6115.10 - Graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins):

This category, HTS 6115.10, specifically classifies graduated compression hosiery. These are knitted or crocheted items designed to apply varying degrees of pressure to the legs, typically tighter at the ankle and gradually decreasing higher up the limb. The primary purpose of these goods is therapeutic, most commonly for the management of conditions like varicose veins, edema, and lymphedema, or for post-operative recovery. The defining characteristic is the engineered gradient of compression, which is distinct from general-purpose hosiery.

It is crucial to differentiate this subcategory from its siblings. While all fall under the broader umbrella of "Panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery...knitted or crocheted," HTS 6115.10 is exclusively for items with graduated compression. Sibling categories may cover non-graduated compression hosiery, or other types of women's hosiery based on yarn decitex, which lack the specific therapeutic compression profile.

Within HTS 6115.10, further subdivisions exist to refine classification. These subcategories allow for a more granular breakdown based on the specific application or type of graduated compression hosiery. For example, "Surgical panty hose and surgical stockings with graduated compression for orthopedic treatment" are distinct from general medical compression hosiery. The subsequent subcategories, such as "Other graduated compression panty hose and tights" and "Other graduated compression hosiery," serve to categorize the remaining items based on their style and form factor, ensuring accurate tariff application.