Hats and other headgear (HS Code 6505005030)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6506910060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506910045 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504009075 | 41.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506103045 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505005030 | 41.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π© Hats and Other Headgear (HS Code: 6505.00.50.30)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Headgear"?
Hats and headgear represent a broad category of wearable accessories designed to cover, protect, or decorate the head. In international trade, the distinction between knitted/crocheted items (Ch. 65) and formed hats (Ch. 64) is critical.
HS Code 6505.00.50.30 specifically targets:
* Formed Hats: Hats that have been shaped (molded, blocked, or stitched into a permanent form).
* Other Headgear: Items like berets, fedoras, beanies (if formed), and fashion headbands that are constructed rather than simply knitted in the round without shaping.
* Material Flexibility: Can be made of any material (straw, felt, fabric, plastic, etc.), except when specifically categorized under rubber/plastic safety helmets (Ch. 6506) or simple knitted caps without form (Ch. 6504/6506 depending on construction).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a simple knitted cap without a formed structure (e.g., a basic beanie pulled from a tube), it may fall under 6504 or 6506.
- If it is a structured hat (has a brim, crown shape, or permanent form), it falls under 6505.
- If it is a safety helmet (industrial/sports), it falls under 6506.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here is the breakdown of why 6505.00.50.30 is selected and how it compares to other potential codes for headgear:
| HS Code | Product Description | Why This Code Applies? | Total Tax Rate (US/China) |
|---|---|---|---|
6505.00.50.30 |
Hats and other headgear directly related to the input product name | Primary Match: This is the "catch-all" or specific sub-category for general hats/headgear that don't fit the specific rubber/plastic safety helmet definition (6506) or the simple knitted category (6504). It is often used when the specific material or type isn't narrowly defined elsewhere in Chapter 65. | 41.8% |
6506.91.00.60 |
Other headgear, material rubber or plastic | Specific Material Match: If your hat is made entirely of rubber or plastic (e.g., a plastic rain hat or PVC safety cap), this code is more accurate than 6505. | 35.0% |
6506.91.00.45 |
Other headwear items, fallback category for rubber or plastic | Fallback for Rubber/Plastic: Used for rubber/plastic headgear that doesn't fit other specific subheadings. | 35.0% |
6506.10.30.45 |
Hats and other headgear, meeting headgear & sports safety helmet use | Safety Helmet Match: If the item is a sports helmet (e.g., bicycle, ski, or football helmet) designed for safety, it MUST go here, not 6505. | 17.5% |
6504.00.90.75 |
Other headgear, belongs to other fallback categories | Simple/Unformed Headgear: If the item is a simple woven straw hat, a basic knitted cap, or an item not strictly "formed" like a fedora, this code may apply. | 41.8% |
π Key Reminder:
-6505.00.50.30is chosen for general formed hats/headgear where the specific material (other than rubber/plastic safety gear) or specific safety function isn't the primary classifier.
-6506series is mandatory for rubber/plastic materials or safety helmets.
-6504is for simple/weaved items.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6505.00.50.30 ββ General Hats and Other Headgear
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.8% (Standard MFN rate for Chapter 65) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (USITC Footnote under Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10.0% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (deny_de_minimis applies) |
| Legal Authority Path | Base:6505 β USITC:301 β IEEPA:9903 |
π Explanation:
- "Base 6.8%": Standard US tariff for "Hats and other headgear."
- "Section 301 (+25%):β Applies to most Chinese-origin goods in Chapter 65.
- "IEEPA (+10%):β A new/additional layer of tariff targeting Chinese goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 41.8%: This is a very high effective duty rate. Accuracy in classification is crucial to avoid overpayment or underpayment penalties.
π― Comparison: Why Not Other Codes?
| HS Code | Total Tax | Reason for Difference |
|---|---|---|
6506.10.30.45 (Safety Helmets) |
17.5% | 10% Base + 7.5% 301 + 0% IEEPA? Note: Safety helmets often enjoy lower additional tariffs or different classifications. If your product is a sports helmet, this code saves you 24.3% in taxes! |
6506.91.00.60 (Rubber/Plastic) |
35.0% | 0% Base + 25% 301 + 10% IEEPA If your hat is plastic/rubber, you save 6.8% on the base rate but still pay high additional tariffs. |
6504.00.90.75 (Other Fallback) |
41.8% | Same as 6505. Base 6.8% + 25% + 10%. No savings. |
β οΈ Critical Strategy:
- If your product is a Sports Helmet (e.g., biking, skiing), MUST use6506.10.30.45to reduce tax from 41.8% to 17.5%.
- If your product is Plastic/Rubber (e.g., rain hat, PVC safety cap), use6506.91.00.60to reduce tax from 41.8% to 35.0%.
- If itβs a General Fashion Hat (felt, straw, fabric, wool),6505.00.50.30is likely the correct choice.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (e.g., 100% Wool, Plastic, Straw), Type (Fedora, Beanie, Helmet), Construction Method (Formed vs. Knitted). |
| β High-Quality Product Photos | βοΈ | Front, back, side, and inside label. Show shape clearly. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code: e.g., "Wool Felt Fedoras" not just "Hats." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure weight and volume match invoice. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For determining Section 301/IEEPA applicability. |
| β Safety Compliance Docs | βοΈ | If claiming 6506.10.30.45 (Helmet), provide CPSC or DOT certification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βMaterial First, Shape Second, Safety Third!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Hat (Wool/Straw/Fabric) | 6505.00.50.30 |
6506.10.30.45 |
Under-declaration if misclassified as helmet. |
| Plastic Rain Hat | 6506.91.00.60 |
6505.00.50.30 |
Over-paying 6.8% base tariff. |
| Sports Helmet (Bike/Ski) | 6506.10.30.45 |
6505.00.50.30 |
Over-paying 24.3%! Major savings opportunity. |
| Simple Knitted Beanie | 6504.00.90.75 or 6506 |
6505.00.50.30 |
Misclassification of construction type. |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/White Label Goods | Ensure invoice clearly states manufacturer and material. Do not use generic terms like "Headgear" without material specifics. |
| Hat with Accessories | If a hat comes with a strap or buckle, it is still classified as the hat (6505). Do not split declaration. |
| Safety Helmet vs. Fashion Helmet | A "Fashion Helmet" (non-certified) goes to 6505. A certified safety helmet goes to 6506. Provide certification docs if claiming 6506. |
| Mixed Shipment | If shipment contains both hats and helmets, separate HS Codes on the commercial invoice. Do not lump them under one code. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tax (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6505.00.50.30 |
41.8% | None usually required for fashion hats | High tariff due to 301 + IEEPA. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6506.10.30.45 |
17.5% | CPSC/ASTM (if helmet) | Save 24.3% if product is a certified helmet. |
| π¨π³ China | 6505.00.50.30 |
~10% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6505.00.00 |
0% - 6% | CE (if safety gear) | No Section 301/IEEPA equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6505.00.00 |
5% | UKCA (if safety gear) | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for headgear due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- Classification Accuracy is the single biggest lever for cost control. Misclassifying a helmet as a fashion hat costs you 24.3%. Misclassifying a plastic hat as a fashion hat costs you 6.8%.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling a Sports Helmet a "Fashion Hat" to avoid safety documentation.
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration, demand CPSC proof, or assess higher penalties. If itβs a helmet, classify as 6506.10.30.45 to save tax.
β Mistake 2: Using 6505.00.50.30 for a Plastic/Rubber rain hat.
π Consequence: You pay 6.8% more in base tariff than necessary. Use 6506.91.00.60.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description: "Hats" on Invoice.
π Consequence: Customs may request additional info, causing delays. Use specific descriptions: "Wool Felt Fedora, Formed."
β Correct Practice:
βFedora Hat, 100% Wool Felt, Formed, For Fashion Wear, Model XYZβ
βBicycle Safety Helmet, ABS Plastic, DOT Certifiedβ (Use6506.10.30.45)
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βHelmet is 17.5%, Plastic is 35%, Fashion is 41.8%!β
πΉ βCheck Material, Check Shape, Check Safety Standard!β
πΉ βHS Code is King, Tax Savings are Queen!β
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a Sports Helmet, ALWAYS use 6506.10.30.45. Itβs the most significant cost-saving opportunity in this category.
For general fashion hats, 6505.00.50.30 is the standard, but ensure no safety features are claimed to avoid reclassification.
π£ Action Required:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos and material specs.
π Request an Advance Ruling if you are unsure between6505and6506.
πΌ Get your tariffs right the first time to avoid delays and extra costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in cross-border trade!
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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.