Product classification
HS code for Socks: 6115.99
Hosiery and footwear, without applied soles, of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6115.9, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex).
Classification of socks under HS 6115.99
The classification of socks under HS code 6115.99 is governed by the Harmonized System's specific rules for knitted or crocheted hosiery. Chapter 61 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is dedicated to articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are knitted or crocheted. Within this chapter, heading 6115 covers a wide range of hosiery products, including pantyhose, tights, stockings, and socks. The specific subheading 6115.99 acts as a residual category for hosiery made from textile materials not specifically enumerated in the preceding subheadings, such as silk, wool, or various textile blends where no single material like cotton or synthetic fiber predominates. To qualify for this code, the product must be constructed without an applied sole; the presence of a durable outer sole made of rubber, plastic, or leather would necessitate classification as footwear under Chapter 64. Furthermore, the classification process involves verifying that the item does not meet the technical specifications for graduated compression hosiery (6115.10) or the specific yarn measurements for full-length stockings. This code is essential for identifying miscellaneous textile hosiery that does not fit into the more common cotton or synthetic fiber categories, ensuring accurate duty application based on material composition and manufacturing technique.
- Covers
- Knitted wool socks without applied soles
- Silk blend knitted hosiery
- Hemp fiber socks and liners
- Ankle socks made of miscellaneous textile materials
- Crew socks not primarily composed of cotton or synthetic fibers
- Knitted foot covers and ped-type hosiery
- Also under 6115.99
- Smartwool (some specialty blends)
- Darn Tough (select blends)
- Falke (luxury blends)
- Boody (bamboo socks)
- Uniqlo Heattech (some non-synthetic predominant blends)
Codes often confused with 6115.99
Common mistake. Socks are frequently misclassified under HS code 6115.10, which is strictly reserved for graduated compression hosiery used for medical or therapeutic purposes. Another common error is using 6115.95 for cotton socks or 6115.96 for synthetic fiber socks when the material composition actually consists of other textile fibers or blends that fall under the residual 6115.99 category. Additionally, if socks feature a leather or rubber sole attached to the bottom, they must be classified under Chapter 64 (e.g., 6405.20) as footwear rather than hosiery. Importers also occasionally confuse knitted socks with woven socks, the latter of which belong in heading 6217.
Top exporters and importers of HS 611599 (the code used for socks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 611599 (the code used for socks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 8.5% of world imports. Germany reports $1.3B of its chapter 61 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 611599, not only socks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $105M 19% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $63M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $50M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $544M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $46M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Chile $33M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $32M 6.0% of world imports
Germany reports $1.3B of its chapter 61 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $542M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 socks
Brazil classifies socks under NCM 6115.99.00: HS 6115.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about socks
What is the HS code for Socks?
The HS code for Socks is 611599 (Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6115.9, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex)). The HS code for knitted socks made of miscellaneous textile materials is 6115.99. However, cotton socks are classified under 6115.95 and synthetic fiber socks under 6115.96.
How do I classify Socks for customs?
Socks is classified under HS code 611599 — Hosiery and footwear; without applied soles, of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6115.9, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated compression hosiery, panty hose, tights, full or knee-length hosiery measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between hosiery and footwear for customs?
The primary distinction is the 'applied sole.' If the item has a separate sole made of rubber, plastic, or leather stitched or glued to the bottom, it is footwear (Chapter 64). If it is a continuous knitted piece, it is hosiery (Chapter 61).
Which countries are the top exporters of socks (HS 611599)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 611599 (the code used for socks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($105M, 19% of world exports), Pakistan ($63M) and India ($50M). World exports came to about $544M, 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 socks (HS 611599)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 611599 (the code used for socks) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($46M, 8.5% of world imports), Chile ($33M) and Germany ($32M). World imports came to about $542M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Germany reports $1.3B of its chapter 61 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Socks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 611599 for Socks 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 socks in Brazil?
In Brazil, socks (HS 611599) is classified under NCM 6115.99.00.