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62

Tariff Chapter 62

Women's or girls' singlets and other vests, slips, petticoats, briefs, panties, nightdresses, pyjamas, négligés, bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles

What does heading 6208 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 6208 covers women's slips, nightdresses and pyjamas. 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 6208 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 6208 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 6208 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 6208

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 6208 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 6208 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 6208 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 6208 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 6208 - key considerations

Heading 6208 covers women's slips, nightdresses and pyjamas. This includes clothing and clothing accessories made from woven fabrics (not knitted), manufactured from various fibres such as. Distinction from 6207 (men's underpants, nightshirts and pyjama) and 6209 (babies' garments and clothing accessorie) 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 customs duties apply to importing women's underwear and pyjamas into the EU?
The MFN duty rate for women's slips, nightdresses and pyjamas under heading 6208 is a uniform 12% of the customs value, regardless of fibre composition. This 12% rate applies to cotton, synthetic fibre, and silk products alike. Classification is based on the predominant fibre content by weight, which determines the CN subheading. Reduced rates may apply under EU preferential trade agreements or the GSP scheme with valid proof of origin. 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 woven women's underwear into the EU?
Importing women's underwear under heading 6208 requires a customs declaration with the correct CN code, a commercial invoice, and a certificate of origin. Products must be labelled according to Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, specifying fibre composition, size, and country of manufacture. Given direct skin contact, REACH compliance documentation is critical, covering restrictions on azo dyes, formaldehyde, and nickel. A packing list detailing item descriptions and quantities is also required. 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 aspects should importers consider for women's underwear and nightwear?
When importing women's underwear under heading 6208, precise CN code determination is crucial as different subheadings carry different duty rates. These garments have direct skin contact, making chemical safety compliance especially important. Verify whether the exporting country benefits from EU preferential tariffs. Budget for laboratory testing and certification costs. Plan order volumes considering seasonal demand fluctuations and allow sufficient lead time for compliance testing. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.