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62
Tariff Chapter 62
Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)
What does heading 6203 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6203 covers men's or boys' suits, jackets and trousers. This includes clothing and clothing accessories made from woven fabrics (not knitted), manufactured from various fibres such as cotton, wool, polyester, silk and their blends. This heading covers ready-to-wear products. Import of woven clothing into the EU is subject to duty rates of 8% to 12% depending on the fibre type and article. Products must be labelled in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, with size and country of origin markings. Compliance with REACH standards and product safety directives is required. Heading 6203 is part of Chapter 62 (textiles, fabrics and clothing) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 6203 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 6203 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 6203
Import of woven clothing into the EU is subject to duty rates of 8% to 12% depending on the fibre type and article. Products must be labelled in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, with size and country of origin markings. Compliance with REACH standards and product safety directives is required. Duty rates for heading 6203 products range from 8% to 12% depending on fibre and article. Labelling is required: fibre composition, size, country of origin, care instructions. Products must meet REACH standards (azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel). Check tariff preferences under EU trade agreements (GSP, EPA, FTA). When importing goods under heading 6203 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 6203 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 6203 are subject to labelling and fibre composition controls. Required documentation includes: fibre composition labels (EU Regulation 1007/2011), OEKO-TEX certificates, REACH reports. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties.
Classification of goods under heading 6203 - key considerations
Heading 6203 covers men's or boys' suits, jackets and trousers. This includes clothing and clothing accessories made from woven fabrics (not knitted), manufactured from various fibres such as. Distinction from 6202 (women's or girls' overcoats, anoraks and) and 6204 (women's or girls' suits, ensembles, jack) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU duty rates for men's woven suits and trousers?
Duty rates for men's or boys' woven suits, jackets and trousers under heading 6203 are uniformly 12% regardless of fibre type. The 12% MFN rate applies to garments of wool, cotton, polyester, silk and blends alike. Suits as ensembles are subject to specific classification rules. The precise CN subheading depends on fibre composition and article type. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing men's woven suits and trousers?
Importing requires standard customs documentation and labelling per Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. Suits as ensembles must be properly declared - all components of the same fabric and colour. Fibre composition, size and country of origin marking are mandatory. Products must comply with REACH chemical substance requirements. This applies to goods classified under heading 6203 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing men's woven suits?
Distinction between woven garments (6203) and knitted garments (6103) is essential. All subheadings under 6203 carry a uniform MFN rate of 12%. Imports from certain countries are subject to quotas and surveillance. Rules of origin require double transformation. Customs checks may include laboratory testing of fibre composition, particularly for expensive wool suits. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)" and see the full import cost.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)" with all costs included.
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