How to Import Apparel from Vietnam to the US
Importing Apparel, Garments & Clothing from Vietnam
Importing apparel from Vietnam into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of Full MFN rates (6.9%–32%) — no FTA with US. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant apparel sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry.
Apparel imported from Vietnam 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.
Vietnam is the #2 apparel exporter to the US. Despite high MFN rates, Vietnam dominates due to competitive manufacturing costs. Nike, Adidas, H&M, and Zara source heavily from Vietnam.
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 Vietnam
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 (6.9%) | $3,450.00 | 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 | $3,685.70 | Effective rate: 7.4% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $53,685.70 | 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 Vietnam
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 Vietnam-Origin Apparel
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All Vietnam-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | Vietnam-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% steel / 10% aluminum | Steel and aluminum imports from Vietnam |
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 Vietnam.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Apparel from Vietnam
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Vietnam. 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 Vietnam
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America)
Vietnamese Apparel: No FTA = High MFN, But Still Half the Cost of China
Vietnam is the #2 US apparel source at $15.8B annually. Despite MFN rates of 6.9%–32% (no FTA), Vietnamese apparel remains cost-competitive because it avoids Section 301 entirely. Effective Chinese rates: 14.4%–57% (MFN + 25% Section 301). On a $100,000 garment shipment: $69,000–$100,000 (Vietnam) vs. $144,000–$320,000 (China).
No active AD/CVD on Vietnamese apparel — but maintain origin documentation for fabric and yarn sources to defend against circumvention claims. CBP conducts factory visits and production record audits. Maintain: factory registration, daily production logs, payroll records proving Vietnamese wages, yarn/fabric purchase records with country-of-origin certificates.
Key product categories from Vietnam: Knit T-shirts (HTS 6109, 6110): 16.5%–32% MFN. Woven trousers (HTS 6203–6206): 8%–27.5% MFN. Sportswear is Vietnam’s fastest-growing category — Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Lululemon all have major Vietnamese manufacturing operations.
Import tip: For high-volume knit apparel, Vietnam is the clear global #1 choice. Verify yarn origin — if yarn is from China, CBP may question Vietnamese origin claims even without an FTA. Maintain yarn purchase records and country-of-origin certificates for all inputs.
FAQs — Importing Apparel from Vietnam
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.