HS 621220 Girdles and panty girdles
Quick Answer: Girdles and panty girdles imported under HS 621220 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US with a complex tariff structure including a 20% MFN rate and duty-free entry for certain preferential trade agreement partners. This HS code specifically covers garments designed to shape the wearer's waist, hips, and abdomen, often referred to as foundation garments. Importers should be aware of the varying tariff rates and the potential for preferential treatment in the US market, which can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin rules for each shipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212200000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212200000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6212200010 | — | — | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 6212200020 | — | — | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 6212200030 | — | — | ["doz.","<u>kg</u>"] |
| 62122000 | 20% | Free (15 programs) | — |
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 6212.20?
Imports of Girdles and panty girdles 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 13 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 621220 cover?
This subheading covers girdles and panty girdles, which are garments designed to shape and support the wearer's torso and hips. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these items are specifically defined as garments intended to shape the body. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system align with this definition, classifying under HS 621220 any undergarments that provide shaping or support to the abdominal area, waist, hips, or buttocks, typically made from elasticated fabrics.
What falls outside HS 621220?
The following products are excluded from HS 621220: garments primarily intended for warmth or general wear, such as ordinary briefs or panties (HS 610821-610829 or 620821-620829), corsets and corselettes (HS 621210), and bras (HS 621210). Additionally, shapewear that focuses solely on smoothing rather than significant shaping or support, or garments that are primarily outerwear, would not be classified here. For instance, a simple pair of control-top pantyhose would fall under HS 6115.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 621220?
A common error is misclassifying garments that offer minimal shaping as girdles or panty girdles. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable under two or more headings or subheadings, the classification is determined by the essential character of the goods. Importers may incorrectly classify items that are primarily designed for comfort or basic coverage, or those that are more akin to lingerie, under HS 621220 when they should be classified in headings for briefs or other undergarments based on their predominant function and construction.
How should importers classify products under HS 621220?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 621220 involves a thorough examination of the garment's construction, materials, and intended function. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain if the garment's primary purpose is to shape or support the torso, waist, hips, or buttocks, as per the WCO Explanatory Notes. This requires reviewing product descriptions, marketing materials, and the physical characteristics of the item, comparing them against the definitions provided in the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 621220?
A pair of women's shaping briefs, weighing 0.15 kg and declared at a customs value of $15.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($15.00 × 0.15 = $2.25). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 621220.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 621220?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 621220, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the US offers preferential rates, often 0% or reduced rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 621220 (Girdles and panty girdles)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 621220 is typically 6.00% ad valorem in the US. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, goods from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), the European Union (E*), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may receive duty-free treatment (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment.
How is the import duty for girdles and panty girdles calculated?
The import duty for HS 621220 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 6.00% and the declared value of a shipment of girdles is $10,000 USD, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 6.00% = $600 USD. Always ensure accurate valuation and apply the correct duty rate based on the origin of the goods and any applicable trade agreements.
What are the classification criteria for girdles and panty girdles under HS code 621220?
HS code 621220 specifically covers 'Girdles and panty girdles'. Classification is based on the garment's primary function: to shape the wearer's waist, hips, or abdomen through elastic construction, providing support or slimming effects. These garments are typically made of elastic fabrics and may or may not include boning or other reinforcing elements. Garments primarily designed for other purposes, such as general underwear or shapewear with a different primary function, may fall under different HS codes.
What documentation is typically required for importing girdles and panty girdles (HS 621220)?
Standard import documentation for HS 621220 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed. Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional documents like a visa or import license might be required. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 621220 into the United States?
The United States has numerous trade agreements that can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for HS code 621220. Notable agreements include those with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin criteria and provide a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration as specified by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the respective trade agreement.