Product classification

HS code for Swim trunks: 6211.11

Swimwear, men's or boys', (not knitted or crocheted).

Classification of swim trunks under HS 6211.11

Men's or boys' swim trunks are classified under HS code 6211.11, provided they are made from woven fabrics. This classification falls under Chapter 62, which is dedicated to articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted. The distinction between woven and knitted construction is a fundamental principle of textile classification in the Harmonized System. Woven fabrics are created by interlacing warp and weft threads, whereas knitted fabrics consist of interlocking loops. Most traditional board shorts and certain types of competition swimwear are constructed from woven synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon to provide durability and specific water-shedding properties. Under GRI 1 and GRI 6, the product must be identifiable as swimwear, which is typically determined by its design, cut, and the presence of features like a mesh liner or quick-dry material. If the garment is made of knitted fabric, such as the stretchy elastane blends commonly used in racing briefs, it must be classified under heading 6112 instead. Furthermore, the garment must be specifically designed for swimming; general-purpose shorts that could be used for swimming but lack the specific characteristics of swimwear might be classified under 6203.43. Importers must verify the fabric construction through a laboratory test or manufacturer specification to ensure the correct chapter is applied, as the duty rates and trade regulations can differ significantly between woven and knitted apparel.

Covers
  • Woven board shorts
  • Men's woven swimming trunks
  • Boys' woven swim briefs
  • Woven racing trunks
Also under 6211.11
  • Hurley board shorts
  • Billabong swim trunks
  • Speedo woven jammers
  • Quiksilver board shorts

Codes often confused with 6211.11

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 6112.31, which is for knitted or crocheted men's swimwear. Additionally, woven shorts intended for general wear are classified under 6203.43, even if they are made of similar synthetic materials.

6112.31Swimwear; men's or boys', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted6203.43Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts; men's or boys', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted)

Top exporters and importers of HS 621111 (the code used for swim trunks), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621111 (the code used for swim trunks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world imports. Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.7% of its exports here ($778K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 621111, not only swim trunks.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $123M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$123M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$102M

Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.7% of its exports here ($778K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $864M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $188M
  2. 2 Italy $72M
  3. 3 Germany $62M

World total: $845M 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 swim trunks

Brazil classifies swim trunks under NCM 6211.11.00: HS 6211.11 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about swim trunks

What is the HS code for Swim trunks?

The HS code for Swim trunks is 621111 (Swimwear; men's or boys', (not knitted or crocheted)). The HS code for men's or boys' woven swim trunks is 6211.11.

How do I classify Swim trunks for customs?

Swim trunks is classified under HS code 621111 — Swimwear; men's or boys', (not knitted or crocheted). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What if the swim trunks are knitted?

If the swim trunks are made of knitted or crocheted fabric, they must be classified under HS code 6112.31.

Which countries are the top exporters of swim trunks (HS 621111)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621111 (the code used for swim trunks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($123M, 14% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $123M) and Vietnam (about $102M). World exports came to about $864M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.7% of its exports here ($778K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Which countries are the top importers of swim trunks (HS 621111)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 621111 (the code used for swim trunks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($188M, 22% of world imports), Italy ($72M) and Germany ($62M). World imports came to about $845M, 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 Swim trunks the same in all countries?

The base HS code 621111 for Swim trunks 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 swim trunks in Brazil?

In Brazil, swim trunks (HS 621111) is classified under NCM 6211.11.00.