Export from China
Export documents for apparel: HS codes, invoices and certificates of origin
Knitted garments sit in chapter 61 of the Harmonized System: T-shirts under 6109, sweatshirts and hoodies under 6110, and knitted shirts including polos under 6105 (men's/boys') or 6106 (women's/girls'). Every shipment travels with a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading. A certificate of origin can get you lower duty under free trade agreements such as RCEP.
Key takeaways
- Chapter 61 covers knitted or crocheted apparel; chapter 62 covers woven (not knitted) apparel.
- Common headings: 6109 T-shirts, 6110 sweatshirts and hoodies, 6105/6106 knitted shirts including polos, 6112 tracksuits.
- Core documents are the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading (or air waybill).
- A certificate of origin under an FTA (for example RCEP, China–Australia or China–New Zealand) can reduce import duty.
- The importer confirms the full classification in the destination country's tariff.
Reference information, not legal advice. Regulations change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked below or a compliance professional before shipping.
HS codes for knitwear
The Harmonized System (HS) is how customs classifies goods. The first six digits are the same worldwide, and each country adds more digits in its own tariff.
| Garment | HS heading |
|---|---|
| T-shirts, singlets, vests (knitted) | 6109 |
| Sweatshirts, hoodies, pullovers (knitted) | 6110 |
| Men’s or boys’ shirts, knitted, incl. polos | 6105 |
| Women’s or girls’ blouses and shirts, knitted, incl. polos | 6106 |
| Tracksuits (knitted) | 6112 |
| Suits, ensembles, trousers and shorts (knitted) | 6103 (men’s/boys’) · 6104 (women’s/girls’) |
Two rules of thumb. First, knitted versus woven matters: the same garment type is in chapter 61 if knitted and chapter 62 if woven. Second, fibre matters, because national tariffs split headings by fibre (cotton, synthetic, other), often with different duty rates.
The importer is responsible for the final classification in their country. Use the factory’s description (garment, knit, fibre %, gender) to confirm it.
The documents that travel with your goods
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller, buyer, description, HS code, quantity, value, Incoterm |
| Packing list | Cartons, pieces per carton, sizes, weights, dimensions |
| Bill of lading (sea) / air waybill (air) | Contract of carriage and, for an original B/L, title to the goods |
| Export declaration | Filed in China by the exporter or its agent |
| Certificate of origin | Proves origin; needed to claim preferential duty |
Depending on the market, you may also be asked for test reports, certificates (for example OEKO-TEX) and supply-chain traceability documents.
Certificates of origin and free trade agreements
A certificate of origin proves where the goods were made. A preferential certificate under a free trade agreement can reduce or remove import duty if the goods meet that agreement’s rules of origin. The agreements that matter for apparel from China include:
- RCEP, which covers Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the ASEAN countries, among others.
- The China–Australia FTA (ChAFTA) and the China–New Zealand FTA.
China is no longer a beneficiary of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences, so EU imports from China pay the standard duty rate.
Final thoughts
Correct paperwork is what gets goods through customs quickly. Agree the HS description, the Incoterm and whether you need a preferential certificate of origin at the quotation stage. Some certificates have to be applied for before the goods ship.