Cut Resistant Ice Hockey Gloves

🏒 Cut-Resistant Ice Hockey Gloves: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Guide

📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Cut-Resistant Ice Hockey Gloves"?

Ice hockey gloves are specialized protective equipment designed to protect players' hands during the high-impact sport of ice hockey. They typically feature a combination of hard shell plastic exoskeletons, soft padding (foam/synthetic), and reinforced palms.

The key descriptor here is "Cut-Resistant". In the context of gloves, this usually implies that the palm or specific high-wear areas are coated with or laminated to rubber, plastic, or other polymer materials to enhance durability and protection against blade cuts.

Critical Distinction for Classification: * Knitted/Embroidered Base (Chapter 61): If the glove is primarily a knitted fabric (like a mitten base) that is then coated or covered with rubber/plastic, it often falls under Heading 6116. * Made Up of Textiles (Chapter 62): If the glove is constructed from woven fabrics or non-knitted textiles (e.g., leather, heavy-duty synthetics) and then coated, it often falls under Heading 6216. * General Sports Equipment (Chapter 95): While they are sports equipment, specific headings for "Gloves" (61/62) usually take precedence over general "Other Sports Equipment" (9506) unless the item is a unique accessory not covered by the specific glove headings. However, some classifiers may argue for 9506 if the "glove" aspect is secondary to the "equipment" aspect, though this is less common for standard hand protection.

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

Based on the provided <DATA>, five potential HS Codes are identified. Below is the detailed breakdown of why each applies and the associated tax implications.

💰 Three, 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed)

✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Destination: United States (US)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 Trade Policies

🎯 1. 6216.00.05.00 & 6216.00.33.00 —— Made-up Textile Gloves (Chapter 62)

📌 Analysis:
These codes fall under "Made-up" textiles. They are subject to both the standard Section 301 trade war tariffs (7.5%) and the additional IEEPA 122 Section tariffs (10%). Total tax burden is 17.5%.

🎯 2. 6116.93.05.00 —— Other Knitted Gloves (Chapter 61, Synthetic)

📌 Analysis:
Similar to the Chapter 62 codes, this synthetic knitted glove incurs the same 17.5% total duty. The distinction between 61 and 62 often depends on whether the base is "knitted" (61) or "woven/made-up" (62). For cut-resistant gloves, if the structural integrity comes from a knitted fabric, 6116.93 is applicable.

🎯 3. 6116.10.05.00 —— Knitted Gloves Impregnated with Rubber/Plastic

📌 Analysis:
This is the most favorable classification among the textile options. Code 6116.10 specifically covers gloves impregnated, coated, or covered with rubber or plastic. Some interpretations exclude this subheading from certain Section 301 footnotes that apply to "other" gloves, resulting in a lower 7.5% savings. Total tax is only 10%.
Note: Ensure the product description clearly emphasizes "rubber/plastic impregnation/coating" to support this classification.

🎯 4. 9506.99.25.80 —— Other Sports Equipment (Ice Hockey Specific)

📌 Analysis:
Classifying as "Sports Equipment" bypasses the specific glove chapters. However, it still attracts the 17.5% base surcharge.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: The data note mentions "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products +50% Surtax". If your ice hockey gloves contain significant metal components (e.g., metal buckles, reinforced plates, or metal shanks in the cuff), this code could trigger an additional 50% tariff on those components or the whole item depending on CBP interpretation. Avoid this risk if possible.

🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Essential Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Strategic Declaration Tips

🔥 Key Mantra:
"Define the Base, Highlight the Coating, Avoid the Metal Trap!"

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

• OEM/Custom Design: If the gloves are custom-branded for a specific team, ensure the invoice reflects the final finished good, not "parts" or "components."
• "Cut-Resistant" Claim: If marketing materials emphasize "Kevlar" or "High-Performance Synthetic," be prepared for CBP to ask if this changes the material classification. Stick to "Synthetic Fiber Knitted with Plastic Coating" for consistency with 6116.10.
• Mixed Shipments: If shipping with hockey sticks (also 9506), keep them in separate packages or clearly itemize. Do not bundle them as a "Kit" unless you want to risk classification of the whole kit as "Sports Equipment" (9506).

🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)

📌 Conclusion for US Importers:
The US is the most complex market due to layered tariffs (301 + 122).
Best Strategy: Aim for 6116.10.05.00 to achieve the 10% rate.
Avoid: 9506 if any metal parts are present, and never use De Minimis for Chinese goods.

📌 Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring as "De Minimis" ($800 threshold) for Chinese goods.
👉 Consequence: CBP will seize the shipment. 301 and IEEPA tariffs apply regardless of value.

❌ Error 2: Using 9506.99.25.80 for gloves with metal buckles.
👉 Consequence: Potential 50% surcharge on metal components.

❌ Error 3: Vague description: "Hockey Gloves."
👉 Consequence: CBP may classify as "Other Textile Gloves" with higher duties or demand samples for re-classification.

❌ Error 4: Ignoring the "Knitted" vs. "Woven" distinction.
👉 Consequence: Incorrect HS Code (61 vs. 62) can lead to audits and back-taxes.

✅ Correct Approach:

Description: "Ice Hockey Gloves, Cut-Resistant, Knitted Synthetic Base with Rubber Palm Coating, Model XYZ, Made in China."
HS Code: 6116.10.05.00
Duty: 10%

🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Optimize Your Classification

🎯 Remember:

🔹 "Knitted + Coated = 6116.10 = 10% Duty"
🔹 "Woven + Coated = 6216 = 17.5% Duty"
🔹 "Sports Kit + Metal = 9506 = Risk of 50% Surtax"
🔹 "Chinese Goods ≠ De Minimis"

📌 Pro Tip:
Before shipping, request a Pre-Ruling from US CBP if the volume is high. It costs little but provides legal certainty on the 10% vs. 17.5% classification.

📣 Immediate Action Required:
1. Verify the base material of your gloves (Knitted vs. Woven).
2. Confirm if there are significant metal components.
3. Update your Commercial Invoice to reflect 6116.10.05.00 if applicable.
4. Do not use DHL/FedEx De Minimis channels for these goods from China.

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Save 7.5% on every container by choosing the right HS Code!