Other Hats and Headwear
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© Other Hats and Headwear: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Headwear Import
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Headwear"?
"Hats and other headwear" cover a wide range of items worn on the head for protection, fashion, or occupational safety. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material, manufacturing method, and specific usage.
Key Categories: * Knitted/ Crocheted Hats (Hatnets): Often made of vegetable fibers (straw, paper yarn) or non-knitted materials, classified under heading 6504. * Headgear of Rubber or Plastic: Items like swim caps, helmets, or rigid headgear made from these materials, classified under heading 6506. * Other Headgear (Fallen Through): Items not specified elsewhere (e.g., felt hats, woven straw hats not covered by 6504), classified under heading 6506.99.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: - If the item is a "Hatnet" (structure of vegetable fibers/paper yarn woven/coiled) β 6504.xx.xx.xx - If the item is made of Rubber/Plastic β 6506.91.xx.xx or 6506.99.xx.xx - If it is Other Material (Felt, Wool, etc.) not listed in 6504/6506.91 β 6506.99.xx.xx
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Feature | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
6504.00.60.00 |
Other Hats & Headwear (Hatnets) | Unspecified material, generally structured headwear | Woven straw hats, paper yarn headgear, hatnets where material isn't specific |
6506.91.00.60 |
Headgear of Rubber or Plastic | Rubber or Plastic material | Swim caps, plastic hard hats, rubber headbands, fallback category for rubber/plastic |
6506.99.60.00 |
Other Hats & Headwear (Not elsewhere specified) | Other materials (Felt, Wool, etc.) | Felt hats, wool caps, or any headgear not covered by 6504 or 6506.91 |
6504.00.30.00 |
Hats & Headgear (Vegetable Fibers/Paper Yarn) | Plant fibers or Paper Yarn | Traditional straw hats, coiled paper hats, specific vegetable fiber headwear |
π Key Reminder: - Heading 6504 specifically targets "Hatnets" and structures made by weaving, plaiting, or coiling. - Heading 6506 is a "catch-all" for headgear not specified in 6501-6505, especially for rubber/plastic (6506.91) or "Other" (6506.99). - Misclassification Risk: Declaring a felt hat as "Plastic" (6506.91) due to coating can lead to incorrect duty assessment.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Subject to Section 301 and Section 122 measures)
π― 1. 6504.00.60.00 ββ Other Hats & Headwear (General Hatnets)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 94Β’/doz. + 4.6% (Specific + Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | Complex Calculation (Specific fee + 4.6% base + 35% total surcharge on value) |
| Tax Logic | Base: 94Β’/doz + 4.6%. Additional: 25% + 10% = 35%. |
π Explanation: - This code carries a specific duty (94 cents per dozen) PLUS an ad valorem rate. - Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) are added on top of the base value. - Total Burden: High due to the combination of specific and ad valorem rates plus high surcharges.
π― 2. 6506.91.00.60 ββ Headgear of Rubber or Plastic
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Logic | Base: 0%. Additional: 25% + 10% = 35%. |
π Explanation: - Base tariff is duty-free for rubber/plastic headgear. - However, Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) apply, bringing the total to 35%. - Note: Even with a 0% base, the surcharges make it significantly expensive.
π― 3. 6506.99.60.00 ββ Other Hats & Headwear (Miscellaneous)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 43.5% |
| Tax Logic | Base: 8.5%. Additional: 25% + 10% = 35%. Total = 8.5% + 35% = 43.5%. |
π Explanation: - This is the "Fallen Through" category for headgear made of materials like felt, wool, or textiles not covered elsewhere. - Base Tariff: 8.5%. - Total Burden: 43.5%, which is very high.
π― 4. 6504.00.30.00 ββ Hats of Vegetable Fibers/Paper Yarn
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Logic | Base: 6.0%. Additional: 25% + 10% = 35%. Total = 6.0% + 35% = 41.0%. |
π Explanation: - Specifically for plant fibers (straw) or paper yarn headgear. - Base Tariff: 6.0%. - Total Burden: 41.0%.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., "100% Paper Yarn", "PVC Coated Cotton"). Crucial for 6504 vs 6506. |
| β Material Sample/Photo | βοΈ | Clear photos of label, texture, and packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Headwear" or specific type (e.g., "Straw Hat", "Plastic Helmet"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity per dozen (for 6504 specific duty calculation). |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming any preferential treatment (though unlikely for CN to US currently). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ βMaterial First, Structure Second, Donβt Guess the Code!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straw Hat (Woven) | 6504.00.60.00 or 6504.00.30.00 |
Declare as "Plastic" | Misclassification, 43.5% vs 35%/41% |
| Swim Cap (Silicone) | 6506.91.00.60 |
Declare as "Textile" | Higher duty (43.5% vs 35%) |
| Felt Baseball Cap | 6506.99.60.00 |
Declare as "Hatnet" (6504) | Wrong code, potential penalty |
| Paper Yarn Hat | 6504.00.30.00 |
Declare as "Other" (6506.99) | Higher duty (41% vs 43.5%? Wait, 6504.30 is 41%, 6506.99 is 43.5%. But 6504.60 is complex.) |
π Important: - 6504.00.60.00 has a specific duty (94Β’/doz) + 4.6%. If your volume is low, this specific fee might be negligible. If volume is high, it adds up. - 6506.91.00.60 has 0% base, but 35% surcharge. - 6506.99.60.00 has 8.5% base, leading to 43.5% total.
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | Declare the principal material. If coated, the coating doesn't change the headgear nature unless it's a helmet. |
| Helmets | If itβs a safety helmet, check if it falls under 6506 or 9506 (sports) or 3926 (plastic articles). For headwear, 6506.91 is common for plastic. |
| Custom Embroidery | Does not change HS code. Declare as "Embroidered Hat". |
| Seasonal Items | No difference in duty. Ensure accurate description to avoid "reasonable doubt". |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | Varies (See above) | 35% - 43.5% | Strict Section 301 + 122. Specific duties for 6504. |
| π¨π³ China | 6504/6506 | ~10% - 15% | Standard import tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6504/6506 | ~4% - 12% | CE marking for safety gear. No Section 301. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6504/6506 | ~4% - 12% | Post-Brexit tariffs. No Section 301. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most expensive market for headwear due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%). - Base tariffs vary: 0% (Rubber/Plastic) vs 6-8.5% (Other) vs Specific (Straw). - Total cost is driven by surcharges, not base tariffs alone.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Using "Hat" as a generic description. π Result: Customs may assign the highest default rate (43.5%) if material is unclear.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the Specific Duty in 6504.00.60.00. π Result: If you import 1,000 dozen, you pay $940 + 4.6% + 35%. If you declared it as "Other" (6506.99), you might pay 43.5% on value. Compare the numbers!
β Mistake 3: Confusing Plastic Headgear with Plastic Articles (Chapter 39). π Result: Headgear is always Chapter 65. Do not use 3926.
β Mistake 4: Not separating Swim Caps from Fashion Hats. π Result: Swim caps are clearly 6506.91 (Rubber/Plastic). Fashion hats might be 6504 or 6506.99.
β Correct Practice:
"Headwear, Straw Hat, Woven, for Summer Protection, Model XYZ, Made in China" β Likely
6504.00.60.00or6504.00.30.00
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Material Determines Code, Surcharge Determines Cost." πΉ "Rubber/Plastic = 0% Base, but 35% Total." πΉ "Straw/Paper = Specific Duty + 35% Surcharge." πΉ "Felt/Other = 8.5% Base + 35% Surcharge = 43.5% Total."
π Pro Tip:
- For high-volume imports, calculate the Specific Duty impact for
6504.00.60.00.- For low-margin products, consider if
6506.91.00.60(0% base) is applicable (if made of rubber/plastic) to save on the base portion, though surcharges remain.- Always declare material precisely. "Unspecified" leads to the highest scrutiny and potential penalty.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker with product photos. π Apply for Advance Ruling if importing large volumes to lock in the HS Code. πΌ Optimize Supply Chain: Consider sourcing from non-China origins if possible to avoid Section 301/122.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty is a point of profit!
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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.