Effective Duty Rate
7.5%–25% Section 301 (List 4A) + 6.9%–32% MFN = ~14.4%–57% effective
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Very High
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CBP, FTC, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Apparel, Garments & Clothing from China
Apparel imported from China to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — China Origin
Chinese apparel faces the highest combined duty stack of any product category. High MFN base rates plus Section 301 surcharges. Additionally, UFLPA enforcement targets Xinjiang cotton — all cotton apparel from China must demonstrate supply chain traceability proving non-Xinjiang origin.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Apparel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to apparel imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 6109 |
T-Shirts, Singlets & Tank Tops (knitted) |
16.5%–32% MFN |
| 6203 |
Men's/Boys' Suits, Trousers & Shorts (woven) |
8%–27.5% MFN |
| 6204 |
Women's/Girls' Suits, Dresses & Skirts (woven) |
6.9%–27.5% MFN |
| 6110 |
Sweaters, Pullovers & Cardigans (knitted) |
5%–32% MFN |
| 6205–6206 |
Men's/Women's Shirts & Blouses (woven) |
8.4%–27.5% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — CHINA ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for China-Origin Apparel
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All China-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty |
7.5%–25% additional |
Most product categories from China |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from China |
COMPLIANCE — CBP / FTC / CPSC
US Compliance Requirements for Apparel Imports
Regardless of origin country, apparel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — fiber content label required on all garments (16 CFR Part 303); must list fiber names and percentages in descending order
- FTC Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423) — permanent care instruction labels required on all garments
- CPSC flammability standards: 16 CFR Part 1610 for general apparel; stricter Parts 1615/1616 for children's sleepwear
- Country of origin label required per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be sewn into each garment; removable hang tags alone do not satisfy CBP requirements
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your apparel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs China.
Run Compliance Check →
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Apparel from China
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs China. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with fiber content, garment description, and construction (knit vs. woven)
2
Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per SKU
4
Country of Origin Certificate
5
Textile visa / export license (where applicable)
6
CPSC Children's Product Certificate with flammability test reports (children's apparel)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Apparel from China
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Apparel from China
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing apparel from China?
The effective US tariff rate for apparel from China is: 7.5%–25% Section 301 (List 4A) + 6.9%–32% MFN = ~14.4%–57% effective. Chinese apparel faces the highest combined duty stack of any product category. High MFN base rates plus Section 301 surcharges. Additionally, UFLPA enforcement targets Xinjiang cotton — all cotton apparel from China must demonstrate supply chain traceability proving non-Xinjiang origin.
What compliance agencies regulate apparel imports from China?
Apparel imports require compliance with: CBP, FTC, CPSC. Specific requirements include: FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — fiber content label required on all garments (16 CFR Part 303); must list fiber names and percentages in descending order and FTC Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423) — permanent care instruction labels required on all garments.
What documents are required to import apparel from China?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with fiber content, garment description, and construction (knit vs. woven); Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per SKU; Bill of Lading; Country of Origin Certificate. Additional: Textile visa / export license (where applicable); CPSC Children's Product Certificate with flammability test reports (children's apparel). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs China.
How long does customs clearance take for apparel from China?
Typical timeline: 25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on apparel from China?
Yes. China-origin apparel is subject to Section 301 additional tariffs (7.5%–25% depending on HTS code and List). Section 232 duties also apply: 25% on steel products, 10% on aluminum. Total effective duty is substantially higher than the base MFN rate.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?
Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your apparel shipment from China.
RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Apparel From Other Countries?
Other Products from China?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.