Hats and other headwear
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6500 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505001540 | 42.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505002590 | 42.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504003000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504006000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐งข Hats & Headwear: The Ultimate 2026 Global HS Code & Tax Strategy Guide
๐ HS Code Decoding & Clearance Masterclass | 2026 Tax Regime Breakdown | Professional Logistics Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Hats"?
In the global textile and apparel trade, Hats and other headgear are not a monolith. They are strictly divided by material, construction method, and fiber content. Misclassification here is the single biggest cause of tax shocks and customs delays.
๐ฆ The Critical Split:
- Textile Headgear (Knitted/Crocheted/Felt/Lace):
- Construction: Made from knitted/crocheted fabric, felt, lace, or assembled textile pieces.
- HS Chapter: 6500 (General) โ 6505 (Specifics).
- Tax Risk: Often zero, BUT subject to "Section 301" tariffs if specific materials (like cotton) are misidentified.
- Plaited/Strip Headgear:
- Construction: Made by weaving/plaiting strips of material (straw, paper, reeds) or assembling strips.
- HS Chapter: 6504.
- Tax Risk: EXTREMELY HIGH. Often attracts heavy "Anti-Dumping" or "Section 301" surcharges on vegetable fibers.
โ ๏ธ Key Differentiator:
- If it is knitted/crocheted/felt โ Go to 6505.
- If it is plaited/woven from strips (straw, paper) โ Go to 6504.
- Do not mix these! 6504 is the "Trap" for high taxes; 6505 is often the "Safe Zone" for textiles.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Data Authority)
Based on the latest available tax retrieval data, here is the precise mapping for Hats and other headgear:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Construction | Tax Status (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6500 | Hats & Headgear (General Category) | Knitted/Crocheted/Felt/Lace | โ Error (Data Retrieval Failed - Requires Manual Check) |
| 6505 | Hats & Headgear (General Category) | Knitted/Crocheted/Felt/Lace | โ Error (Data Retrieval Failed - Requires Manual Check) |
| 6504.00.30.00 | Plaited/Strip Hats: Sewed | Vegetable Fibers / Paper Yarn | โ ๏ธ 31.0% (High Risk) |
| 6504.00.60.00 | Plaited/Strip Hats: Not Sewed | Vegetable Fibers / Paper Yarn | โ ๏ธ 94ยข/doz. + 4.6% + 25.0% (Complex) |
| 6505.00.15.40 | Knitted Hats: Of Cotton | Cotton, Flax (Knitted) | โ 0.0% (Low Risk) |
| 6505.00.25.90 | Not Knitted Hats: Other | Cotton, Flax (Non-Knitted) | โ 0.0% (Low Risk) |
๐ Critical Note on Data Gaps:
While 6500 and 6505 are the parent categories, the data retrieval returned "Failed/Error" for these broad codes. Do not use the broad code 6500/6505 for customs declaration. You MUST drill down to the 8+ digit sub-code (e.g., 6505.00.15.40) to get the specific tax rate. Customs systems require the specific sub-code to determine duties.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Tax Rate Deep Dive & Legal Logic
โ Context: US Imports (Likely China Origin based on "Additional Tariff" patterns).
โ Applicable Year: 2026 Trade Regime.
๐ฏ Scenario A: The "Safe Zone" โ Knitted/Cotton Hats
Codes: 6505.00.15.40 & 6505.00.25.90
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Knitted or crocheted hats of cotton/flax; Non-knitted hats of cotton. |
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Duty-free entry for many textile items). |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Why? | These fall under "Textile Headgear" where specific US-China trade agreements or de-minimis thresholds may apply, or simply due to low classification risk for cotton knits. |
| Strategy | Maximize Profit. This is your safest route for cotton caps, beanies, and knitted hats. |
๐ฏ Scenario B: The "Danger Zone" โ Plaited/Vegetable Fiber Hats
Code: 6504.00.30.00 (Sewed)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Hats made by assembling straw, reed, or paper strips (Sewed construction). |
| Base Duty | 6.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 / Anti-Dumping style surcharge). |
| Total Tax | 31.0% |
| Legal Logic | Vegetable fibers (straw/reed) are often targeted due to "dumping" concerns or protection of local straw industries. The 25% surcharge is non-negotiable. |
๐ฏ Scenario C: The "Complex Tax" โ Plaited Hats (Not Sewed)
Code: 6504.00.60.00
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Hats made by assembling straw/reed/paper strips (Not Sewed/No stitching). |
| Base Duty | 94ยข/doz. + 4.6% (Specific Unit Rate). |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tax | 94ยข/doz + 29.6% (approx) |
| Warning | Unit Rate Trap! If you ship small, cheap hats, the 94 cents per dozen adds up quickly on high-volume shipments. The 25% surcharge is also mandatory. |
๐ ๏ธ IV. Clearanceๅฎๆ: Professional Logistics & Compliance Tips
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | Must explicitly state: "Knitted" vs "Plaited" vs "Felt" | Crucial for distinguishing between 6505 (0%) and 6504 (31%). |
| Material Composition | % Cotton vs % Straw vs % Paper | 6505 is cotton/felt; 6504 is vegetable fiber. If it's 50/50, it gets complicated. |
| Construction Photo | Photo showing "Stitching" vs "Weaving/Plaiting" | Sewed (6504.30) vs Not Sewed (6504.60) changes the base rate. |
| Bill of Lading | Accurate Weight & Volume | Required for the "94ยข/doz" calculation if the item is 6504.60. |
| Country of Origin | Verified Certificate of Origin | Essential to prove if "Additional Tariff" (25%) applies. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Do's and Don'ts")
๐ฅ Golden Rule: "Don't just write 'Hats'! Write the Material and the Make."
| Scenario | โ Correct Declaration | โ Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Beanie | "6505.00.15.40 - Knitted Cotton Hat" | "Hats" or "6500" | Error/Manual Exam (Data retrieval failed on generic codes). |
| Straw Sunhat (Sewed) | "6504.00.30.00 - Sewed Plaited Straw Hat" | "Hats" or "6505" | 31% Tax vs 0% (If misclassified as 6505, you avoid tax but face penalties if caught). |
| Straw Hat (Not Sewed) | "6504.00.60.00 - Not Sewed Plaited Hat" | "6504.00.30.00" | Unit Rate Trap (94ยข/doz) vs Ad Valorem. Misclassification leads to underpayment. |
| Felt Hat | "6505.00.xx.xx - Felt Hat" | "6500" | Data Retrieval Failure. Must find the specific sub-code for felt. |
โ 3. Special Handling for "Failed Data" (6500/6505)
Since the system returned "Failed to retrieve tax information" for broad codes 6500 and 6505: 1. Do NOT declare using 6500 or 6505 alone. 2. Drill Down: You must identify the specific sub-code (e.g., 6505.00.15.40 for cotton knitted). 3. Consult Broker: If your goods are "Felt" or "Lace" hats, contact a customs broker to find the exact 10-digit code before filing. The generic codes are administrative placeholders, not duty-determining codes.
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended Code | Tax Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 6505.00.15.40 (Cotton) | 0% (Best case) 31% (Straw/Sewed) |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 6505 | Generally 0-9% (No Section 301) |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 6505 | Generally 12% (Standard) |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 6505 | Generally 8-12% |
๐ US Strategy: If you are exporting to the US, avoid Vegetable Fiber (Straw) unless you have calculated the 31% + Unit Rate. Stick to Cotton Knitted if possible for zero-duty entry.
๐ VI. Common Pitfalls & "Blood and Tears" Lessons
โ Pitfall 1: The "Generic Hat" Trap
* Mistake: Declaring all hats under 6500.
* Result: Customs rejects the entry because 6500 is not a valid 10-digit classification for duty calculation. Delay = Storage Fees.
โ Pitfall 2: Confusing "Sewed" vs "Not Sewed"
* Mistake: Declaring a sewed straw hat as 6504.00.60.00 (Not Sewed).
* Result: You pay the unit rate (94ยข/doz) + 25% surcharge on a low-value item, eating all margins. Or, if you try to underpay, you face fraud investigations.
โ Pitfall 3: Ignoring the "Material" Detail * Mistake: Writing "Hats" on the invoice without specifying "Knitted Cotton". * Result: Customs officer assumes the worst (Straw/Plaited) and applies the 31% rate automatically. Clarify material on the invoice!
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Win the Tariff Game
๐ฏ The Bottom Line:
Cotton/Knitted = 0% (Sweet Spot)
Straw/Plaited/Sewed = 31% (Tax Hell)
Straw/Plaited/Not Sewed = Unit Rate + 25% (Complex Trap)
๐ Action Plan:
1. Verify Material: Is it cotton? Straw? Paper?
2. Verify Method: Is it knitted? Plaited? Sewed?
3. Select Specific Code: Never use 6500 or 6505 alone.
4. Declare with Precision: "6505.00.15.40 - Knitted Cotton Hat" is your golden ticket.
๐ฃ Ready to Ship?
๐ Verify your HS Code with a certified broker.
๐ Ensure your invoice says "Knitted Cotton" if you want 0% tax.
๐ Don't let a 31% tax rate destroy your profit margin on straw hats!
โจ Precision in Classification = Precision in Profit!
๐ผ Your hats, your rules, your tax strategy.
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.