CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES
FOR
APPAREL, ACCESSORIES, SHOES
Table of Content
Classification Guidelines (4)
Knit Outerwear (4)
Anorak, Jacket, Coat, Overcoat, Poncho (4)
Blazer, Suit-Type Jacket (7)
Knit Other Garments (8)
Bodysuit - not underwear (see Intimates for Bodysuits as underwear) (8)
Shirt and Blouse (9)
Sweater (10)
Sweatshirt (11)
Cardigan, Pullover (12)
T-shirt - not underwear (see Intimates for T-shirts as underwear) (14)
Similar to a T-Shirt (17)
Tank Top (18)
Similar to a Tank Top (20)
Other Top (21)
Vest (22)
Pants and Shorts, Trousers and Leggings (23)
Skirt, and Sarong (25)
Dress (26)
Skirtall (28)
Jumper (29)
Overall (31)
Coverall and Jumpsuit (1-piece long leg for baby) (32)
Playsuit, 1 Piece, Romper, Sunsuit (1-piece short leg for baby) (33)
Knit Intimates (34)
Bodysuit - underwear (34)
Camisole - underwear (35)
Men and Boys underwear (36)
Slip (37)
Bra (38)
Brief and Panty (39)
Pajama (41)
Nightdress and Nightshirt (43)
Sleepwear (44)
Bathrobe (45)
Swimwear (46)
Woven Outerwear (48)
Anorak, Jacket, Padded Sleeveless Jacket, Coat, Overcoat, Poncho (48)
Blazer, Suit-Type Jacket (50)
Raincoat (52)
Water Resistant Jacket (53)
Rubber and Plastic Coated Garments (54)
Woven Other Garments (56)
Shirt and Blouse (56)
Other Tops (58)
Other Apparel (Women’s Tops) (60)
Vest (61)
Pants, Shorts and Trousers (62)
Skirt, and Sarong (63)
Dress (64)
Skirtall (65)
Jumper (66)
Overall (68)
Coverall and Jumpsuit (1-piece long leg for baby) (69)
Playsuit, 1 Piece, Romper, Sunsuit (1-piece short leg for baby) (70)
Woven Intimates (71)
Camisole - underwear (71)
Slip (72)
Bra (73)
Brief and Panty (74)
Boxer - Men’s, Boys, Toddler Boys Underwear (74)
Pajama (76)
Nightdress and Nightshirt (78)
Sleepwear (79)
Bathrobe (80)
Swimwear (81)
Accessories (82)
Gloves and mittens (82)
Handkerchiefs, Scarves and Pareo (83)
Handkerchiefs (83)
Scarves (83)
Pareo (83)
Hats, Baseball Caps and Berets (85)
Socks (85)
Booties (non-footwear) (86)
Suspenders (87)
Ties - Knit and Woven (87)
Tights (88)
Bags (89)
Footwear (90)
Classification Guidelines
Knit Outerwear
Anorak, Jacket, Coat, Overcoat, Poncho
MUST have these two features:
D Must be an outerwear garment that covers the upper part of the body or both the upper and lower part of
the body
D Must have full or partial front opening with or without means of closure
-AND-
SHOULD have at least three of these features
D Fabric weight equal to or exceeding 10 oz per sq. yd
D Large jacket or coat style buttons, toggles or snaps, heavy-duty zipper or buttons fastened with reinforced
thread
D Full or partial lining
D Pockets at or below the waist
D Back vents or pleats. Side vent in combination with a back seam
D Belt or elasticized waist at hip length or longer
D Lapels
D Long sleeves without cuffs
D Elasticized or rib-knit cuffs
D Drawstring, elastic or rib-knit waistband or bottom
Currently, Customs requires that Knit Anoraks have these features in addition to any of the above.
D Full frontal opening
D Pockets at or below waist (optional)
D Elasticized or rib-knit cuffs
D Drawstring, elastic or rib-knit waistband or bottom
Note:
?Knit jackets for baby/toddler or knit jackets made of heavy material may not need tightening elements on cuffs or waistband/bottom
?Poncho is classified as a coat
For Europe Only:
?Anorak and Jacket must have a drawstring or other means of tightening at the waist or bottom
?Parkas must have anorak/jacket requirements except the length vary from mid-thigh to knee
?Coat and Overcoat must have the measurement of length from nape seam to be a minimum of 84cm for size small, 86 cm for size medium and 87 cm for size large
?Anorak and Jacket with zipper closure without any placket is considered unisex
For Canada Only:
Coat and Overcoat must be below the knee.
For Japan Only
?Poncho has to be heavy material, use to protect from cold weather
?May have zipper
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric: jersey, fleece, rib fabric
?Type of opening: full front zip closure, full front right over left button opening
?Type of pocket (if any): kangaroo pocket, side pockets at/below the waist
?Type of sleeves: long sleeves with hemmed, long sleeves with rib cuffs
?Type of bottom: bottom with hemmed, bottom with rib tightening, draw cord/drawstring at the bottom ?Hood, lining, filling (if any)
Due to exceptions in classifying polar fleece and boiled wool upper body garments, these garments need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Knit Outerwear
Blazer, Suit-Type Jacket
MUST have these two features:
D Outer shell must consist of 3 or more panels
D Must have full front opening other than zipper
-AND-
MUST have at least three of these features
D Tailored look
D Pockets at or below the waist
D Back vents or pleats. Side vent in combination with a back seam
D Lapels
D Long sleeves without cuffs
For Europe Only:
?Zipper is accepted for full front opening
?Anorak and Jacket with no means of tightening is classified as blazer or suit-type jacket (see 3rd picture below)
For Japan Only
?No zipper (see Anorak)
?Having at least two front and two back panels
(front) (back) Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
? Total panels
?Type of closure
?Type of pocket (if any)
?Type of sleeves
?Type of bottom
?Lining (if any)
?Contains fur or not, detachable or not (for Japan)
Knit Other Garments
Excluding Outerwear and Intimates
Bodysuit - not underwear (see Intimates for Bodysuits as underwear) MUST have these features:
D Must be intended to be worn with other garments, i.e. pants or skirts, or as athletic wear
D Cover the wearer’s torso
D Must be one piece garments
MAY have these features
Snaps in the crotch
Elastic around the neck, arm and leg openings
Can have arm and leg coverings (unitards)
Note:
Bodysuit for baby is called one-piece short leg
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of closure (if any)
?Type of neckline
?Type of sleeves
Shirt and Blouse
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be 10 stitches or more per cm in each direction
D Full or partial neck opening with means of closure (keyhole, shoulder, front or back)
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’, if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
D Must be able to be worn alone - sufficient coverage
D Sufficient upper body construction i.e. defined armholes and shoulder coverage
MAY have these features
For women, girls, toddler girls and baby-sleeves of any length or sleeveless
For men, boys and toddler boys-sleeves of any length but not sleeveless
Any collar treatment
Side slits, but must maintain the modesty of the wearer
CANNOT have these features
μPockets at or below the waist (see ‘Cardigan and Pullovers’)
μTightens at the waist (see ‘Cardigan and Pullovers’)
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
For Canada Only:
?Closure must only be on the front neckline (cannot be on shoulder or at the back)
?Upper body garment with front opening without closure is classified as blouse (see 4th picture below) ?Tailored collar for men/boys/boys’ toddler must consists of one or more pieces of material which are cut and sewn with two pointed or rounded ends
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric
?Type of neckline and closure
?Type of sleeves
?Type of bottom
?Stitch count must be greater than 10 per 1 cm (both directions)
Sweater
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be equal to or less than 9 stitches per 2 cm counted in the direction in which the stitches
were formed
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’; if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
MAY have these features
Sleeves of any length or sleeveless
Any collar treatment
Any type of neckline
Side slits, but must maintain the modesty of the wearer
Pockets
An opening with any type of closure
Tank or vest silhouette
CANNOT have these features
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops
For Canada Only:
Stitch count must be less than 10 stitches per 1cm
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric and rib
?Type of closure
?Type of sleeves
?Type of bottom
?Pocket, lining (if any)
?Stitch count must be equal to or less than 9 per 2 cm
Sweatshirt
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be more than 9 stitches per 2 cm counted in the direction in which the stitches were
formed
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’; if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
D Waistband and cuffs must be sewn-on
D Tightening at the cuffs and hem
D Fleece inside
D Must be made from jersey fabric
MAY have these features
A partial opening with any type of closure (sweatshirts with full frontal openings are classified as jackets) Sleeves of any length
Any collar treatment
Pockets
Hood
CANNOT have these features
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
For Canada Only:
?At least one side (can be front or back) is brushed or fleeced (napped)
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric (must be jersey only)
?Type of neckline and closure (must be partial opening only)
?Type of sleeves and a means of tightening
?Type of bottom and a means of tightening
?Type of pocket and hood (if any)
?Stitch count must be greater than 9 per 2 cm
Cardigan, Pullover
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be more than 9 stitches per 2 cm counted in the direction in which the stitches were
formed
D If there is an opening, the stitch count must be less than 10 stitches per 1 cm counted in each direction OR
more than 10 stitches per 1 cm counted in each direction for garment with pockets at or below waist or with tightening at waist
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’; if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
MAY have these features
Sleeves of any length or sleeveless
Heavy weight fabric
Long loose fitting sleeves
Large appliqué or embroidery
Oversize body or sleeves
Sequins, beads, spangles
Metallic yarns in the fabric
Any collar treatment
Pockets
A full or partial opening with any type of closure
Hood
Pieced body, collar, or pockets
CANNOT have these features
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
For Canada Only:
Stitch count must be less than 10 stitches per 1 cm
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric and rib
?Type of neckline
?Type of closure
?Type of sleeves
?Type of bottom
?Pocket, lining (if any)
?Stitch count must be greater than 9 per 2 cm with no closure or greater than 9 per 2 cm and less than
10 per 1 cm with closure
Knit Other Garments
Excluding Outerwear and Intimates
T-shirt - not underwear (see Intimates for T-shirts as underwear) MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be more than 9 stitches per 2 cm counted in the direction in which the stitches were
formed
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’ if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
D T-shirt fabric (jersey or interlock)
D Close fitting crew or mitered v-neckline
D Short hemmed sleeves and bottom
D Fabric weight does not exceed 200 grams per square meter
MAY have these features
A single breast pocket
Screen print
CANNOT have these features
μRib knit fabric
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
μNeck opening (i.e. button)
μAbbreviated, raglan or cap sleeves
μCollar
μSide slits
μPieced body
μOversized
μEmbroidery
μPockets at or below the waist, or pocket with button
μTrim i.e. picot edging, lace, bows
μTightening at the waist
μFabric weight more than 200 grams per square meter
For Europe Only:
Must have more than 12 stitches in 1cm.
For Canada Only:
Must not contain spandex.
For Europe and Canada Only:
?T-shirt can have long or short close-fitting
?May have decoration other than lace such as printing, knitting or other process
For Japan Only
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be more than 10 stitches per 1cm in both horizontal and vertical D Close fitted body, sleeves, and neckline
D Self hemmed sleeves and bottom (Photo 1)
D Light weight
MAY have these features:
Print, logo, screen
Graphics (appliqué, EMB>4cm)
Side slits
Long sleeves
A single breast pocket
CANNOT have these features:
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
μNeck opening (i.e. button)
μAbbreviated, raglan or cap sleeves (Photo 2)
μCollar
μSide slits
μLace
μTightening at the waist, sleeves
Photo 1 (NOT A T-SHIRT)
Photo 2 (French Sleeve) –not a t-shirt
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender
? Fiber content
? Construction
?Type of fabric (must be jersey or interlock only)
?Type of neckline
?Type of sleeves
?Type of bottom
? Close-fitting
? A single breast pocket (if any)
?Stitch count must be greater than 9 per 2 cm
?Screen print (if any)
?Single color or multi color yarn (includes slub and heather)(For JP)
Knit Other Garments
Excluding Outerwear and Intimates
Similar to a T-Shirt
Must meet basic t-shirt requirements
MAY have one or two of these features:
Small appliqué (less than 2 inches), label, heat transfer
Shoulder pads
Long, close-fitting sleeves with hemmed cuffs
Side vents
Lower back panel
Cross over neckband
Ribbed cuffs on short sleeves
Small embroidery (less than 2 inches)
Rear hanger loop
Notched neckband
Sweat patch (half moon)
Divided-pocket (pen pocket)
Raglan sleeves
Hemmed neckline
Satin capping on neckline
For Europe and Canada Only:
?This garment is classified as T-shirt
Product description for commercial invoice:
?Must meet basic t-shirt requirements
?One or two of ‘Similar to a T-shirt’ feature(s)
Knit Other Garments
Excluding Outerwear and Intimates
Tank Top
MUST have these features:
D Stitch count must be more than 9 stitches per 2 cm counted in the direction in which the stitches were
formed
D Extends from the neck area to the vicinity of the waist but not as far as mid-thigh (if mid-thigh, see
‘Dresses’; if it does not reach the waist, see ‘Other Tops’)
D Tank silhouette
D Front and back neckline must drop 1 inch below the nape of the neck
D Sleeveless pullover
D Shoulder measurement must not be greater than 2 inches
D Shoulder straps must be permanently attached to the garment
D Defined armholes
MAY have these features
Rib knit fabric
Side slits
Breast pocket
Picot, lace-edging trim
Screen print
Embroidery
CANNOT have these features
μLength longer than mid thigh (see ‘Dresses’)
μLength shorter than the waist (see ‘Other Tops’)
μNeck opening with closure
μSleeves
μCollar
μPieced body
μPockets at or below the waist
μPockets with buttons
μBack straight across from side seam to side seam
μAny belt treatment including belt loops
μDrawstring, ribbed waistband or other tightening at the bottom
Note: Maternity tank top is classified as a pullover.
Product description for commercial invoice:
? Gender ? Fiber content ? Construction ? Type of fabric
? Type of neckline (round, V, U, scoop, boat, square or others) ? Type of bottom
? Must have enough drop below the nape of the neck ? Stitch count must be greater than 9 per 2 cm
? Shoulder strap measurement per each garment size
? Side slit, breast pocket, trim, screen print, embroidery (if any)
Similar to a Tank Top
Must meet basic tank top requirements
MAY have this feature:
Neck opening with closure
Note: Maternity similar to a tank top is classified as a pullover.
For Europe and Canada Only:
?This garment is classified as shirt/blouse or pullover depending on the stitch count
Product description for commercial invoice:
?Must meet basic tank top requirements
?Type of neck opening with closure