Product classification
HS code for Shapewear: 6212.20
Girdles and panty-girdles, whether or not knitted or crocheted.
Classification of shapewear under HS 6212.20
Shapewear, specifically girdles and panty-girdles, is classified under HS code 6212.20. This classification is unique because heading 6212 includes brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters, and similar articles, and explicitly states that these items may be made of any textile material, whether or not knitted or crocheted. While most knitted apparel falls under Chapter 61, Note 2(q) to Chapter 61 and Note 1 to Chapter 62 direct these specific foundation garments to heading 6212. The primary factor for classification under 6212.20 is the garment's construction, which must provide a significant degree of support or body-shaping through the use of elastic tension, reinforced panels, or boning. If a garment is designed merely as standard underwear without these structural shaping properties, it would be classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- High-waist shaping panties with reinforced panels
- Girdles and panty-girdles
- Body briefers with integrated shaping control
- Waist cinchers and corsets
- Thigh slimers with compression properties
- 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. Shapewear is often misclassified under 6108 (for knitted women's underpants and briefs) or 6208 (for woven women's underpants). The distinction lies in the function: if the garment is designed to provide support or contour the body, it belongs in 6212.20. Another common error is using 6212.10, which is strictly for brassieres. If a shapewear item is a full bodysuit that includes a bra, it is often classified under 6212.90 as "other" or under 6212.20 depending on the essential character of the garment as a girdle.
Top exporters and importers of HS 621220 (the code used for shapewear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621220 (the code used for shapewear) 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 shapewear.
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 shapewear
Brazil classifies shapewear 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 shapewear
What is the HS code for Shapewear?
The HS code for Shapewear is 621220 (Girdles and panty-girdles; whether or not knitted or crocheted). The HS code for shapewear such as girdles and panty-girdles is 6212.20.
How do I classify Shapewear for customs?
Shapewear is classified under HS code 621220 — Girdles and panty-girdles; whether or not knitted or crocheted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is knitted shapewear classified in Chapter 61?
No, unlike most knitted clothing, shapewear and foundation garments are specifically assigned to heading 6212 regardless of whether they are knitted or woven.
Which countries are the top exporters of shapewear (HS 621220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621220 (the code used for shapewear) 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 shapewear (HS 621220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 621220 (the code used for shapewear) 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 Shapewear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 621220 for Shapewear 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 shapewear in Brazil?
In Brazil, shapewear (HS 621220) is classified under NCM 6212.20.00.