HS 621210 Brassières
Quick Answer: Brassières imported under HS 621210 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US with a range of rates including 90% and 4.8%, with many trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers brassières, also commonly known as bras, designed to support the bust. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate variations across major markets, particularly the high Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate in the US, which can be substantially reduced by preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin rules and applicable trade pacts to ensure accurate duty payments and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212101000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 6212100000 | — | — | — |
| 6212109000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212100000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 6212109000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 6212101000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212103000 | 4.8% | Free (15 programs) | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 62121050 | 16.9% | Free (15 programs) | — |
| 6212105020 | — | — | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 6212107000 | 2.7% | Free (15 programs) | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 6212109010 | — | — | ["doz.","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 6212.10?
Imports of Brassières 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 14 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 621210 cover?
This subheading covers brassières, also known as bras, which are garments designed to support a woman's breasts. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses all types of brassières, regardless of the textile material used in their manufacture, whether knitted or woven. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to garments primarily intended for breast support and shaping, including those with padding or underwiring.
What falls outside HS 621210?
The following products are excluded from HS 621210: garments that provide breast support but are integrated into other articles of clothing, such as swimsuits or bodysuits, which are classified under their respective headings. Also excluded are bustiers and corsets that extend beyond the waist and provide significant shaping or support to the torso, as these fall under different HS codes within Chapter 62. Simple breast forms or prostheses are also not classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 621210?
A common error is misclassifying sports bras or compression garments designed primarily for athletic performance rather than everyday support. While these may resemble brassières, their primary function dictates classification under headings for sports apparel or other specialized garments if they meet the criteria for those categories. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures or composite goods is crucial when a garment has multiple functions.
How should importers classify products under HS 621210?
The correct procedure for classifying brassières under HS 621210 involves a thorough examination of the product's construction, materials, and primary function. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and compare the product's characteristics against the descriptive notes for heading 6212 and subheading 621210. Verification of the textile composition is also essential for accurate duty assessment.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 621210?
A shipment of 1,000 units of women's cotton lace brassières, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 30% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.30 = $1,500 USD). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 621210.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 621210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 621210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the General System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 621210 (Brassières) into the United States?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for brassières (HS 621210) into the United States is 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements or special trade programs. For example, goods from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free under specific conditions. It is crucial to verify the specific origin and eligibility criteria for preferential treatment with the relevant trade agreement.
How is the import duty for HS code 621210 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 621210 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of brassières has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 6.00%, the duty amount would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.06 (Duty Rate) = $600. Some countries may also apply additional duties or taxes, such as excise taxes or VAT, which would be calculated separately.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 621210 (Brassières)?
According to the Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules, HS code 621210 covers brassières, whether or not padded or underwired. The primary classification criterion is the garment's function: to support and shape the bust. This includes items specifically designed for this purpose, even if they incorporate features like straps, back fastenings, or decorative elements. Items that are primarily for other purposes, such as sports bras designed for high-impact activities (which may fall under other headings depending on their construction and primary function), or garments that are primarily outerwear with a brassière-like structure, would not be classified here.
What documentation is typically required for importing brassières (HS 621210) into the EU under the TARIC system?
When importing brassières (HS 621210) into the European Union, importers and customs brokers must ensure compliance with the EU's TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) system. Standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin of the goods and any preferential trade agreements invoked, an 'origin declaration' or 'Movement Certificate EUR.1' may be required to claim reduced or zero duty rates. It is also essential to ensure that the goods comply with any applicable EU safety and labeling regulations for apparel.
How do trade agreements, such as the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), affect the duty rates for HS code 621210?
Trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS code 621210. For example, under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), eligible brassières originating in South Korea (KR) can be imported into the United States at a duty rate of Free. To benefit from this preferential rate, importers must obtain a valid 'Origin Declaration' from the Korean exporter, certifying that the goods meet the KORUS rules of origin. Without this declaration, the standard MFN duty rate of 6.00% would apply. Similar preferential arrangements exist with other trading partners, each with specific origin rules and documentation requirements.