Cashmere HS Code Guide: 5108.20 vs 6110 vs 6202 for B2B Importers (2026)

When importing cashmere from China to the EU, US, or other major markets, the Harmonized System (HS) code you use on your commercial invoice determines your duty rate, your customs broker’s paperwork, and whether your shipment gets held for classification review. Getting this wrong can mean 5-12% unexpected duty bills, 2-4 week customs delays, or having to re-export and re-import the shipment with corrected codes.

This guide covers the three HS codes you’ll use for 95% of B2B cashmere imports, with the actual duty rates for the EU, US, UK, Japan, and Korea.

The Three Critical HS Codes

HS 5108.20 — Carded or Combed Cashmere Yarn

This code covers cashmere in the yarn form, whether as dehaired raw fiber, combed tops, or spun yarn. The full classification hierarchy:

• 5108: Carded or combed fine animal hair (cashmere, yak, camel, alpaca)
• 5108.10: Carded (less processed, fiber alignment random)
• 5108.20: Combed (more processed, fibers aligned parallel, ready for spinning or weaving)
• 5108.20.10: Cashmere (specific sub-code for cashmere under most national tariff schedules)
• 5108.20.60: Other fine animal hair (yak, camel, etc.)

If you import 100 kg of 2/48 Nm cashmere yarn on cones, you use HS 5108.20.10. If you import 50 kg of dehaired cashmere tops (combed but not yet spun), you use HS 5108.20.20 or similar sub-code. The specific 6-digit sub-code varies by country, but the 4-digit HS 5108 family is consistent.

Use 5108.20 for: raw cashmere fiber, cashmere tops, cashmere yarn in any count (2/26 to 2/80 Nm), yarn on cones or in hanks.

HS 6110 — Knitted Cashmere Garments

This code covers knitted or crocheted cashmere garments — the most common category for B2B cashmere imports. The hierarchy:

• 6101-6107: Knitted men’s or boys’ garments (coats, suits, shirts)
• 6108-6117: Knitted women’s or girls’ garments
• 6110: Knitted pullovers, cardigans, sweaters, vests, and similar articles

Use 6110 for: cashmere sweaters, cashmere cardigans, cashmere vests, cashmere knit dresses, cashmere scarves (when knitted rather than woven). Cashmere beanies and hats are also typically classified under 6110 when they’re knitted.

Cashmere socks are classified under HS 6115 (hosiery). Cashmere gloves are 6116. Cashmere scarves that are woven rather than knitted fall under HS 6214 (not knitted). The 6110 code is specifically for knitted garments.

HS 6202 — Woven Cashmere Coats for Women and Girls

This code covers woven cashmere outerwear for women and girls, including coats, jackets, and similar articles. The hierarchy:

• 6201: Woven men’s or boys’ coats and jackets
• 6202: Woven women’s or girls’ coats and jackets

Use 6202 for: cashmere overcoats, cashmere trench coats, woven cashmere jackets, woven cashmere blazers. The fabric must be woven (not knitted) for 6202 to apply.

Knitted cashmere coats fall under HS 6101 (men’s) or 6102 (women’s). This is a common point of confusion: a “cashmere coat” can be classified under three different codes depending on construction (knit vs. woven) and gender.

2026 Import Duty Rates by Region

Market	HS 5108.20 (yarn)	HS 6110 (knit)	HS 6202 (woven)
EU	4%	12%	12%
US	Free (MFN)	Free (MFN)	16% (MFN)
UK	4%	12%	12%
Japan	0%	5.6%	9.1%
Korea	8%	13%	13%
Australia	0%	5%	5%
Canada	Free (MFN)	18% (MFN)	18% (MFN)

Source: World Trade Organization tariff database, 2026 schedules. Verify with your local customs authority before shipping.

The EU’s 12% duty on cashmere knitwear is a key pricing consideration for European buyers. A USD 50 cashmere sweater imported into the EU has a USD 6 duty added at the border, plus 19% German VAT (or 20% French/Italian VAT) on the CIF value. A DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) quote from your factory should include all of this.

Common HS Code Mistakes B2B Importers Make

Mistake 1: Classifying a woven scarf as 6110 (knit). If your cashmere scarves are woven on a loom, they should be HS 6214 (woven scarves), not 6110. Using the wrong code can trigger a customs audit and a retroactive duty assessment.

Mistake 2: Mixing yarn and garment codes in one shipment. If you import 50 kg of yarn (5108.20) and 200 sweaters (6110) in the same shipment, the shipment should be classified by the predominant value. In most customs regimes, the higher-value item determines the overall classification. Splitting into two invoices (one per code) avoids this.

Mistake 3: Not declaring “cashmere” content percentage. The US Customs and Border Protection requires that textile labels disclose fiber content. If your garment is 70% cashmere / 30% wool, the label must show this, and the HS code classification is based on the predominant fiber. 50%+ cashmere content = 5108.20 / 6110 / 6202. Below 50% = the wool or other fiber code.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to use FTA preferential rates. If you have a valid Certificate of Origin for a free trade agreement (e.g., China-EU isn’t an FTA but China-Korea is), you may qualify for 0% duty instead of 13%. Most countries require the certificate to be issued by the manufacturer and signed by an authorized body (chamber of commerce, customs authority, etc.).

Mistake 5: Misclassifying blended products. A 70% cashmere / 30% silk blend is a separate HS code (e.g., 5112.19 for woven cashmere-silk fabric). The classification depends on which fiber is predominant by weight, with some exceptions for fiber-specific tariffs.

Practical Workflow for B2B Cashmere Importers

Here’s the workflow our B2B customers use to handle HS codes correctly:

Step 1: Confirm with the factory. Ask the factory for the exact HS code they declare on their commercial invoice and packing list. They should provide this as a standard part of their export documentation. If you’re using DDP terms, the factory’s forwarder will handle customs in the destination country using this code.

Step 2: Verify with your customs broker. Send the factory’s HS code to your customs broker for confirmation. They can check the local tariff schedule and any applicable free trade agreements. This is a 5-minute email that can save you 4-week customs delays.

Step 3: Get a binding ruling (for high-value shipments). For shipments over USD 50,000, consider applying for a binding advance ruling from your local customs authority. This locks in the HS code for 3 years, eliminating future classification disputes. US CBP and EU customs both offer this service.

Step 4: Document everything in the contract. The commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin should all use the same HS code. Include the 6-digit HS code in the contract terms. This protects both buyer and seller if customs ever challenges the classification.

Cashmere HS Codes in DDP Quotations

If you’re requesting a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) quote from a Chinese cashmere factory, the DDP price should include:

• FOB price: Ex-works or FOB Tianjin/Shanghai factory price
• Sea/air freight: To your destination port or airport
• Insurance: 0.3-0.5% of cargo value (CIF only)
• Import duty: Calculated on CIF value × applicable HS code duty rate
• VAT/GST: Calculated on (CIF + duty) × destination country’s VAT rate
• Customs broker fees: USD 75-200 per shipment
• Last-mile delivery: From port to your warehouse

For a USD 50,000 cashmere knitwear order shipped to Germany by sea:

• FOB Tianjin: USD 50,000
• Sea freight + insurance (CIF Hamburg): USD 2,500
• 12% import duty on CIF: USD 6,300
• 19% German VAT on (CIF + duty): USD 11,077
• Customs broker + last-mile: USD 600
• DDP landed cost: USD 70,477

This is why DDP quotes are typically 35-45% higher than FOB prices for cashmere shipped to the EU. The cash flow benefit of locking in landed cost outweighs the markup for most B2B buyers.

Common Questions B2B Importers Ask

Q: My cashmere sweater has a 5% nylon binder. What’s the HS code?

A: 5% nylon typically doesn’t change the classification. As long as the cashmere is the predominant fiber by weight (95%), the HS code 6110 still applies. The Customs Cooperation Council’s “General Rules of Interpretation” Rule 4 says: “When classifying goods according to these rules, the classification of similar goods already classified should be taken into account.”

Q: I’m importing cashmere scarves that are 50% cashmere / 50% silk. What’s the right code?

A: 50% cashmere + 50% silk is classified as HS 6214 (woven scarves of textile materials), not the pure cashmere code. The classification is based on the most predominant fiber or the specific textile category. For scarves, both cashmere-silk and pure silk typically use 6214. Verify with your customs broker.

Q: My shipment got held at customs for HS code review. What do I do?

A: Customs holds are usually resolved within 2-4 weeks with proper documentation. Provide the factory’s commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, fiber content lab test (if available), and any pre-classification ruling you may have. Most reviews end with the customs broker’s HS code being confirmed, and the goods are released after duty payment.

Q: Should I use DDP for my first cashmere import?

A: DDP is recommended for first imports under USD 100,000. The factory handles all customs paperwork and pre-pays duties, and you receive the goods at your warehouse with one final invoice. After your third or fourth import, consider switching to FOB + your own customs broker for cost savings and learning.

Final Note: HS Codes Change Slowly, But Verify Every Year

The HS code system is managed by the World Customs Organization, with major revisions every 5-7 years. Sub-codes (6-digit) are managed nationally and change more frequently. The 2026 duty rates above are accurate for the year, but always confirm with your local customs authority before placing a B2B cashmere order, especially for shipments over USD 25,000.

If you have specific HS code questions for your cashmere shipment, our sales team can connect you with our export documentation specialist at erdosdx.com/contact. We include the correct HS code on every commercial invoice and packing list, and we’re happy to coordinate with your customs broker for unusual classifications.