Importing Clothing into the U.S. – Textile Labeling & Duty Classification

Importing apparel into the United States is more than just selecting suppliers and managing logistics. Whether you’re shipping cotton shirts, synthetic activewear, or luxury garments, you must ensure compliance with U.S. customs and labeling laws. Understanding duty classification, HTS codes, and FTC labeling rules is essential to avoid costly delays or penalties.

This guide outlines what importers need to know when bringing clothing into the U.S.—with no commercial bias, just regulatory facts and guidance.

1. Putting Clothing in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) category

Every item of clothing must be accurately classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). This classification determines the applicable duty rate and is enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Key factors that affect HTS classification:

• Garment type (e.g., shirts, jackets, trousers)

• Material (cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, etc.)

• Construction (knit vs. woven)

• Intended gender (men’s, women’s, or unisex clothing)

• Origin of manufacture

Incorrect classification may lead to underpaid duties, shipment holds, or even seizure.

Related Reading: How to Read and Apply U.S. HTS Codes Effectively

2. Calculating Import Duties for Garments

Duty rates vary significantly by category and material. For example:

• Cotton T-shirts may carry a duty rate of 16.5%

• Polyester sportswear may range from 28% to 32%

• Silk garments often have lower rates

Your product’s HTS code is what ultimately determines the rate. Importers should regularly consult tools such as:

• HTS Search Tool – U.S. International Trade Commission

• CBP’s CROSS Rulings Database

These tools help you verify how similar products have been classified in past rulings, which can guide your documentation and declarations.

3. Textile Labeling Requirements: FTC & CBP Rules

Once your goods are classified, the next critical step is ensuring labeling compliance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs apparel labeling under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act.

Required label content includes:

• Fiber content (e.g., 100% cotton, 60% polyester / 40% rayon)

• Country of origin

• Manufacturer or RN (Registered Identification Number)

• Care instructions

Label Placement & Permanence:

• Labels must be securely attached and readable throughout the product’s lifecycle.

• The country of origin must be conspicuous and often appears near the collar or waistband.

Failure to comply with labeling rules can result in shipment delays or forced relabeling at the port.

Also Read: Importing Consumer Goods into the U.S.: A Labeling & Safety Checklist

4. Country of Origin Rules for Apparel

Determining origin isn’t just about where the product was sewn. CBP defines country of origin as the location where the “substantial transformation” occurred. For garments, this usually means the country where:

• Cutting and sewing of fabric occurred

• The final assembly took place

Misidentifying the country of origin can result in incorrect duty application and mislabeling violations. If sourcing from multiple countries, ensure your documentation reflects the correct transformation point.

Trade agreements like USMCA (formerly NAFTA) can also impact duty relief, but require strict origin tracing.

5. Required Documentation for Apparel Imports

To ensure smooth customs clearance, importers must prepare:

• Commercial Invoice: Describes each item, its quantity, value, and origin

• Packing List: Helps with inspection and classification

• Fiber Content and Label Samples (when requested)

• Certificates of Origin: If claiming USMCA or other FTA benefits

CBP may request supporting data at any time, especially if there’s doubt about classification or value.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Clothing importers frequently face setbacks due to:

• HTS misclassification, leading to incorrect duty payment

• Missing or poorly sewn-in labels

• Vague fiber descriptions, like “mixed fabrics” without percentages

• Underreported invoice values, triggering audits or penalties

7. Final Thoughts

Importing clothing into the U.S. successfully means navigating both customs duties and regulatory compliance. With proper attention to HTS classification, accurate country of origin, and textile labeling, importers can minimize delays and avoid legal pitfalls.

Relying on publicly available regulatory guidance—like the FTC’s official textile labeling rules—is key to staying compliant.

Understanding these foundational rules not only helps avoid enforcement issues but also supports ethical and transparent supply chains in the global textile industry.