HS Code for Other Made-Up Clothing Accessories Knitted or Crocheted

Imagine facing unexpected customs delays and hefty penalties because your knitted scarves or garment parts were classified under the wrong tariff code. As logistics professionals at FreightAmigo Services Limited, we've seen countless importers in the apparel sector struggle with this exact issue. Accurate classification under HS code for clothing like 6117 is not just a compliance checkbox—it's essential for smooth cross-border trade, duty optimization, and cost control. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about HS Code 6117, from its scope and subheadings to global trade trends and practical import strategies.

Key Takeaways from This Guide

• Understand the precise scope of HS 6117 and its HTS extensions to avoid misclassification penalties.
• Explore current duty rates, trade statistics, and top global players shaping this niche market.
• Gain actionable insights on logistics challenges and optimization tips for efficient apparel accessory imports.

This table highlights the general MFN duty rates from the USITC HTS 2026 Basic Edition, underscoring the financial stakes of proper HTS code for clothing assignment. With tariffs ranging from 8.5% to 14.6% generally, and up to 40% for non-MFN countries, getting it right can save thousands per shipment.

Understanding HS Code 6117: Scope and Structure

HS Code 6117 falls under Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are knitted or crocheted. Specifically, it covers other made-up clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted; knitted or crocheted parts of garments or of clothing accessories. This is a niche but vital category in the global apparel trade, capturing items like shawls, scarves, ties, and functional parts such as collars or cuffs.

The Harmonized System (HS) is the international nomenclature for classifying traded products, standardized at the first six digits worldwide. For HS code clothing items like these, precision is paramount. In the United States, the HTS extends this to 10 digits for customs purposes, enabling granular tariff application. We've assisted numerous clients importing these goods from Asia to North America, where even subtle differences—like whether a knitted veil qualifies as 6117.10—can trigger CBP scrutiny.

Key subheadings include:

• 6117.10: Shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils, and similar articles.
• 6117.80: Ties, bow ties, cravats, and other clothing accessories (excluding those in 6117.10).
• 6117.90: Parts of garments or clothing accessories not elsewhere specified, such as knitted cuffs or shoulder pads.

Importers must reference official rulings from customs authorities, like U.S. CBP, to confirm classifications. For instance, knitted headwear wraps often land here rather than under headgear codes, preventing costly reclassifications.

Duty Rates and Tariff Considerations for HS 6117 Imports

Duties on HS 6117 goods vary significantly by origin and trade agreements. As shown in the introductory table, general MFN rates hover around 14.6% for most subheadings, with special rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like USMCA offering duty-free entry for qualifying goods. Non-MFN countries face steeper Column 2 rates up to 40%.

Additional layers complicate the picture: Section 301 tariffs on China-origin goods add 7.5-25%+, pushing importers to diversify sourcing. The de minimis rule—$800 threshold for informal U.S. entries—benefits e-commerce sellers of small accessory parcels but invites audits for apparel misclassification.

At FreightAmigo, our Customs Clearance service leverages AI-driven HS code validation to ensure compliance from the outset. We cross-reference your product descriptions against the latest HTS revisions, minimizing risks and accelerating clearance. Paired with our Duties & Taxes Calculator, you get instant estimates tailored to your shipment's origin and value, empowering proactive duty planning.

This tool is invaluable for budgeting freight alongside duties, especially for LCL shipments of scarves or parts from high-tariff origins.

Global Trade Landscape for HS 6117 Products

World exports of HS 6117 goods exceeded $3 billion in 2024, representing a modest but growing slice of Chapter 61 trade. China dominates with a 53% share ($1.61B), fueled by mass-market production of scarves and parts. Italy follows at $190M, excelling in luxury ties and scarves, while Germany contributes $96.5M in technical components. Emerging players like Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh are gaining ground as cost-effective alternatives amid tariff pressures.

Top importers include the U.S., Germany, France, the UK, and Japan, with EU and U.S. markets absorbing ~60% of flows. Year-over-year growth of 5-10% from 2022-2024 reflects post-COVID recovery in fashion retail and e-commerce demand.

These figures, derived from OEC and UN Comtrade data, highlight supply chain shifts. We've observed clients rerouting from China to Vietnam, reducing effective landed costs by 15-20% after tariffs.

U.S. Import Trends and Key Suppliers for HS 6117

U.S. imports under HTS 6117 range from $400-600M annually, part of the broader $100B+ apparel influx. While 2025 specifics are emerging, aggregate apparel imports rose 6.9% YTD June 2025 versus 2024, with volatility from tariffs and demand fluctuations. China supplies 40-50% (~$200M+), Vietnam 20%, and India/Bangladesh/Cambodia 10-15% each.

Volume-wise, 50-100M units flow through ports like Los Angeles, New York, and Long Beach (80%+ of apparel entries). Exports are minor at $50-100M, mainly to Canada and Mexico under USMCA.

Recent pressures include Red Sea disruptions adding 10-14 days and 20% costs to Asia-Europe routes, indirectly affecting U.S. sourcing via Cape rerouting. Inflation moderates 2025-2026 volumes, but e-commerce (e.g., small parcels via Amazon FBA) sustains demand.

Logistics Challenges and Best Practices for HS 6117 Shipments

Transporting knitted clothing accessories demands tailored strategies. Bulk scarves suit economical sea freight (40-50 days Asia-U.S. West Coast), while high-value Italian ties favor air for speed. LCL consolidates parts efficiently, with carriers like major transpacific lines handling peaks.

Challenges abound: CBP origin audits enforce yarn-forward rules for FTAs; Section 301 hikes accelerate nearshoring to Mexico. E-commerce parcels exploit de minimis but risk scrutiny. Supply chain resilience is key—diversify suppliers, use real-time tracking.

From our Hong Kong vantage, we've streamlined countless such shipments. Our Customs Clearance ensures HS 6117 accuracy, while the Duties & Taxes Calculator forecasts total costs. For instance, a 500kg LCL of scarves from Vietnam to LA might incur 14.6% duties plus freight—tools like these reveal optimizations instantly.

Pro tips:

• Secure binding rulings pre-shipment for ambiguous parts.
• Leverage FTAs via certificates of origin.
• Opt for insured consolidated services to mitigate risks.
• Monitor USITC DataWeb for monthly updates.

Future Outlook: Navigating 2026 and Beyond

As 2026 unfolds, expect continued sourcing shifts from China, boosted Vietnam/India roles, and e-commerce-driven parcel surges. Apparel tariffs persist, but FTAs and de minimis ease small-volume trade. Sustainability trends may elevate certified eco-knits under 6117.

Staying ahead requires agile partners. We've helped apparel importers cut clearance times by 30% via AI HS validation, turning compliance into a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Mastering the HS code for clothing 6117 unlocks efficient, compliant trade in knitted accessories and parts. From duty nuances and trade flows to logistics hurdles, armed with this knowledge, you're equipped to optimize costs and timelines. Partner with FreightAmigo for seamless support—start with our Instant Quote or Customs Clearance to elevate your supply chain today.