HS code for shorts
The U.S. HS code for shorts is usually 6203.42.45.51 (men's, woven cotton), with a 16.6% general duty and an estimated total of 29.1% from China and 29.1% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 54.1% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's, woven cotton | 6203.42.45.51 | 16.6% | 29.1% |
| Men's, knit polyester | 6103.43.15.50 | 28.2% | 40.7% |
| Women's, woven cotton | 6204.62.80.56 | 16.6% | 29.1% |
| Women's, knit polyester | 6104.63.20.30 | 28.2% | 40.7% |
- 6203.42.45.51: Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of cotton / Men's shorts (347)
- 6103.43.15.50: Trousers, breeches and shorts / Shorts / Men's (647)
- 6204.62.80.56: Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of cotton / Women's shorts (348)
- 6104.63.20.30: Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of synthetic fibers / Shorts / Women's (648)
What decides the code
Shorts are classified by gender, knit or woven construction, and fiber content, placing them in headings 6203, 6103, 6204 or 6104 depending on the combination.
- Gender decides the heading: men's shorts fall in 6203 (woven) or 6103 (knit), women's shorts in 6204 (woven) or 6104 (knit).
- Knit or woven construction decides the chapter: woven shorts go to 6203 or 6204, knit shorts to 6103 or 6104.
- Fiber content decides the subheading: cotton shorts take the cotton lines, polyester shorts take the synthetic fiber lines.
Common mistakes
- Classifying knit polyester shorts under 6203.42.45.51 is wrong because that line covers woven cotton men's shorts, not knit synthetic ones.
- Classifying women's woven cotton shorts under 6203.42.45.51 is wrong because heading 6203 covers men's and boys' garments, not women's.
- Classifying men's knit polyester shorts under 6104.63.20.30 is wrong because heading 6104 covers women's and girls' garments, not men's.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 29.1% = 16.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 54.1%.
- Vietnam
- 29.1% = 16.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 6203.42.45.51, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Men's, woven cotton
- CN 6203 42 90, 12%
- Men's, knit polyester
- CN 6103 43 00, 12%
- Women's, woven cotton
- CN 6204 62 90, 12%
- Women's, knit polyester
- CN 6104 63 00, 12%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for shorts?
The U.S. HTS code for shorts is usually 6203.42.45.51 (men's, woven cotton). Other versions use 6103.43.15.50 for men's, knit polyester, 6204.62.80.56 for women's, woven cotton, 6104.63.20.30 for women's, knit polyester. The first six digits, 6203.42, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on shorts from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 6203.42.45.51 is 16.6%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 29.1% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 29.1%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 6203.42.45.51Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of cotton / Men's shorts (347)
- 6103.43.15.50Trousers, breeches and shorts / Shorts / Men's (647)
- 6204.62.80.56Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of cotton / Women's shorts (348)
- 6104.63.20.30Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts / Of synthetic fibers / Shorts / Women's (648)
- Heading 6203Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)
- Heading 6103Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear), knitted or crocheted
- Heading 6204Women's or girls' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)
- Heading 6104Women's or girls' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear), knitted or crocheted
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.