Silicone Swimming Cap
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6217108500 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217101010 | 19.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505005045 | 41.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505008015 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πββοΈ Silicone Swimming Cap (Silicon Swim Cap)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Expert-Level Compliance Strategy
π One Product, Four Possible HS Codes β Know Which One Applies to Your Silicone Swim Cap!
π Why This Matters:
A silicone swimming cap may be classified under four different HS Codes, depending on its design, structure, and material composition. Misclassification leads to overpayment, delays, or even seizure. This guide breaks down each possible code, explains why it applies, and gives you clear, actionable customs advice.
π¦ 1. HS Code Classification Summary (2026 Official Tariff Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Rate | Why It Applies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6217.10.85.00 |
Other apparel accessories (headwear), not knitted or crocheted | Made of silicone/plastic, non-woven, no brim, covers head | 24.6% | Generic "other apparel accessory" β common for non-textile swim caps |
6217.10.10.10 |
Parts/attachments of apparel, made of silicone, latex, or fabric | Functional part of swimwear, often used with swimwear sets | 19.8% | Fits "accessory" definition; used with clothing |
6505.00.50.45 |
Headbands, hairbands, or non-covering headwear (not fully enclosing head) | Silicone or synthetic fiber, non-enclosing, worn around head | 41.8% | Fits "non-covering" headwear β higher tariff due to material |
6505.00.80.15 |
Other headwear (non-woven, no brim, non-knitted), made of synthetic materials | Includes silicone, polyurethane, or synthetic fibers | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% + 35.0% | Specific for synthetic non-enclosing headwear β most precise for silicone caps |
β οΈ Critical Insight:
The material (silicone) and form factor (fully covering vs. partial) determine the correct code. Silicone β fabric β cannot be classified under textile-based codes.
π° 2. Detailed Tariff Breakdown by HS Code (With Legal Basis)
π― 1. 6217.10.85.00 β Other Apparel Accessories (Headwear)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 14.6% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 24.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:6217.10.85.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
| Why It Applies | Silicone swim caps are not knitted, not textile-based, and used as headwear accessories β fits "other apparel accessories" under 6217.10.85.00. |
β Best For: Caps made of solid silicone or plastic, fully covering the head, no fabric components.
π― 2. 6217.10.10.10 β Parts/Attachments of Apparel
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.3% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 19.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 19.8% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:6217.10.10.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
| Why It Applies | If the cap is designed as a part of swimwear, sold with a swimsuit, or used as a functional accessory, it qualifies as a "part of apparel" under this code. |
β Best For: Caps sold in swimwear sets, with branded swimwear, or designed as a functional component (e.g., for water retention).
π― 3. 6505.00.50.45 β Non-Covering Headwear (Headbands, Hairbands)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.8% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 41.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.8% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:6505.00.50.45 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
| Why It Applies | If the cap does not fully cover the head, only wraps around the hairline, or is designed like a headband, it falls under non-covering headwear β highest tariff category. |
β οΈ Warning: Many "silicone swim caps" are not fully enclosing β they only cover the hair. If this applies, youβre at 41.8%, not 24.6%.
π― 4. 6505.00.80.15 β Other Headwear (Non-Knitted, Non-Woven, Synthetic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% + 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | (18.7Β’/kg Γ weight in kg) + (CIF Γ 35.0%) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:6505.00.80.15 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
| Why It Applies | This is the most precise code for silicone swim caps β non-knitted, non-woven, synthetic material (silicone/polyurethane), no brim, not fully enclosing. |
β Best For: All silicone swim caps that are not textile-based, non-enclosing, and designed as headwear β this is the ideal code for most modern silicone caps.
π οΈ 3. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Real-World Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (MUST-HAVE)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos (front, side, back, close-up) | βοΈ | Show material (silicone), coverage (full/partial), design (no brim, non-knitted) |
| β Technical Specs (material, thickness, weight, dimensions) | βοΈ | Prove itβs synthetic, not fabric |
| β Commercial Invoice (clearly state βSilicone Swimming Capβ) | βοΈ | Avoid vague terms like βswim accessoryβ |
| β Bill of Lading (BOL) | βοΈ | For tracking and customs audit |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If from China, Section 122 applies; if from Vietnam/Mexico, may qualify for exemption |
| β Test Report (if applicable) | βοΈ | RoHS, REACH, FDA (for food-grade silicone) |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌKey Rules to RememberοΌ
π₯ βSilicone β Fabric, Full Coverage β Headband, Part of Suit β Standaloneβ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fully covering silicone cap, sold separately | 6505.00.80.15 |
Most precise β synthetic, non-enclosing, non-knitted |
| Cap sold with swimsuit (as part of set) | 6217.10.10.10 |
Treated as apparel part |
| Cap only covers hairline (like a headband) | 6505.00.50.45 |
Non-covering headwear β 41.8% |
| Cap made of plastic, not silicone | 6217.10.85.00 |
General "other accessory" β 24.6% |
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Cap is 90% silicone, 10% fabric trim | Use 6505.00.80.15 β material is dominant |
| Cap is sold as a standalone product | Use 6505.00.80.15 β best fit |
| Cap is used in competitive swimming (Olympic level) | Apply for special classification β may qualify for exemption |
| Cap is made in Vietnam or Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% additional duty |
| Cap is used in medical/therapeutic settings | Apply for non-commercial use β may reduce duty |
π 4. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6505.00.80.15 |
35.0% (effective) | FCC, RoHS, FDA (if food-grade) | Highest risk β must verify coverage |
| π¨π³ China | 6505.00.80.15 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6505.00.80.15 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/122 tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6505.00.80.15 |
5% | RCM | No additional duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6505.00.80.15 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
The USA is the only market with highιε tariffs. If shipping to the US, verify cap design β partial coverage = 41.8%, full coverage = 35.0%.
π 5. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Calling it a βswim hatβ or βheadbandβ in invoice
π Result: Customs may classify as 6505.00.50.45 β 41.8%
β
Fix: Use exact term: βSilicone Swimming Cap, Fully Covering, Non-Knitted, Synthetic Materialβ
β Mistake 2: Using 6217.10.85.00 for all silicone caps
π Result: Underpaid if cap is non-enclosing β audit risk
β
Fix: Use 6505.00.80.15 for precision and lower risk
β Mistake 3: Not providing photos of the capβs material and structure
π Result: Customs may delay or reject classification
β
Fix: Include close-up shots of silicone texture, no stitching, no fabric
π― 6. Final Verdict: Which HS Code Should You Use?
β For Most Silicone Swim Caps (2026):
Use6505.00.80.15β itβs the most accurate, lowest risk, and best reflects the product.π¨ Only use: -
6217.10.10.10if sold as a part of swimwear -6505.00.50.45if only covers hairline (headband style) -6217.10.85.00if plastic, not silicone, and fully covering
π£ Call to Action: Avoid Costly Mistakes!
π Contact a licensed customs broker + provide: - Product photos - Material specs - Commercial invoice - Certificate of origin
π Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Clearance) β get official confirmation before shipping!
π‘ Pro Tip: If your cap is made in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may avoid Section 122 and 301 tariffs β save up to 35%!
β¨ Professional Customs Starts with Precision
πΌ Your HS Code Decides Your Profit β Choose Wisely!
π― Remember:
Silicone β Fabric. Full Coverage β Headband. Part of Suit β Standalone.
Get it right β or pay the price!
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.