HS 611596 Of synthetic fibres
Quick Answer: Hosiery, knitted or crocheted, not elastic, of synthetic fibres, enters the UK and EU at 12.00% ad valorem. In the US, this classification faces a range of duties, with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 18.8% ad valorem, though preferential rates are available for certain trade agreement partners. This code encompasses items like non-elastic stockings, socks, and tights made from man-made materials such as nylon, polyester, or acrylic. Importers should verify specific rates based on origin and any applicable trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6115960000 | — | — | — |
| 6115961000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 6115969100 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 6115969900 | 12.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6115961000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 6115960000 | — | — | — |
| 6115969100 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 6115969900 | 12.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6115969010 | — | — | ["<il>doz. prs.</il>","kg"] |
| 611596 | — | — | — |
| 61159660 | 18.8% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 6115966010 | — | — | ["<il>doz. prs.</il>","kg"] |
| 6115966020 | — | — | ["<il>doz. prs.</il>","kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 6115.96?
Imports of Of synthetic fibres may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 12 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 611596 cover?
This subheading covers other hosiery and garments, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, not elastic or rubberized. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes items like stockings, socks, and pantyhose made from materials such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) further clarifies that these garments are specifically those not covered by more specific subheadings within heading 6115, focusing on their construction from synthetic materials.
What falls outside HS 611596?
The following products are excluded from HS 611596: garments made from natural fibres like cotton or wool, garments made from artificial fibres (e.g., rayon, viscose), garments that are elastic or rubberized, and finished garments that are not knitted or crocheted. For instance, woven pantyhose, socks made entirely of cotton, or compression stockings with significant elastic content would be classified elsewhere, often under different headings or subheadings based on their material composition and construction.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 611596?
A common error is misidentifying the primary fibre content, especially when garments are made from blends. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) dictates that when goods are presented in sets for retail sale, they are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may also incorrectly classify garments made from artificial fibres, which fall under different HS codes, or fail to consider whether the garment is elastic or rubberized, leading to misclassification under this specific subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 611596?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 611596 involves a detailed examination of the garment's material composition and construction. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the garment is knitted or crocheted and if its primary fibre content is synthetic. They should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for definitive guidance on fibre content and product scope.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 611596?
A pair of women's nylon pantyhose weighing 50 grams and declared at a customs value of $5.00 USD would attract a US duty of $0.15. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5.00 USD × 0.03 = $0.15). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HTS code 6115.96.10.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 611596?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 611596, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, some developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or free entry, requiring a GSP Form A for documentation.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 611596, specifically for items made of synthetic fibres?
For HS code 611596, which covers other women's or girls' pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is often around 12.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can be significantly lower or even free for goods imported from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). For example, under certain FTAs, rates can be as low as Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to determine the applicable duty rate based on the origin of the goods.
How is the import duty for HS 611596 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 611596 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 12.00% ad valorem and the declared customs value of a shipment of synthetic fibre stockings is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 12.00% (Duty Rate) = $1,200 USD. Always ensure accurate valuation and that all components of value (including shipping and insurance if applicable, depending on the Incoterms used) are correctly included in the customs value.
What specific criteria define goods under HS code 611596 as being 'of synthetic fibres'?
To be classified under HS code 611596 as 'of synthetic fibres,' the hosiery must be predominantly made from synthetic fibres. This typically means that synthetic fibres constitute more than 50% by weight of the total fibre content. Common synthetic fibres include polyester, nylon (polyamide), acrylic, and elastane (spandex/Lycra). Importers must refer to the fibre content declarations on the product's label and the manufacturer's specifications. If a blend of fibres is used, the fibre that predominates by weight will determine the classification, unless specific rules for blends dictate otherwise.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS 611596 imports?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 611596. For example, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement), and bilateral FTAs between the US and countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others, often grant reduced or duty-free access. Importers must verify the specific terms and rules of origin for each agreement to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 611596?
When importing goods under HS code 611596, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the seller, buyer, quantity, description of goods, unit price, and total value; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as proof of shipment. Crucially, a certificate of origin is often necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. The importer or customs broker should also be prepared to provide fibre content declarations or test reports if requested by customs authorities to verify the 'synthetic fibres' classification.