Donated Wearing Apparel for Relief or Charity

Genuine donations for relief or charity are generally not subject to textile visa requirements that apply to commercial apparel imports, because those controls are designed to manage trade flows rather than humanitarian transfers. However, CBP scrutinizes donated-apparel entries carefully to ensure the goods are not new, commercially valued merchandise being routed through a charitable classification to avoid duties and quotas. Used, sorted, or baled second-hand clothing is the typical profile of qualifying shipments.

The key factors are whether any commercial consideration passes between the shipper and the recipient, whether the goods are new merchandise with retail value, and whether the recipient organization is a recognized charitable or relief entity. A brand donating overstock to a retailer-affiliated foundation, for example, would face scrutiny. CBP looks for a genuine gift relationship, documentation of the recipient organization's charitable status, and evidence that the goods will be distributed to beneficiaries rather than resold commercially.