HS codes for sportswear, gloves and bags: a guide for importers
The indicative HS codes we list on our product pages, why knit vs woven and fibre content change the code, and how to confirm the right tariff number in the USA, Canada, the UK, the EU and Australia.
In short
An HS code is the 6-digit international customs number that classifies a product. For apparel, the code depends mainly on whether the garment is knitted (chapter 61) or woven (chapter 62), its main fibre, and whether it is men's or women's. Gloves, bags, caps and footwear sit in their own chapters. Each country adds more digits, so always confirm the final tariff number with your customs broker.
- Knitted garments
- Chapter 61
- Woven garments
- Chapter 62
- Sports and boxing gloves
- 4203.21 / 9506.91 (indicative)
- Sports bags and backpacks
- 4202.92
- Caps
- 6505.00
- Confirm with
- Your customs broker
How an HS code is built
The first 6 digits of an HS (Harmonized System) code are the same in every member country. Importing countries then add their own digits: the USA uses a 10-digit HTS number, the EU an 8-digit CN code (10 digits in TARIC), the UK a 10-digit commodity code, Canada a 10-digit tariff item, and Australia an 8-digit tariff code plus a statistical code. The duty rate is set on that national number, not on the 6-digit code alone.
For clothing, three questions decide most codes: is the fabric knitted or woven, what is the main fibre (cotton, man-made fibres such as polyester and nylon, or wool), and is the garment for men or women? A polyester sublimated jersey and a cotton hoodie both sit in chapter 61 because they are knitted, but they fall under different 6-digit codes because the fibre is different.
Indicative HS codes for the products we make
These are the indicative codes shown on our product pages. They are a starting point for your broker, not a ruling.
| Product | Indicative HS code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimated team jerseys (soccer, rugby, hockey, basketball, cricket) | 6110.30 | Knitted jerseys of man-made fibres |
| Knitted team shorts | 6103.43 (men's) / 6104.63 (women's) | Synthetic fibres |
| Polo shirts, baseball and golf polos | 6105.20 (men's) / 6106.20 (women's) | Cotton piqué polos: 6105.10 / 6106.10 |
| Cotton hoodies and sweatshirts | 6110.20 | Cotton tees: 6109.10 |
| Training tops, quarter-zips and midlayers | 6110.30 | Knitted pullovers of man-made fibres |
| Vests, singlets and compression tops | 6109.90 / 6114.30 | Knitted tops of synthetic fibres |
| Puffer, softshell, ski and work jackets, gilets | 6201.40 (men's) / 6202.40 (women's) | Jackets of man-made fibres |
| Wool varsity jackets | 6201.20 (men's) / 6202.20 (women's) | Polyester melton: 6201.40 |
| Coated or laminated rain jackets | 6210.40 (men's) / 6210.50 (women's) | Garments of coated fabric |
| Ski suits | 6211.20 | |
| Woven fight shorts and Muay Thai shorts | 6203.43 / 6211.33 | Synthetic fibres |
| BJJ gis and martial arts uniforms | 6211.32 / 6211.42 | Cotton |
| Hi-vis vests and coveralls | 6211.33 | Mesh hi-vis vests: 6114.30 |
| Boxing, MMA and sparring gloves | 9506.91 / 4203.21 | Leather sports gloves: 4203.21 |
| Textile work, cycling and winter gloves | 6216.00 | Knitted gloves: 6116.93; coated knit: 6116.10 |
| Kit bags, duffels, drawstring bags and backpacks | 4202.92 | Outer surface of textile |
| Caps | 6505.00 | |
| Hunting and tactical boots | 6403 / 6404 | Rubber boots: 6401.92 |
Common classification mistakes
- Using one code for a whole kit. A jersey, shorts and socks are usually classified separately unless they are sold as a set that meets the rules for sets or ensembles.
- Ignoring the fibre. A cotton hoodie (6110.20) and a polyester hoodie (6110.30) have different codes and can have different duty rates.
- Mixing up knit and woven. Most sublimated teamwear is knitted (chapter 61); most jackets with a woven shell are chapter 62.
- Forgetting gender. Many woven garments have separate men's and women's headings.
- Classifying gloves by use only. Leather, knitted and other textile gloves sit under different headings.
How to confirm the right code
Send your broker the fabric composition, whether it is knitted or woven, the gender and the product description from our quote. Our product pages and quotes list the composition and an indicative HS code, so your broker has what they need to confirm the national tariff number. For repeat lines, many importers ask their customs authority for a binding ruling so the code is fixed for future shipments.
Related guides and products
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for sports jerseys?
Knitted sports jerseys of polyester or other man-made fibres are usually classified under 6110.30. Confirm the full national tariff number with your customs broker.
What is the HS code for boxing gloves?
Boxing and sparring gloves are commonly classified under 9506.91 or, for leather sports gloves, 4203.21. Your broker confirms which applies to your glove's materials.
What is the HS code for a hoodie?
Knitted cotton hoodies usually fall under 6110.20 and polyester hoodies under 6110.30.
What HS code is used for sports bags and backpacks?
Bags and backpacks with an outer surface of textile are usually classified under 4202.92.
Is the HS code the same in every country?
The first 6 digits are international. The USA, EU, UK, Canada and Australia each add their own digits, and the duty rate is set on that national number.