Customs authorities look for objective indicators of use: visible wear, washing, laundering, or prior consumer ownership. Articles that are new, unused, and still in original retail packaging or with original tags attached are not 'worn' and should be classified under the appropriate apparel headings in Chapters 61 or 62. Importers should be prepared to provide documentation — such as supplier declarations or inspection certificates — confirming the used condition of goods.

Used clothing and textile articles do not trigger mandatory USDA or FDA admissibility review, but importers should be aware that some states have regulations on the labeling and sale of secondhand goods. For commercial-scale imports, a clear description of the goods' condition and origin on the commercial invoice — including whether articles are sorted or unsorted — supports accurate classification between 630900 and the sorted rags heading (631010).