Helmet Goggles
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9004900010 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9004900090 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909950 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506103030 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506910045 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ Helmet & Goggles (Protective Headgear & Optical Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Helmet Goggles"?
In international trade, "Helmet Goggles" are often split into two distinct categories based on their primary function and structure:
- The Lens/Visor (Optical Component): If treated as a spare part or optical accessory for protective eyewear.
- The Helmet (Protective Headgear): If treated as a complete safety device, headgear, or protective shell.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is just the lens/visor intended for protective eyewear β Classify under 9004.
- If the item is the full helmet structure (shell, padding, strap) β Classify under 6506 or 4016 (if rubber/plastic protective罩).
- Note: In the provided data, "Helmet Goggles" triggers classifications for BOTH lenses (9004) and helmets (6506/4016). We must analyze each scenario.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
9004.90.00.10 |
Helmet Lenses/Goggles: Belongs to goggles/eyewear category. | Replacement lenses, clear visors for safety helmets, sports goggles. | 20.0% |
9004.90.00.90 |
Other Goggles/Eyewear: Fallback category for optical components. | If the lens doesn't fit specific 10-digit codes, falls here. | 20.0% |
6506.10.30.30 |
Helmet: Classified under headgear/caps. | Standard industrial, motorcycle, or sports helmets. | 17.5% |
6506.10.30.45 |
Other Headgear: Fallback for helmet components not in 30.30. | Custom helmets, non-standard headgear. | 17.5% |
4016.99.05.00 |
Helmet Cover/Protector: Classified as protective rubber/plastic goods. | Rubber/plastic covers for helmets, protective shields. | 20.9% |
π Key Reminder:
- Lenses vs. Helmets: Do NOT mix the optical lens (9004) with the structural helmet (6506) in one line item unless declared as a complete set.
- Material Matters: If the helmet is primarily rubber/plastic protective gear (not hard shell headgear), use 4016.99.05.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Ongoing (Post-2025 Trade Measures)
π― 1. 9004.90.00.10 & 9004.90.00.90 ββ Helmet Lenses / Goggles (Optical)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 (Additional Tariff) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 20.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Generally subject to scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9004 β USITC:301 β Section 122 Add-on |
π Explanation:
- Base 2.5%: Standard MFN rate for eyewear parts.
- Section 301 (7.5%): Trade remedy tariff for Chinese imports.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional tariff often applied to specific protective goods or under emergency trade authorities.
- Total: 20% is a significant cost for lightweight optical components.
π― 2. 6506.10.30.30 & 6506.10.30.45 ββ Helmets (Headgear)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 (Additional Tariff) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6506 β USITC:301 β Section 122 Add-on |
π Note:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the additional taxes bring the total to 17.5%.
- This is cheaper than the lens classification (20%).
- Ensure the product is declared as "Helmet" (headgear) and not "Part of Helmet" to potentially benefit from the 0% base rate if eligible under specific interpretations.
π― 3. 4016.99.05.00 ββ Helmet Protective Cover (Rubber/Plastic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 (Additional Tariff) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 20.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4016 β USITC:301 β Section 122 Add-on |
π Warning:
- This is the highest tax rate (20.9%) among the options.
- Only use this if the item is strictly a rubber/plastic cover (not the hard helmet shell). Misclassification here is risky due to the high base rate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specs | βοΈ | Specify: Is it a lens, a full helmet, or a cover? Material (Polycarbonate, ABS, Rubber). |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of the item, packaging, and any labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Helmet Goggles Lens" or "Safety Helmet" β do not use vague terms like "Accessory". |
| β Certification | βοΈ | DOT (Motorcycle), CPSC (Industrial), EN 166 (Eye Protection). Crucial for safety gear. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure HS Code is pre-agreed with forwarder. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Lens is 20%, Helmet is 17.5%, Cover is 20.9%! Classify by Main Function!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Lens/Visor | 9004.90.00.10 |
Misdeclaring as "Helmet" β Wrong duty, audit risk. |
| Full Motorcycle Helmet | 6506.10.30.30 |
Misdeclaring as "Lens" β 20% instead of 17.5%. |
| Rubber Helmet Cover | 4016.99.05.00 |
Misdeclaring as "Helmet" β 20.9% is avoidable if correct. |
| Set (Helmet + Lens) | Main Article Rule | Declare the Helmet (6506) if the lens is integral. If shipped separately, declare separately. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Helmets | Provide design drawings to prove classification as Headgear (6506) rather than generic protective gear. |
| Interchangeable Visors | If shipped with the helmet, declare as Helmet (6506). If shipped separately, declare as Lens (9004). |
| High-End Sports Goggles | Ensure they are clearly "protective eyewear" to fit 9004, not general fashion sunglasses. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6506.10.30.30 (Helmet) |
17.5% | DOT, CPSC | Most cost-effective for helmets. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6506.10.00.00 |
~0-4% | CE EN 166/136 | No Section 301/122 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 6506.10.30.30 |
0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low tariff for imports into China. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 6506.10.00.00 |
~0-5% | Transport Canada | CUSMA benefits may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex due to Section 301 + Section 122 tariffs.
- Helmet (6506) is generally cheaper (17.5%) than Lenses (9004) (20.0%) or Covers (4016) (20.9%).
- Optical clarity in declaration is key to avoiding penalties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a full helmet as "Goggles" or "Lens".
π Consequence: Higher tax rate (20% vs 17.5%) + Customs delay for inspection.
β Error 2: Declaring a rubber cover as "Helmet".
π Consequence: Wrong classification, potential penalty for misdeclaration. Use 4016.99.05.00.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Section 122 Tariff".
π Consequence: Underpaying duties by 10%. This is not optional; it is additive.
β Error 4: Vague Description "Sports Accessory".
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest possible rate or reject the entry.
β Correct Practice:
"Motorcycle Safety Helmet, ABS Shell, DOT Certified, Model XYZ, Origin China"
OR
"Replacement Clear Visor for Motorcycle Helmet, Polycarbonate, Part No. ABC"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision is Profit!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Lens 20, Helmet 17.5, Cover 20.9! Don't mix them up!"
πΉ "Base Rate 0% is a trap, 301 + 122 adds 17.5%!"
πΉ "Clear Description = Fast Clearance = Happy Business!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Helmet/Goggles are non-Chinese origin (e.g., Vietnam, EU), you may avoid the 7.5% + 10% additional tariffs.
Action Step:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if unsure about "Lens vs. Helmet" classification.
π Ensure DOT/CE Certifications are ready to speed up US/EU clearance.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in your profit margin!
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.