Views: 0 Author: Coobird Socks Publish Time: 2026-08-21 Origin: Site
The Harmonized System (HS) code acts as the universal language for global import export trade. Every cross border shipment must use the correct HS code, which directly determines:
· Applicable import duty rate
· Import permit, restriction and quota requirements
· Eligibility for free trade agreement preferential tariffs
· Customs audit risk and clearance efficiency
For sock exporters, misclassification can result in extra customs duties, customs detention, fines, or product seizure. Even similar looking socks such as sports compression socks and casual daily socks may fall under different sub codes, bringing huge differences in import tax cost.
At Zhuji Coobird Socks Factory, we manufacture full ranges of socks including casual socks, functional sports socks and compression style athletic socks. Our team is familiar with international HS classification rules and can provide customers with reference classification suggestions based on fiber composition, function and product positioning to help you avoid customs risks.
All knitted / crocheted socks are included in HS Chapter 61: Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, heading 6115: Pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery, knitted or crocheted.
The 6 digit global harmonized level breaks down mainly by fiber composition and product application. Each country extends to 8 10 digit national sub headings (US HTS, EU Combined Nomenclature, UK tariff codes etc). Please confirm the final local sub code and tax rate with your licensed customs broker before shipment.
6 digit HS main breakdown table:
HS 6 digit code | Official description | Core judging standard |
6115.10 | Graduated compression hosiery | Therapeutic graduated pressure compression hosiery |
6115.91 | Socks of synthetic fibres | ≥50% synthetic fibre by weight |
6115.92 | Socks of cotton | ≥50% cotton fibre by weight |
6115.99 | Socks of other textile materials | Wool, silk, blended fabric without ≥50% single fibre |
Further subdivision under each code differentiates men’s / women’s / children’s, ankle / knee high specifications.
This is the most frequent confusion point for cross border sellers. Many athletic socks add partial compression elastic structure for sports performance, which does not equal medical graduated compression hosiery.
✅ HS 6115.10 Graduated compression hosiery
· Core feature: obvious graduated pressure gradient (highest pressure at ankle, gradually decreasing upward leg), marked mmHg pressure value
· Product positioning: therapeutic / medical use, for relieving oedema, preventing DVT, improving blood circulation
· Regulatory impact: In EU, US and many other regions, this category triggers medical device regulatory obligations (CE MDR / FDA 510(k) registration requirements)
· Tariff feature: In EU / Japan, duty rate is obviously lower than ordinary socks, but compliance cost rises sharply
✅ Ordinary sports compression performance socks (classified under 6115.91 / 6115.92 etc.)
· Core feature: partial elastic compression for sports support (arch support, muscle fixation), no standardized graduated mmHg pressure marking
· Product positioning: athletic wear for running, basketball, fitness, belong to sports apparel rather than medical supplies
· Regulatory impact: follow ordinary textile rules, no medical device registration required
· Tariff feature: apply normal sock import duty rate of the importing country
Important reminder: Mis classifying ordinary sports elastic socks as medical grade graduated compression hosiery will bring huge customs and regulatory risks.
Note: Data for reference only (MFN rate, subject to change). Final tariff must be verified by local customs broker, also pay attention to additional trade remedy tariffs such as US Section301.
Product description | HS 6digit | USA(HTS) | EU(CN) | UK | Japan | Australia |
Men’s synthetic fiber sports ankle socks | 6115.91 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Men’s cotton sports ankle socks | 6115.92 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Men’s synthetic fiber casual daily socks | 6115.91 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Men’s cotton casual daily socks | 6115.92 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Women’s synthetic fiber ankle socks | 6115.91 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Children’s synthetic fiber socks | 6115.91 | ~14.9% | ~11.9% | ~11.9% | ~10.4% | 5% |
Medical graduated compression hosiery | 6115.10 | ~14.9% | ~6.3% | ~6.3% | ~4.4% | 5% |
Key market notes
1. United States: Most knitted socks bear around 14.9% base MFN duty. Chinese origin goods may be subject to extra Section301 additional tariffs; always confirm latest USTR notices.
2. EU & UK: Medical graduated compression hosiery (6115.10) enjoys lower tariff rate, but must satisfy medical device compliance obligations. Ordinary sports / casual socks apply ~11.9% duty.
3. Japan: Medical compression hosiery duty ~4.4%, ordinary socks ~10.4%.
4. Australia: Most socks flat 5% duty; check ChAFTA China Australia FTA preferential certificate requirements.
1. Classify according to dominant fibre weight: The fibre accounting for ≥50% of total weight determines main HS heading. For example, 65% polyester+35% cotton → synthetic fiber code 6115.91.
2. Distinguish functional positioning strictly: If your product is only for sports performance (arch support, partial elastic tightening, without marked mmHg graduated pressure), classify as ordinary sports socks instead of medical compression hosiery, to avoid medical device compliance traps.
3. Unisex socks: classify by primary target user, judged from sizing range, product copy, selling scenarios.
4. Preserve supporting documents: Keep fiber composition test reports, product photos, marketing copy for customs audit backup.
5. Importer bears final legal responsibility for HS code: Factory can only offer reference suggestions; you must entrust a licensed local customs broker to confirm binding classification opinion.
· Provide fiber composition data sheets for customs declaration reference
· Distinguish product positioning for sports compression performance socks VS medical grade graduated compression products during pre sales communication
· BSCI + OEKO TEX certified; support OEM / ODM for casual socks, all kinds sports socks, elastic support athletic socks
· 1 pair sampling, MOQ 50 pairs bulk order; 5 10 day sampling, 3 7 day fast bulk delivery
· Offer product photos and shooting materials to reserve classification evidence files for customers
Need support for your sock export project? Contact us. arkin@coobirdsocks.com / socks7@coobirdsocks.com +86 18757512205 customsocks.1688.com
Zhuji Coobird Socks Factory — Reliable Custom Sock Manufacturer for Global Cross Border Sellers.
