Product classification
HS code for Women's cotton panties: 6108.21
Briefs and panties, women's or girls', of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
Classification of women's cotton panties under HS 6108.21
Women's cotton panties are classified under HS code 6108.21. This code is part of Chapter 61, which covers knitted or crocheted apparel. Heading 6108 specifically includes slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, and similar undergarments. The subheading 21 is reserved for briefs and panties made of cotton. The classification process involves verifying that the garment is indeed knitted—providing the necessary elasticity for undergarments—and that the primary material is cotton. This code applies to various styles of panties, provided they meet the material and construction criteria. Customs authorities look for the specific knit structure to differentiate these from woven undergarments, which would be classified in Chapter 62. The use of cotton is a significant factor in determining the specific six-digit code, as different synthetic or silk materials would trigger different subheadings like 6108.22 for man-made fibers.
- Covers
- Cotton briefs
- Cotton panties
- Cotton thongs (knitted)
- Cotton boy-leg briefs (knitted)
- Knitted cotton bikini-style underwear
- Cotton hipsters (knitted)
- Also under 6108.21
- Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Brief
- Hanes Cotton Panties
- Pact Organic Cotton Hipster
- Aerie Real Me Cotton Thong
Codes often confused with 6108.21
Common mistake. One common misclassification is HS code 6208.91, which covers woven cotton undergarments. While most modern panties are knitted for stretch, some traditional or specialty items may be woven, requiring the move to Chapter 62. Another error involves HS code 6108.11, which is specifically for slips and petticoats. While these are also undergarments, they are distinct from briefs and panties. Additionally, if the panties are made primarily of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, they must be classified under 6108.22 rather than 6108.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 610821 (the code used for women's cotton panties), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 610821 (the code used for women's cotton panties) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 610821, not only women's cotton panties.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 37% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$614M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Sri Lanka $209M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $559M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $280M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 France $182M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 women's cotton panties
Brazil classifies women's cotton panties under NCM 6108.21.00: HS 6108.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about women's cotton panties
What is the HS code for Women's cotton panties?
The HS code for Women's cotton panties is 610821 (Briefs and panties; women's or girls', of cotton, knitted or crocheted). The HS code for knitted women's cotton panties and briefs is 6108.21.
How do I classify Women's cotton panties for customs?
Women's cotton panties is classified under HS code 610821 — Briefs and panties; women's or girls', of cotton, knitted or crocheted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the panties have a lace trim made of synthetic fiber?
If the main body of the garment is cotton and the cotton weighs more than the synthetic lace, it remains classified under 6108.21 as a cotton garment.
Which countries are the top exporters of women's cotton panties (HS 610821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 610821 (the code used for women's cotton panties) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 37% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $614M) and Sri Lanka ($209M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of women's cotton panties (HS 610821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 610821 (the code used for women's cotton panties) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($559M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($280M) and France ($182M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Women's cotton panties the same in all countries?
The base HS code 610821 for Women's cotton panties 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 women's cotton panties in Brazil?
In Brazil, women's cotton panties (HS 610821) is classified under NCM 6108.21.00.