HS Code for Cotton Dress Shirts
The HS Code for cotton dress shirts is 620520. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 19.7%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 620520 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 19.7% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 12% |
| Chapter | 62 |
| Heading | 6205 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Men shirts of cotton, not knitted
HS Code 620520 covers men's cotton dress shirts that are not knitted, with a US MFN duty rate of 19.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific packaging requirements should be considered when shipping cotton dress shirts (HTS 620520) to prevent damage and customs delays?
Shipments of men's cotton dress shirts must be packed in clear polybags within the shipping carton to protect against moisture and dust, as customs may open packages for inspection. Use sturdy, sealed cartons that prevent crushing to avoid soiling or wrinkling of the garments, which can lead to inspection holds or quality disputes. Always ensure the outer packaging is clearly marked with the contents and harmonized code to facilitate smoother customs clearance.
Are there specific country-of-origin labeling requirements for men's cotton dress shirts (HTS 620520) imported into the United States?
Yes, the U.S. requires a permanent and conspicuous country-of-origin label (e.g., 'Made in [Country]') on each individual men's cotton dress shirt at the time of importation, as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations (19 CFR 134). This label must be sewn into the garment's neckline or another obvious location and is mandatory regardless of whether the shirt is destined for retail or is a uniform.
For HTS 620520, how does the cotton content of a men's dress shirt specifically impact its classification?
HTS 620520 applies exclusively to men's dress shirts constructed from woven fabrics where the chief weight is cotton (over 50%). If the shirt contains any elastomeric fibers (like spandex) exceeding 5% by weight, or if the cotton content falls below the chief weight threshold, the classification shifts to a different subheading, such as 6205.30 for man-made fiber shirts.
Country Specific Import Restrictions for Cotton Dress Shirts
U.S. imports of men's and boys' cotton dress shirts (HTS 6205.20) are subject to Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. For 2024, the in-quota quantity is 5,138,000 dozen, charged at a lower duty rate (e.g., 20¢/dozen + 19.7% ad valorem). Imports exceeding this quota face a significantly higher over-quota tariff rate (e.g., 21¢/dozen + 19.7% ad valorem). Shipments from countries with U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), like CAFTA-DR or USMCA, may be exempt from these quotas if they meet the agreement's rules of origin. Importers must monitor quota fill rates published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to anticipate when the higher over-quota duties will apply.
Common Classification Mistakes for Cotton Dress Shirts
A frequent error is misclassifying woven cotton shirts with long sleeves as 620520 instead of 620530, which is specifically for men's or boys' long-sleeved dress shirts. Another common mistake involves shirts with plackets containing seven or more functional buttons; these are generally classified as dress shirts under 6205, while those with fewer are often casual shirts under 6205.90.80. Importers also incorrectly classify women's or girls' cotton dress shirts here; they belong to a separate heading, 6206.20 or 6206.30, based on their specific construction.
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