Gloves (HS Code 6116920500)

🧤 Gloves (Industrial/Work Gloves, Knitted/Crocheted, Textile)

🌐 HS Code 6116.92.05.00 & Alternative Classification Guide | 2026 Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy
📌 一、Product Definition & Classification: What Kind of "Gloves" Are We Talking About?

Gloves in international trade are highly segmented based on material, knitting method, and specific use case. The user input refers to HS Code 6116.92.05.00, which generally corresponds to knitted or crocheted gloves, other than those of rubber or plastics, not elsewhere specified, often used for industrial work or general utility.

However, the <DATA> provided offers five distinct HS Codes with varying tax implications (from 13.8% to 24.5%). This indicates that slight differences in material composition (Cotton vs. Synthetic vs. Other), function (Sports vs. General), or design (Mittens vs. Fingers) drastically change the classification and tariff burden.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- 6116.92.05.00 (User Input) typically falls under "Other" knitted gloves.
- 6116.99.35.00: Sports-specific, non-cotton synthetic.
- 6216.00.90.00: "Catch-all" for non-knitted (woven) or unspecified types.
- 6116.10.95.00: Mittens and gauntlets (specific shape).
- 6116.99.95.10 / .30: Specific synthetic categories, possibly exempt from additional Section 301 duties depending on material nuances.

📦 二、HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

🔍 Key Insight:
- Sports Gloves (6116.99.35.00) are explicitly defined by function.
- Mittens (6116.10.95.00) are categorized by shape (no separate fingers).
- General Knitted Gloves have multiple sub-codes depending on cotton content and synthetic type, which directly impacts the Additional Duty (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) applicability.

💰 三、2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current US Trade Policies (Section 301, IEEPA, etc.)

🎯 1. 6116.99.35.00 — Sports Gloves, Non-Cotton Synthetic

📌 Explanation:
- Sports gloves made of non-cotton synthetics are subject to the full stack of additional duties.
- The 7.5% is the specific Section 301 rate for certain textiles/apparel.
- The 10% Section 122 duty applies to all Chinese-origin textiles/apparel (unless exempt).

🎯 2. 6216.00.90.00 — Other Gloves (Catch-All/Woven)

📌 Note:
- This is a broad category. If your product doesn't fit neatly into "Sports," "Mittens," or specific synthetic codes, it defaults here.
- Slightly higher than sports gloves due to a 1% higher base duty (3.8% vs 2.8%).

🎯 3. 6116.10.95.00 — Mittens and Gauntlets

📌 Critical Alert:
- Highest Tax Rate!
- The 7.0% base duty is significantly higher than other knitted gloves.
- If you are importing Mittens (closed hand, no finger separation), prepare for the 24.5% burden.

🎯 4. 6116.99.95.10 — Knitted Gloves, Non-Cotton Restriction Conflict

📌 Strategic Advantage:
- LOWEST TAX RATE!
- The 0.0% Additional Duty is a massive savings compared to the 7.5% in other categories.
- This code likely applies to specific synthetic blends or materials that were carved out from Section 301 tariffs.
- Action: Verify if your product's material composition qualifies for this specific exemption.

🎯 5. 6116.99.95.30 — Knitted Gloves, Synthetic Restricted Category

📌 Strategic Advantage:
- Same 13.8% rate as 6116.99.95.10.
- Also exempt from Section 301.
- Distinguished from .10 by specific material restrictions (e.g., polyester vs. nylon vs. acrylic blends).
- Action: Check material tags. If it's a restricted synthetic, this code applies. If it's a non-restricted synthetic, .10 may apply. Both save you 7.5%.

🛠️ 四、Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)

🔥 “Check Fingers, Check Cotton, Check Sport!”

⚠️ Warning:
- Do NOT classify Sports Gloves as "General Gloves" to avoid the "Sports" label if it leads to a higher rate. Here, Sports (20.3%) is slightly higher than the exempt synthetic (13.8%).
- DO try to qualify for 6116.99.95.10 or .30 if your material allows. The 7.5% savings is significant.

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 五、Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Section 122 duties.
- Maximize savings by correctly identifying materials to qualify for the 0% Additional Duty codes (.10 or .30).

📌 六、Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Calling all gloves "Gloves" without specifying Mittens vs. Fingered.
👉 Consequence: Misclassification as 6116.10.95.00 (24.5%) instead of general gloves (20.3% or 13.8%).

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Material Composition.
👉 Consequence: Missing the 7.5% savings by not qualifying for 6116.99.95.10/.30. If you label it "Cotton," you may lose the synthetic exemption.

❌ Mistake 3: Assuming Sports gloves always have a lower rate.
👉 Consequence: Sports gloves (20.3%) are higher than specific non-cotton synthetics (13.8%). Define "Sports" carefully.

✅ Best Practice:

"Knitted Gloves, Polyester Blend, General Use, Non-Sports, Non-Mitten" → Target 6116.99.95.10 for 13.8% total tax.

🎯 七、Conclusion: Precision Classification = Profit Protection

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Mittens are Expensive (24.5%)"
🔹 "Sports are Standard (20.3%)"
🔹 "Specific Synthetics are Cheap (13.8%)"
🔹 "Check Material, Save 7.5%"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your product is not made of cotton, not sports-specific, and not mittens, aggressively pursue classification under 6116.99.95.10 or 6116.99.95.30. The 7.5% Section 301 exemption is the key to competitive pricing in the US market.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Consult with a customs broker to verify your material composition against 6116.99.95.10/.30.
🚀 Save 7.5% per unit, scale volumes, and boost margins!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every percentage point saved is profit earned!