How to Import Apparel from Italy to the US
Importing Apparel, Garments & Clothing from Italy
Importing apparel from Italy into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of Standard MFN rates (8%–27.5%); no additional surcharges. A Section 232 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) arrangement applies: steel and aluminum products within quota limits may enter at reduced or zero Section 232 duty, while above-quota imports face the full 25% surcharge.
Apparel imported from Italy 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.
Italy is the global capital of luxury fashion (Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani). Standard MFN rates apply. CBP customs valuation for luxury goods — declared value must include royalties and brand licensing fees.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Apparel from Italy
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (8.0%) | $4,000.00 | MFN column, Schedule B |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $4,235.70 | Effective rate: 8.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $54,235.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to apparel sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
See your compliance risk for apparel from Italy
A $199 compliance audit against your specific product lines and supply chain. Covers HTS code accuracy, AD/CVD exposure, FTA qualification, customs valuation, and CBP marking requirements — with actual CBP ruling cites and corrective actions.
Get Compliance Audit →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.
Total Tariff Cost for Italy-Origin Apparel
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All Italy-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | Italy-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 TRQ | 0% within quota; 25%/10% above | Steel/aluminum within agreed quota volumes |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
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
Run an automated compliance check for your apparel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Italy.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Apparel from Italy
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Italy. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Apparel from Italy
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America)
FAQs — Importing Apparel from Italy
Free Tools for Apparel Importers
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-07-05 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.