HS Code for Cotton Knit Sweaters
The HS Code for cotton knit sweaters is 611020. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 16.5%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 611020 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 16.5% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 12% |
| Chapter | 61 |
| Heading | 6110 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans of cotton, knitted
HS Code 611020 covers cotton knit sweaters, including jerseys and cardigans, with a US MFN duty rate of 16.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific packaging requirements for shipping cotton knit sweaters to prevent damage during transit?
Cotton knit sweaters should be individually poly-bagged to protect against moisture and dust, then packed flat in sturdy corrugated boxes to prevent stretching. Avoid using hangers or compressing garments too tightly, as this can cause permanent creasing and distortion of the knitted fabric. Proper labeling of cartons as 'Apparel' and indicating 'Do Not Crush' is also recommended for careful handling.
Are there any country-specific import restrictions or quotas for cotton knit sweaters (HTS 611020) entering the United States?
Yes. Imports of cotton knit sweaters (HTS 611020) are subject to US safeguard measures under the Textile and Apparel Safeguard Provisions, which may include specific quotas or the requirement for a visa or export license from the country of origin. For example, shipments from certain countries in the CAFTA-DR region may require a specific visa or be subject to a Tariff Preference Level (TPL) limit, after which the general duty rate applies.
For HTS 611020, how does the percentage of cotton in a knit sweater affect its classification?
HTS 611020 specifically requires the sweater to be made of cotton, meaning it must contain at least 50% cotton by weight. If the sweater's cotton content falls below this threshold, it would be classified under a different heading, such as 611030 for man-made fibers or 611090 for other textile materials, based on the predominant fiber.
Country-Specific Import Restrictions for Cotton Knit Sweaters
Imports of cotton knit sweaters under HTS 6110.20 are subject to several country-specific restrictions that can impact duty rates and eligibility. Notably, sweaters containing any amount of cotton from China (origin 61.10) are currently subject to Section 301 tariffs, adding a 16.5% duty on top of the general rate. Conversely, imports from USMCA partners (Canada, Mexico) and many other countries are generally 16.5% duty under normal trade relations. For beneficiary countries under programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) or the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), sweaters may also enter 16.5% duty, provided they meet the applicable rules of origin. It is critical to verify the country of origin and the specific trade program for each shipment to determine the correct duty treatment.
Common Mistakes Classifying Cotton Knit Sweaters
A frequent error is classifying sweaters with under 50% cotton content under this heading; they must be assigned elsewhere based on the chief weight of fiber. For example, a 60% polyester, 40% cotton sweater belongs in 6110.30, not 6110.20. Another common mistake is misidentifying the construction; 'knit' refers to the fabric construction (e.g., jersey, rib), not the garment assembly. Garments with a full-front zipper or a non-knit shell fabric may also be excluded from heading 6110 entirely, requiring review of Chapter 61 notes.
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