US import duty on clothing & knitwear
Apparel is one of the highest-taxed import categories. Knitted cotton garments (sweaters, hoodies, t-shirts) carry a 16.5% general rate, and rates shift with fabric and construction.
Clothing duty rates at a glance
| Item | HTS code | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton hoodie or sweater | 6110.20.20 | 16.5% |
| Wool pullover | 6110.11 | Varies by weight |
| Polyester activewear | 6110.30 | Varies |
| Cotton t-shirt | 6109.10 | 16.5% |
Key facts
- Cotton knitwear (HTS 6110.20): 16.5% general rate
- Wool sweaters (HTS 6110.11): varies by weight and knit
- Synthetic fabrics (HTS 6110.30): varies, often higher
- De minimis suspended — every parcel is dutiable regardless of value
Don't forget the fees
- MPF processing fee: from $2.69 (informal entry)
- Carrier brokerage: USPS flat $9.35; UPS/FedEx/DHL vary
- Country-of-origin surcharges stack on top of MFN rates
Clothing duty by origin country
FAQs
Why is clothing duty so high?
US apparel tariffs are historically protective. Knit cotton garments sit at 16.5% under HTS 6110.20, among the highest consumer-good rates. Fabric content and garment construction can push the rate up or down.
Does the seller's declared value matter?
Yes. Duty is ad valorem — calculated on the declared customs value (item price plus shipping, in this calculator's model). Undervaluing a parcel is customs fraud and can result in seizure and penalties.
Are second-hand clothes dutiable?
Generally yes — used clothing still falls under the same HTS headings. Personal-used-items exemptions apply to accompanied baggage when traveling, not to mailed purchases.