HS Code for Women's swimwear

Women's swimwear classified under HS code 6211.12 is distinguished by its woven construction, as opposed to the more common knitted varieties. Chapter 62 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted. While the majority of performance swimwear is knitted for elasticity, certain fashion items, board shorts, or structured swim garments are made from woven fabrics like polyester or nylon taffeta. To qualify for 6211.12, the garment must be specifically designed for use as swimwear. This classification is often used for items that do not possess the high degree of stretch associated with knitted fabrics. Importers must be careful to distinguish these from "other garments" in 6211, as the "swimwear" designation takes precedence if the design intent is clear. The classification also requires that the garment be for women or girls; similar items for men or boys are classified under 6211.11. The legal notes to Section XI provide guidance on determining the fiber content and construction method. If a garment is composed of both woven and knitted parts, the classification is determined by the component that provides the essential character of the item, usually the outer shell fabric. In the case of 6211.12, the woven fabric must be the primary material. This code is essential for trade statistics and for applying the correct tariff rates, which often differ between woven and knitted apparel.

Products Included

• Women's woven board shorts
• Woven polyester swimsuits
• Woven nylon swim trunks for girls
• Structured woven swimwear with underwire
• Woven beach shorts designed for swimming

Common Misclassification

This code is frequently confused with 6112.41, which is the code for knitted synthetic swimwear. Because most swimwear is knitted, 6112.41 is the default for many, but woven items must stay in 6211.12. It may also be confused with 6204.63 (synthetic trousers/shorts) if the item looks like casual wear rather than specialized swimwear.

FAQ

What is the HS code for woven board shorts?

Women's woven board shorts specifically designed for swimming are classified under HS code 6211.12.

How do I tell if swimwear is woven or knitted?

Woven fabrics are created by interlacing yarns at right angles and generally have less stretch, while knitted fabrics are made of interlocking loops and are much more elastic. This physical distinction determines the Chapter (61 vs 62).