HS Code for Socks
Socks are classified as hosiery under HTS heading 6115, and the fiber content is the primary driver of both the subheading and the duty rate. Cotton socks point toward 6115.95, synthetic-fiber socks toward 6115.96, wool socks toward 6115.94, and socks of other textile materials toward 6115.99. Graduated-compression socks have their own subheading at 6115.10, where surgical-grade compression hosiery is duty-free. General rates range widely — from around 1.6% for silk-dominant socks to roughly 18.8% for some fiber blends — so identifying the predominant fiber is the key step.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6115.95.90.00 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of cotton — other Cotton socks (most common cotton casual/athletic socks) | 13.5% |
| 6115.95.60.00 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of cotton — containing lace or net Cotton socks with lace or net detailing | 10% |
| 6115.96.90.20 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of synthetic fibers — other Synthetic (e.g., polyester/nylon) socks | 14.6% |
| 6115.96.60.20 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of synthetic fibers — other (with wool content) Synthetic-fiber socks with significant wool content | 18.8% |
| 6115.94.00.00 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of wool or fine animal hair Wool / merino socks | 11.3% |
| 6115.99.90.00 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, of other textile materials — other Socks of other textile fibers (e.g., bamboo viscose, linen blends) | 9.9% |
| 6115.99.40.00 | Socks and other hosiery, knitted, containing 70% or more by weight of silk Silk-dominant socks | 1.6% |
| 6115.10.10.00 | Graduated compression hosiery — of synthetic fibers Synthetic graduated-compression socks (non-surgical) | 14.9% |
| 6115.10.15.40 | Graduated compression hosiery — other Other graduated-compression socks | 16% |
| 6115.10.05.00 | Surgical panty hose and surgical stockings with graduated compression Surgical-grade graduated-compression hosiery | Free |
Socks are reviewed as hosiery under heading 6115 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, knitted or crocheted. For ordinary socks, two questions matter most: whether the product is a graduated-compression item, and what the predominant fiber is.
Graduated-compression hosiery is set apart first, under 6115.10. Within it, surgical panty hose and surgical stockings with graduated compression for the lower limbs are duty-free, while other compression socks are dutiable and broken out by fiber.
For everyday socks, the chief-weight fiber determines the subheading: wool or fine animal hair points toward 6115.94, cotton toward 6115.95, synthetic fibers toward 6115.96, and other textile materials toward 6115.99. Because the chief-weight fiber controls, a blended sock should be reviewed on the basis of which fiber predominates by weight — a cotton-rich blend and a polyester-rich blend can land in different subheadings with different rates.
Within each fiber group, statistical breakouts can further distinguish features such as lace or net construction or particular blend thresholds, which is why two cotton socks can carry different rates. Reviewing the fiber breakdown on the product specification is the reliable way to land on the most appropriate code.
It is also worth distinguishing socks from neighboring hosiery: panty hose and tights have their own subheadings within 6115 (6115.21 onward), and these are reviewed separately from socks.
Duty rates for socks depend heavily on fiber and feature. Silk-dominant socks are low (around 1.6%), socks of other textile materials around 9.9%, cotton socks around 10%–13.5%, wool socks around 11.3%, and synthetic socks around 14.6%, with certain blends reaching about 18.8%. Compression socks run around 14.9%–16%, while surgical graduated-compression hosiery is duty-free. Preferential rates under free trade agreements may reduce or eliminate these duties for qualifying origins. Because the rate hinges on the predominant fiber, accurate fiber-content reporting is central to the duty owed.