Logistics

Sock HS Codes and Duty Rates for US and EU Imports

Published: 2026-06-10By ZheSock TeamReading time: 5 min

One wrong sock HS code can change duty, VAT, and the paperwork your broker asks for. Socks are not one customs category. A cotton crew, a graduated compression sock, and a sock slipper can fall under different tariff lines. If you import from China or another third country, confirm the code before the PO is final.

Table of Contents

1. What is the basic sock HS code?
2. How do US sock HS codes and duty rates work?
3. What are the EU codes and duty rates for sock imports?
4. Which product details change the sock HS code?
5. What documents should you send your broker before shipment?
6. How can buyers reduce duty mistakes and landed-cost surprises?

What is the basic sock HS code?

For most regular socks, the global starting point is HS heading 6115 for knitted or crocheted hosiery. In practice, buyers usually narrow the sock HS code to 6115.95 for cotton, 6115.96 for synthetic fibers, 6115.99 for other textile materials, or 6115.10 for graduated compression hosiery. Those six digits are the shared global base. After that, each market adds its own national digits.

Do not stop at 6115 on a PO or invoice. Customs looks at fiber, construction, and use. A sock with silicone grip dots usually stays in Chapter 61. A sock slipper with an applied outer sole can move to Chapter 64. One detail can change duty by several points.

How do US sock HS codes and duty rates work?

The US uses a 10-digit HTSUS code, so 6115.95 or 6115.96 is only the start. The last four digits sort the product by facts such as chief fiber, whether the item is for men or women, and whether it is graduated compression hosiery. For many common MFN lines, cotton socks land around 13.5% or 14.6%. Synthetic sock lines often land around 14.6% to 16.0%.

Duty is only part of the bill. Formal entries also pay Merchandise Processing Fee at 0.3464% of entered value, subject to the published minimum and maximum. Ocean shipments also pay Harbor Maintenance Fee at 0.125%. If the goods ship from China, check any active Section 301 tariffs before booking. Your broker needs the exact fiber split, such as 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane. Cotton blend is too vague.

What are the EU codes and duty rates for sock imports?

The EU follows the same six-digit base, then adds an 8-digit CN code and a 10-digit TARIC code. Common examples are 6115 95 00 for cotton socks, 6115 96 00 for synthetic fiber socks, 6115 99 00 for other textile materials, and 6115 10 00 for graduated compression hosiery. For many standard sock lines imported without preference, the third-country duty is 12.0%. Often. Not always. Check TARIC against the exact product and origin before payment.

Duty and import VAT are separate charges. In the EU, duty is charged first. VAT is then calculated on the customs value plus duty and freight. Germany applies 19% VAT, France 20%, and Hungary 27%. If the origin qualifies for a preference program and the proof of origin is valid, duty can drop, sometimes to 0%.

Which product details change the sock HS code?

After you know the market, product details decide the final line. Customs classifies the item itself, not the sales name. A file called sport sock tells the broker almost nothing.

Chief fiber by weight. A style that is 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane usually falls in the cotton group because cotton is the dominant fiber.
Compression function. A true compression sock HS code can move to 6115.10 when the pressure is graduated along the leg.
Outer sole. Silicone grip dots usually keep the item in Chapter 61. An applied rubber or plastics sole can move it to Chapter 64.
Product form. Tights, stockings, sockettes, and crew socks all sit under 6115, but not under the same subheading.

Needle count, such as 144N, 168N, or 200N, does not usually decide the code by itself. It still helps your broker match the sample to the spec.

What documents should you send your broker before shipment?

Once the likely code is clear, send the classification pack before the cargo leaves the factory. Late paperwork leads to late answers. A useful file includes the commercial invoice, packing list, product photo, fiber breakdown by weight, country of origin, and a short construction note.

Add the size range, pair count per carton, net weight, gross weight, and a note on compression, grip dots, or any applied sole. If the style is unusual, send one physical sample or clear photos of the bottom and cuff. Most of this data should already sit in the tech sheet. Ask for it during sampling, not after the vessel sails.

How can buyers reduce duty mistakes and landed-cost surprises?

Start classification during sampling. Do not wait for booking. Ask the supplier for the exact fiber split on day one, then ask your broker to confirm the likely US HTSUS or EU TARIC line before bulk production.

This matters when margin is thin. A basic 144N cotton crew sock may cost USD 0.55 to 1.10 per pair FOB China at 5,000 pairs. A 168N compression style can run USD 1.80 to 4.50. A duty error of 3 points can erase margin fast. Timing matters too. Sample socks often take 5 to 7 days. Bulk production is commonly 20 to 35 days for plain styles and 30 to 45 days for compression or jacquard programs. Build landed cost from one worksheet every time: product price, freight, duty, VAT or sales tax, broker fee, and local delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sock HS code the same in the US and EU?

Usually, yes for the first six digits. Most socks start in 6115, then split by material such as 6115.95 for cotton or 6115.96 for synthetic fibers. After digit six, the systems split. The US uses a 10-digit HTSUS code. The EU uses an 8-digit CN code and a 10-digit TARIC code.

How do customs decide whether a sock is cotton or synthetic?

Customs uses fiber content by weight. If the style is 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane, it normally goes in the cotton subheading because cotton is the chief fiber. Put the exact percentages on the invoice and tech sheet. Cotton blend is not enough.

Are compression socks always classified under 6115.10?

No. A tight sport sock is not automatically 6115.10. That subheading is for graduated compression hosiery, where pressure changes along the leg. If you sell the item as compression, send the pressure spec and product sheet to the broker before shipment.

Are EU VAT and customs duty the same thing?

No. Customs duty is the tariff charged from the tariff code and origin. Import VAT is then calculated on the customs value plus duty and freight. In the EU, Germany uses 19%, France 20%, and Hungary 27%.

Who is responsible for the final sock HS code, the supplier or the importer?

The importer of record usually carries the legal risk. A supplier can suggest the sock HS code, but the importer and broker should confirm it before the goods ship. If the code changes after arrival, you may face amended entries, extra duty, and delays.

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