How to Import Textiles into the US

Textiles products have the benefit of inexpensive overseas production sources as well as a large US market demand and can be a highly profitable and popular import commodity. Due to the over-saturation of overseas textile manufacturers and the US socio-political agenda, however, the United States has developed a complicated system designed to regulate the importation of textiles. If you are looking to import textiles into the United States, this guide is for you. Webster’s Dictionary defines Textile as: Pertaining to weaving or to woven fabrics; as, textile arts; woven, capable of being woven; formed by weaving; as, textile fabrics.”

For import purposes, this definition extends to a wide variety of clothing, bedding, and fabric related products. Articles of nightwear, hosiery, sportswear, and apparel are all considered textile products.

Textiles and textile products are listed in their own section in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States found (as of 10/18/04) here:

The HTS is the source used by the United States Government and US Customs to determine duty rates.

The end use of the textile product.

Once the initial category for your textile has been determined, it is the importer’s responsibilty to consult the USHTS to determine the specific classification and duty rate of their product.

First time importers are encouraged to contact a freight forwarder or licensed US Customs broker for assistance with filing import entries and arranging transportation. When dealing with a freight forwarder or broker, it is important to research your product and its import regulations. As the importer, you will ultimately be responsible for all facets of your import shipment.

62032210.–Men’s or boys’ judo, karate and other oriental martial arts uniforms, not knitted or crocheted, of cotton–01/01/2004
62032230.–Men’s or boys’ ensembles, not knitted or crocheted, of cotton, other than judo, karate and other oriental martial arts uniforms–01/01/2004
62042210.–Women’s or girls’ judo, karate and other oriental martial arts uniforms, not knitted or crocheted, of cotton–01/01/2004
62042230.–Women’s or girls’ ensembles, not knitted or crocheted, of cotton, other than judo, karate and other oriental martial arts uniforms–01/01/2004

61152010.–Women’s full-length or knee-length hosiery, measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex containing 70% or more by wt of silk, knit/croc–01/01/2004
61152090.–Women’s full-length or knee-length hosiery, measuring per single yarn less than 67 decitex containing under 70% by wt of silk, knitted/croc–01/01/2004
61159100.–Hosiery nesoi, knitted or crocheted, of wool or fine animal hair–01/01/2004
61159914.–Hosiery nesoi, of artificial fibers, containing lace or net–01/01/2004
61159918.–Hosiery nesoi, knitted or crocheted, of artificial fibers, other than those containing lace or net–01/01/2004

61072920.–Men’s or boys’ nightshirts and pajamas, knitted or crocheted, of wool or fine animal hair–01/01/2004
61072950.–Men’s or boys’ nightshirts and pajamas, of textile materials (ex cotton, mmf or wool), containing 70% or more by wt of silk, knitted or croc–01/01/2004
61072990.–Men’s or boys’ nightshirts and pajamas, of textile materials (ex cotton, mmf or wool), containing under 70% by wt of silk, knitted or croc–01/01/2004
61083100.–Women’s or girls’ nightdresses and pajamas, knitted or crocheted, of cotton–01/01/2004
61083200.–Women’s or girls’ nightdresses and pajamas, knitted or crocheted, of man-made fibers–01/01/2004

39262090.–Articles of apparel & clothing accessories, of plastic, nesoi–01/01/2004
40159000.–Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, excluding gloves, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber–01/01/2004
42031020.–Articles of apparel, of reptile leather–01/01/2004
42031040.–Articles of apparel, of leather or of composition leather, nesi–01/01/2004
43031000.–Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of furskins–01/01/2004

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