Hats and other headgear
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6504006000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506910060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506996000 | 43.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504003000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π© Hats and Other Headgear (Headwear Classification Guide)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Headgear"?
Hats and headgear cover a wide range of products in international trade, ranging from casual caps to professional protective equipment. In customs classification, they are primarily distinguished by material composition (knitted, plastic, rubber, other textile, etc.) and specific function.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If made of knitted/crocheted or felt/other fabric (non-specific material mentioned in summary): β 6504.00
- If made of rubber or plastics: β 6506.91.00.60 or 6506.99.60.00
- If made of vegetable fibers or paper yarn: β 6504.00.30.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the four possible HS Codes and their corresponding tax structures:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Material/Scenario | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
6504.00.60.00 |
Hats and other headgear; purpose-matched, material unspecified but no conflict | General headgear, likely textile/fabric | 94Β’/doz. + 4.6% + 35.0% Total |
6506.91.00.60 |
Headgear range, possibly made of rubber or plastic, no material conflict | Rubber/Plastic Headgear (Specific subheading) | 35.0% Total |
6506.99.60.00 |
Other hats, fully purpose-matched, includes non-specific materials | Other Rubber/Plastic Headgear (General subheading) | 43.5% Total |
6504.00.30.00 |
Hats and head-mounted equipment, may contain vegetable fibers or paper yarn | Vegetative Fiber/Paper Yarn Headgear | 41.0% Total |
π Key Reminder:
- 6504.00 series generally applies to headgear made of felt, knitted fabrics, or other textile materials.
- 6506 series applies to headgear made of rubber or plastics.
- The "122 Clause Tariff" (10%) and "Section 301 Tariff" (25%) apply to most of these categories if originating from China.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Based on current 301 Clause and IEEPA extensions)
π― 1. 6504.00.60.00 ββ Hats and Other Headgear (Unspecified Material/Textile)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | $0.94 per dozen + 4.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Surcharge | +10.0% (Targeting China/HK products) |
| Total Effective Rate | 4.6% + 25% + 10% = 39.6% (ad valorem) + $0.94/doz. |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Value Γ 39.6%) + ($0.94 Γ Quantity in Dozens) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rate excludes it from $800 de minimis rule) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6504.00.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- The base rate includes a specific duty ($0.94 per dozen) and an ad valorem duty (4.6%).
- Section 301 Tariff: +25% on top of the base rate.
- 122 Clause Tariff: +10% additional surcharge for Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Ad Valorem Equivalent: ~39.6% plus the fixed cost per dozen. This is a high-cost category.
π― 2. 6506.91.00.60 ββ Headgear (Rubber/Plastic Specific)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6506.91.00.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Note:
- Even though the base rate is 0%, the surcharges bring the total to 35%.
- This applies to specific rubber/plastic headgear subcategories.
π― 3. 6506.99.60.00 ββ Other Hats (Rubber/Plastic General)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 8.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 43.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6506.99.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Warning:
- This category has the highest ad valorem rate (43.5%) among the options.
- It applies to "other" rubber/plastic headgear not covered by 6506.91.
π― 4. 6504.00.30.00 ββ Hats (Vegetable Fibers/Paper Yarn)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6504.00.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Special Note:
- Applies specifically to headgear made of vegetable fibers or paper yarn.
- Base rate is 6%, but surcharges push it to 41%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail material (knitted, rubber, plastic, fiber), lining, and structure. |
| β Material Composition Statement | βοΈ | Critical for distinguishing between 6504 (Textile) and 6506 (Rubber/Plastic). |
| β Product Photos (With Label) | βοΈ | Clear view of brand, model, and material tag. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Hats" or "Headgear" and correct HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify quantity by "Dozen" (if applicable for 6504.00.60.00 specific duty). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material First, Then Function! Don't Guess!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Knitted Cap / Cotton Hat | 6504.00.60.00 or 6504.00.30.00 (if paper/vegetable) |
Misclassifying as Rubber (6506) β 43.5% |
| Rubber Rain Hat / Plastic Hard Hat | 6506.91.00.60 or 6506.99.60.00 |
Misclassifying as Textile (6504) β 35-41% |
| Unspecified Fabric Hat | 6504.00.60.00 |
Vague description "Headgear" β Audit Risk |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Headgear | If >50% rubber/plastic, may fall under 6506. If mixed textile, check 6504. |
| Protective Helmets | Some hard hats (plastic) may still fall under 6506, but verify if they qualify for other safety equipment codes. |
| De Minimis ($800 Rule) | β Cannot use De Minimis for these HS Codes due to high surcharges (35-43.5%). Must file formal entry. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6504.00.60.00 / 6506.99.60.00 |
35% - 43.5% | None | High surcharges apply |
| π¨π³ China | 6504 / 6506 |
5% - 20% | None | Low entry barrier |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6504 / 6506 |
4.0% - 8.0% | CE (if safety) | No 301-style surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 6504 / 6506 |
4.0% - 8.0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rates |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for headgear due to Section 301 (25%) + 122 Clause (10%).
- EU and UK offer significantly lower tariffs, making them attractive alternatives for high-volume exports.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Misclassifying Plastic Rain Hats as Textile Hats
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code β 35-43.5% vs 39.6%+fixed. While rates are close, the legal basis differs, leading to customs audits.
β Error 2: Ignoring the $0.94/doz. specific duty for 6504.00.60.00
π Consequence: Under-declaration of tax if quantity is high. Example: 1,000 dozens = $940 extra tax.
β Error 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies
π Consequence: Entry refused. These goods exceed the low-tariff threshold due to surcharges. Must file formal entry.
β Error 4: Vague Description "Headgear"
π Consequence: Customs Request for Information (RFI). Delay in clearance + potential penalties.
β Correct Practice:
"Knitted Cotton Beanie, Unlined, 100% Cotton, Model ABC" β
6504.00.60.00
"Rubber Rain Hat, Yellow, Unlined" β6506.99.60.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Textile 6504, Rubber 6506.
301 Clause 25%, 122 Clause 10%.
Total ~35-43%, No De Minimis Allowed!"
π Pro Tip:
If your headgear is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may exempt from Section 301/122 tariffs, reducing rates to Base Rate Only (4.6% - 8.5%).
β Action: Apply for Certificate of Origin and Advance Ruling before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide Material Composition Sheet + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid Delays, and Maximize Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar Saved is Worth the Precision!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.