Fashion Forward: customs classification in the fashion industry (Chapters 61 and 62)

Customs classification can always pose a challenge, especially in the fashion sector. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important information that should be considered in the textile sector.

Section XI (textiles and articles thereof) is the most extensive section with 14 chapters in the customs tariff. 

Here include:

• Textile raw materials (e.g., silk, wool, etc.),

• Semi-finished products (e.g., yarns, fabrics),

• Made-up textile articles (e.g., clothing and apparel accessories),

• Textile waste.

  
  

A possible structural grouping of the section would be as follows:

• Ch. 50 - 55: Textile raw materials, semi-finished products,

• Ch. 56 - 60: Special yarns, fabrics, and certain finished textiles,

• Ch. 61 - 63: Finished textiles.

Given the scope, we will focus on the overview of garments according to Chapters 61-62 in this article. However, it is important to emphasize that the fundamentals of customs classification for textile raw materials are equally applicable when classifying clothing.

Chapter 61 and 62: Clothing and Apparel Accessories

The difference between Chapter 61 and 62 lies in the nature of the processed textile fabrics. While Chapter 61 includes clothing and apparel accessories made of knitted or crocheted fabrics, Chapter 62, on the other hand, includes clothing and apparel accessories made of woven fabrics, nonwovens, lace, and similar materials.

Although the structure of both chapters is almost identical, they also contain goods that, due to their intended use, are usually made exclusively from one of the mentioned textile fabrics. Thus, such goods for this reason find no corresponding heading in the other chapter. An example of this is knitted socks, which are assigned to heading 6115.

The goods of the two chapters can also have parts and accessories, for example, made of woven fabrics, fur, feathers, leather, plastics, or metal. Electrically heated goods are also included in these chapters.

Men's or Women's Clothing

According to the Notes, garments with a front opening, the edges of which close or overlap from left over right, are considered garments for men or boys. If the openings close or overlap from right over left, the garments are considered garments for women or girls.

These provisions do not apply if the cut of the garment clearly indicates that it is intended for one gender or the other. Garments that are not clearly recognizable as men's or boys' clothing or women's or girls' clothing are classified as women's or girls' clothing.

Overview of the Notes of Chapters 61 and 62

In addition to the section "Notes," there are many definitions and information in the Notes to Chapters 61 and 62. For example, it explains what is meant by "costume" or how men's and women's clothing are defined according to the customs tariff.

Note: There are numerous explanatory notes and customs tariff decisions for Chapters 61 and 62 that provide additional guidance on the criteria for classification.

traide Support

The correct customs classification of clothing can be complex – especially when material types, gender assignments, or additional components must be considered. Errors in classification not only result in incorrect duty rates but can also cause issues in export, in preferential law, or in VAT.

With traide AI you avoid these risks. Our AI automatically recognizes relevant product features, even with unstructured or incomplete data, and reliably assists you in selecting the correct customs tariff number. The integrated checking and audit function recognizes potential errors early on – even with extensive product data stocks. This not only increases efficiency and data quality but also reduces effort and error costs in your customs process.

We would be happy to show you traide in a short demo – directly with your product data if desired.
Contact: info@traide.ai