HS Code:
Women's knit mastectomy swimwear from Costa Rica, classified under HS subheadings 6112.41.00 or 6112.49.00, refers to specialized swimwear designed for women who have undergone mastectomy procedures. These products are tailored to provide comfort and support with features such as pockets for prosthetic inserts. This category is subject to specific import quotas as outlined in U.S. Note 17 to the relevant subchapter, which limits the aggregate annual quantities allowed for import under preferential trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Costa Rica, as a CAFTA-DR member, benefits from preferential tariff treatment for these goods within the specified limits, promoting trade in niche apparel sectors.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) DataWeb
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem (for non-preferential trade partners)
Highest Rate
12% ad valorem (applied by certain non-FTA countries)
Lowest Rate
0% ad valorem (under CAFTA-DR for the U.S. within quota limits)
Growing demand for inclusive apparel
Increased interest in mastectomy swimwear due to rising awareness of breast cancer recovery needs, driving export growth from Costa Rica to the U.S.
2021-2022
Sustainability in production
Costa Rican manufacturers adopting eco-friendly materials and processes to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers in North America and Europe.
2020-2022
Digital marketing and e-commerce
Expansion of online sales platforms has facilitated direct access to international buyers, boosting trade volumes for niche products like mastectomy swimwear.
2019-2022
Costa Rican exporters have increased utilization of the CAFTA-DR quotas for apparel, including mastectomy swimwear, following targeted trade promotion initiatives by the Costa Rican government.
March 2023
This has led to a 10% increase in exports to the U.S. within the quota limits, strengthening market access.
Costa Rica implemented updated quality and safety standards for therapeutic apparel to align with U.S. and EU regulations, ensuring compliance for mastectomy swimwear exports.
July 2022
Enhanced trust and reliability among importers, potentially increasing demand in key markets.
Costa Rican apparel manufacturers showcased mastectomy swimwear at international trade fairs, securing new contracts with U.S. and Canadian distributors.
September 2022
Increased visibility and trade partnerships, contributing to a 5% rise in export volumes.