HS Codes for Clothing, Apparel and Textiles
Use the right HS (Harmonized System) Code when shipping apparel or textile products internationally. It ensures accurate duties, faster customs clearance, and fewer shipment issues.
Chapter 61 – Knitted or Crocheted Apparel
Includes knitwear like t-shirts, sweaters, activewear, and undergarments.
| HSN Code | Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6101 | Knit | Men’s or boys’ overcoats, jackets, and similar outerwear. |
| 6102 | Knit | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, jackets, and similar outerwear. |
| 6103 | Knit | Men’s or boys’ suits, blazers, trousers, lower, shorts (excl. swimwear). |
| 6104 | Knit | Women’s or girls’ suits, dresses, skirts, trousers, lower, shorts (excl. swimwear). |
| 6109 | Knit | T-shirts, singlets, and vests. |
| 6110 | Knit | Pullovers, sweaters, cardigans, waistcoats. |
| 6112 | Knit | Track suits, ski suits, swimwear. |
| 6115 | Knit | Socks, stockings, tights, and hosiery. |
Chapter 62 – Woven Apparel (Not Knitted or Crocheted)
Structured garments like shirts, suits, trousers, and woven accessories.
| HSN Code | Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6201 | Woven | Men’s or boys’ overcoats, jackets, and similar outerwear. |
| 6202 | Woven | Women’s or girls’ overcoats, jackets, and similar outerwear. |
| 6203 | Woven | Men’s or boys’ suits, blazers, trousers, shorts (excl. swimwear). |
| 6204 | Woven | Women’s or girls’ suits, dresses, skirts, trousers, shorts (excl. swimwear). |
| 6205 | Woven | Men’s or boys’ shirts. |
| 6206 | Woven | Women’s or girls’ blouses and shirts. |
| 6211 | Woven | Track suits, ski suits, swimwear. |
| 6215 | Woven | Ties, bow ties, and cravats. |
Chapter 63 – Worn Clothing & Textile Waste
Second-hand clothing, rags, and textile waste products.
| HSN Code | Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6309 | – | Worn clothing and other used textile articles. |
| 6310 | – | Used or new rags, cords, ropes, and worn-out textile materials. |
Exporter Tips
- ✅ Confirm if the product is knit or woven before assigning an HS code.
- ✅ Match by garment type and gender for customs accuracy.
- ✅ Use precise codes to avoid delays and incorrect duties.
Uniform Clothes and textile HSN Code and GST rate
Uniform clothes are widely used in schools, hospitals, hotels, factories, security services, and corporate organizations. Under the GST system in India, the HSN code and GST rate for uniforms depend on the type of garment, the fabric used, and whether the clothing is knitted or woven.
HSN Code for Uniform Clothes
There is no single HSN code exclusively for “uniform clothes.” Instead, uniforms are classified under the same HSN codes as regular garments based on their material and construction. For example:
- HSN 6101–6117: Knitted or crocheted garments, including T-shirts, sweaters, and other knitted uniforms.
- HSN 6201–6217: Woven garments, including shirts, trousers, blazers, jackets, skirts, and similar uniforms.
The applicable HSN code should be selected according to the specific type of uniform being supplied.
GST Rate on Uniform Clothes
Uniform garments generally attract 5% or 12% GST, depending on their sale value and the applicable GST notification. The GST rate may vary based on the product category and pricing, so businesses should verify the latest GST provisions before invoicing.
Common Types of Uniform Clothes
Uniform clothing commonly includes:
- School uniforms
- Corporate uniforms
- Hospital and medical uniforms
- Security guard uniforms
- Hotel and hospitality uniforms
- Industrial and factory workwear
- Sports team uniforms
Each of these products is classified according to its garment type rather than its end use.
Why the Correct HSN Code Matters
Using the correct HSN code for uniform clothes helps businesses:
- Comply with GST regulations
- Apply the correct GST rate
- Generate accurate tax invoices
- Simplify GST return filing
- Avoid classification disputes and penalties
Businesses should always classify uniforms based on the garment’s fabric, construction, and description to ensure compliance with GST requirements.
1. HSN Code 6101 to 6117: Knitted or Crocheted Apparel
Knitted fabrics garments HSN Code
- 6101: Men’s or boys’ overcoats, capes, wind-cheaters
- 6102: Women’s or girls’ overcoats, jackets, capes
- 6103: Men’s or boys’ suits, jackets, lower, trousers
- 6104: Women’s or girls’ suits, lower, trousers, skirts
- 6105: Men’s shirts
- 6106: Women’s blouses
- 6109: T-shirts, singlets, and vests
- 6110: Sweaters and similar garments (like pullovers and cardigans)
- 6111: Babies’ garments and clothing accessories
2. HSN Code 6201 to 6217: Woven Apparel
Non-knitted (woven) garments HSN Code
- 6201: Men’s or boys’ overcoats and similar items
- 6202: Women’s or girls’ overcoats and jackets
- 6203: Men’s suits, ensembles, jackets, trousers
- 6204: Women’s suits, dresses, skirts
- 6205: Men’s shirts (woven)
- 6206: Women’s blouses and shirts
- 6211: Track suits, ski suits, swimwear
GST Rates for Garments Based on HSN Codes
GST rates on clothes depend on their sale value per item and fabric type:
Garments Below ₹1000 Per Piece:
- GST Rate: 5%
- Applies to: Most readymade garments, including cotton, polyester, woollen if sale price is less than ₹1000
Garments Above ₹1000 Per Piece:
- GST Rate: 12%
- Applies to: High-value garments, branded clothing, designer wear
Example:
- A T-shirt worth ₹800 will attract 5% GST under HSN 6109
- A blazer worth ₹1800 will attract 12% GST under HSN 6203
How to Find The Right HSN Code of Clothes
To avoid misclassification, here’s how to identify the correct HSN code for your garments:
- Check Fabric Type: Knitted or woven?
- Review Garment Category: Shirts, T-shirts, jackets, trousers, etc.
- Consider Target Gender/Age: Men’s, women’s, or children’s clothing
- Use Government Portals:
- CBIC HSN Finder
- GSTN HSN Library
- Consult Your Customs Broker or logistics partner like ShipGlobal who can assist with international HS classification.
HSN Codes for Exporting Clothes
When exporting clothes, you must include the 6-digit international HS code on shipping documents like:
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
For example:
- HSN Code for Sweaters made of cotton : 6110 20
- HSN Code for T-shirts made of cotton : 6109 10
- HSN Code for Men’s trousers made of cotton : 6203 42
Accurate HSN classification helps customs authorities determine:
- Tariff and duty rates
- Whether goods are eligible under Preferential Trade Agreements
- Compliance with EU or US import regulations
HSN Code of Clothing for E-Commerce Sellers
If you sell garments on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, HSN codes are essential for:
- Product listings
- Tax invoice generation
- Filing monthly or quarterly GST returns
- Tracking inventory by product type
Pro Tip: Always maintain a master list of your SKUs and their corresponding HSN codes to automate invoice generation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using HSN Code of Clothes
- Using Wrong Code Format: Using a 4-digit code when 6 or 8-digit is required
- Ignoring Fabric Differences: Knitted and woven garments fall under different headings
- Neglecting Product Value: GST rate changes at the ₹1000 threshold
- Assuming Same Code For Accessories: Scarves, belts, and gloves have different HSN codes
- Using Generic Codes For Custom Apparel: Tailor-made and personalized clothing might need different classification
Why HSN Code Accuracy is Crucial
- Incorrect classification can lead to penalties, delays, or rejection of export consignments
- In India, exporters must mention the correct HSN code while applying for Certificate of Origin (COO) under preferential trade treaties
- Customs misclassification can result in higher duties or denial of tariff benefits
FAQs for HSN Code of Clothes
The HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code is a globally recognized system for classifying goods. For clothes, it ensures:
Correct GST rate application in India.
Smooth customs clearance for exports/imports.
Reduced risk of penalties due to misclassification.
Start with these steps:
Identify the type of garment (shirt, dress, trousers, etc.).
Note the fabric/material (cotton, polyester, wool, blends).
Check the end use (men’s, women’s, kids, uniforms).
Refer to Chapter 61 (knitted/crocheted garments) or Chapter 62 (non-knitted garments) in the Customs Tariff.
Example: A men’s cotton shirt (non-knitted) falls under HSN 6205.
You may be charged the wrong GST rate, leading to notices or fines.
Customs may hold or delay shipments until corrected.
Risk of compliance penalties for intentional misreporting.
Yes. HSN codes are based on fabric composition. For instance:
Cotton T-shirts (knitted): 6109.10
Synthetic T-shirts (knitted): 6109.90
Even if the garment type is the same, fabric differences change the classification.
Yes. Age and garment type matter.
Infants’ garments (under 86 cm height): Chapter 61.11 or 62.09.
Children’s wear (above infant size): falls under the same chapter as adults but with size-based differences.
Uniform sets do not have a single dedicated HSN code. They are classified based on the specific material (e.g., cotton, synthetic), whether they are knitted or woven, and the target demographic. But they are typically fall under Ensembles (Chapter 62 or 61).
