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62
Tariff Chapter 62
Men's or boys' shirts
What does heading 6205 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6205 covers men's or boys' shirts. 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 6205 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 6205 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 6205 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 6205
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 6205 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 6205 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 6205 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 6205 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 6205 - key considerations
Heading 6205 covers men's or boys' shirts. This includes clothing and clothing accessories made from woven fabrics (not knitted), manufactured from various fibres such as. Distinction from 6204 (women's or girls' suits, ensembles, jack) and 6206 (women's or girls' blouses and shirts) 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 duty rates for men's woven shirts under heading 6205?
The MFN customs duty rate for men's or boys' shirts, woven, under heading 6205 is a uniform 12% regardless of fibre type. This 12% rate applies to cotton shirts, synthetic fibre shirts, and shirts made from other materials alike. This heading covers shirts made from woven fabrics (not knitted), including formal, casual, and flannel shirts. Lower or zero-duty rates may apply for imports benefiting from EU preferential trade arrangements. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What regulatory requirements apply to importing men's woven shirts into the EU?
Importing men's woven shirts into the EU requires fibre composition labelling under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, size information, country of origin marking, and care instructions. Products must comply with REACH chemical substance requirements (dyes, formaldehyde) and the product safety directive. Boys' shirts are subject to additional safety standards. Required documents include commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and customs declaration. This applies to goods classified under heading 6205 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 shirts under 6205?
When importing men's woven shirts, distinguishing between woven (6205) and knitted (6105) shirts is essential, as classification affects the duty rate. Shirts with collars and buttons along the full front opening are typical heading 6205 products. Imports from GSP countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Vietnam) or those with trade agreements may reduce duties to 0%. Rules of origin must be met for obtaining preferences. Sewing and finishing quality control is recommended. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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