings for new clothing.
- Covers
- Used shirts, trousers, and coats in bales
- Worn footwear packed in bulk sacks
- Used blankets and household linens
- Worn headgear and accessories
- Used curtains and textile furnishings
- Bulk shipments of mixed used apparel
- Also under 6309.00
- Goodwill donations
- Salvation Army collections
- ThredUp (resale platform)
- Vinted (resale platform)
- textile recycling bales from Europe
Codes often confused with 6309.00
Common mistake. Second-hand clothes are often misclassified under the headings for new clothing in Chapters 61 (knitted) or 62 (not knitted), such as 6109.10 for T-shirts. This usually happens if the items do not show sufficient wear or are not packed in bulk. Another misclassification is 6310.10, which is for used rags or scrap textile; 6309.00 is for articles that are still recognizable as clothing, whereas 6310 is for material intended for recycling or industrial wiping.
Top exporters and importers of HS 630900 (the code used for second-hand clothes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 630900 (the code used for second-hand clothes) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 12% 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 630900, not only second-hand clothes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $994M 20% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $514M 11% of world exports
- 3 China $406M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $562M 12% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$245M 5.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Kenya $234M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 codes for second-hand clothes
Brazil splits HS 6309.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6309.00.10Worn clothing, accessories and parts
- 6309.00.90Other worn textiles, footwear and headgear
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about second-hand clothes
What is the HS code for Second-hand clothes?
The HS code for Second-hand clothes is 630900 (Clothing; worn, and other worn articles). The correct HS code is 6309.00, provided the items are worn and packed in bulk.
How do I classify Second-hand clothes for customs?
Second-hand clothes is classified under HS code 630900 — Clothing; worn, and other worn articles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include used shoes?
Yes, used footwear is included in 6309.00 as long as it shows signs of wear and is shipped in bulk containers or bales.
Which countries are the top exporters of second-hand clothes (HS 630900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 630900 (the code used for second-hand clothes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($994M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($514M) and China ($406M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 second-hand clothes (HS 630900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 630900 (the code used for second-hand clothes) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($562M, 12% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $245M) and Kenya ($234M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Second-hand clothes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 630900 for Second-hand clothes 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 second-hand clothes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 630900 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for second-hand clothes depends on the product's details: 6309.00.10 (Worn clothing, accessories and parts), 6309.00.90 (Other worn textiles, footwear and headgear).