Effective Duty Rate
0% USMCA (yarn-forward rule applies)
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CBP, FTC, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Apparel, Garments & Clothing from Mexico
Importing apparel from Mexico into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% USMCA (yarn-forward rule applies). The USMCA agreement provides significant tariff advantages — qualifying goods may enter at preferential or zero-duty rates, making this a cost-efficient import corridor.
Apparel imported from Mexico to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Mexico Origin
USMCA yarn-forward rule requires yarn, fabric, and garments to be formed in North America to qualify for 0%. Mexico is the largest nearshore apparel supplier to the US. Garments made from Asian fabric may not qualify.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Apparel from Mexico
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Cargo Value (CIF) |
$50,000.00 |
Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) |
$0.00 |
USMCA preferential / ITA zero-rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) |
$173.20 |
Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) |
$62.50 |
Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees |
$235.70 |
Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost |
$50,235.70 |
Cargo + all US duties/fees |
✓ USMCA preferential rates reduce base duty to 0% for qualifying goods. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Apparel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to apparel imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 6109 |
T-Shirts, Singlets & Tank Tops (knitted) |
16.5%–32% MFN |
| 6203 |
Men's/Boys' Suits, Trousers & Shorts (woven) |
8%–27.5% MFN |
| 6204 |
Women's/Girls' Suits, Dresses & Skirts (woven) |
6.9%–27.5% MFN |
| 6110 |
Sweaters, Pullovers & Cardigans (knitted) |
5%–32% MFN |
| 6205–6206 |
Men's/Women's Shirts & Blouses (woven) |
8.4%–27.5% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — MEXICO ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Mexico-Origin Apparel
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Mexico-origin goods (baseline) |
| USMCA Preferential Rate |
Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods) |
Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Mexico-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 |
Exempt under USMCA |
Steel and aluminum imports from Mexico |
COMPLIANCE — CBP / FTC / CPSC
US Compliance Requirements for Apparel Imports
Regardless of origin country, apparel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — fiber content label required on all garments (16 CFR Part 303); must list fiber names and percentages in descending order
- FTC Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423) — permanent care instruction labels required on all garments
- CPSC flammability standards: 16 CFR Part 1610 for general apparel; stricter Parts 1615/1616 for children's sleepwear
- Country of origin label required per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be sewn into each garment; removable hang tags alone do not satisfy CBP requirements
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your apparel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Mexico.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Apparel from Mexico
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Mexico. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with fiber content, garment description, and construction (knit vs. woven)
2
Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per SKU
4
Country of Origin Certificate
5
Textile visa / export license (where applicable)
6
CPSC Children's Product Certificate with flammability test reports (children's apparel)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Apparel from Mexico
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
3–7 days truck freight from border
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Apparel from Mexico
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing apparel from Mexico?
The effective US tariff rate for apparel from Mexico is: 0% USMCA (yarn-forward rule applies). USMCA yarn-forward rule requires yarn, fabric, and garments to be formed in North America to qualify for 0%. Mexico is the largest nearshore apparel supplier to the US. Garments made from Asian fabric may not qualify.
What compliance agencies regulate apparel imports from Mexico?
Apparel imports require compliance with: CBP, FTC, CPSC. Specific requirements include: FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — fiber content label required on all garments (16 CFR Part 303); must list fiber names and percentages in descending order and FTC Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423) — permanent care instruction labels required on all garments.
What documents are required to import apparel from Mexico?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with fiber content, garment description, and construction (knit vs. woven); Packing List with sizes, styles, and quantities per SKU; Bill of Lading; Country of Origin Certificate. Additional: Textile visa / export license (where applicable); CPSC Children's Product Certificate with flammability test reports (children's apparel). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Mexico.
How long does customs clearance take for apparel from Mexico?
Typical timeline: 25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on apparel from Mexico?
No Section 301 or Section 232 surcharges apply to Mexico-origin apparel. Only base MFN rates (or FTA preferential rates where applicable) apply.
What are the US MFN tariff rates for apparel imports and which countries face Section 301?
Apparel faces some of the highest US MFN tariff rates in the tariff schedule. Representative rates: men's cotton shirts (HTS 6205.20) 19.7%; women's wool suits (6104.31) 12%–15%; children's knit cotton tops (6111.20) 14.9%; swimwear (6211) 24.9%–28%; down-filled jackets (6201.93) 16.9%. Only China faces Section 301 for apparel (25% additional), creating a combined effective duty often exceeding 40%–45% for Chinese-origin apparel. Vietnam (no Section 301) and Bangladesh (no FTA but competitive MFN costs) have emerged as leading alternatives.
What FTC labeling and CPSC requirements must imported apparel meet?
Apparel imports require four mandatory labels: (1) FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — generic fiber names by weight percentage (e.g., "100% Cotton"), (2) FTC Care Labeling Rule — washing/dry cleaning instructions using standardized symbols or words, (3) CBP country of origin label — country where cutting and sewing occurred, (4) RN or WPL number identifying the importer/manufacturer. Children's sleepwear (sizes 0–14 years) must meet CPSC flammability standards (16 CFR Parts 1615–1616) — non-flame-resistant children's sleepwear cannot be imported without snug-fit exemption documentation.
How do USMCA rules of origin work for apparel to qualify for duty-free access from Mexico?
USMCA's yarn-forward rule requires: (1) yarn must be spun in a USMCA country (US, Mexico, or Canada), (2) fabric woven or knit from that yarn in a USMCA country, (3) garments cut and sewn in a USMCA country. Apparel assembled in Mexico from Asian fabric or yarn generally does not qualify for USMCA preference and reverts to MFN apparel rates (up to 32%). Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) under Annex 3-B allow limited quantities of non-yarn-forward apparel to enter at preferential rates — consult USTR's TPL utilization data to assess quota availability.
How do I claim USMCA preferential tariff treatment for goods from Mexico?
To claim USMCA preference, you (or your customs broker) must have a valid Certificate of Origin from the Mexican exporter at the time of entry. The certificate confirms rules of origin compliance and must be retained for 5 years for CBP audit purposes. You do not need to transmit it to CBP at entry, but it must be produced immediately upon request.
Are goods manufactured in Mexico from Chinese components eligible for USMCA?
Not automatically. USMCA requires sufficient transformation in North America — simple assembly of imported components without a qualifying tariff shift or meeting RVC thresholds generally does not qualify. The specific rules vary by HTS code under USMCA Annex 4-B. Consult a licensed customs broker or trade attorney to evaluate whether your specific product meets USMCA rules of origin.
What are the IMMEX program implications for importing manufactured goods from Mexico?
Mexico's IMMEX program allows manufacturers to temporarily import inputs duty-free for incorporation into export goods. IMMEX-manufactured goods exported to the US may qualify for USMCA preferential rates provided rules of origin are met. CBP expects importers claiming USMCA to verify that foreign inputs were either North American origin or sufficiently transformed — IMMEX manufacturing records are key supporting documentation.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.