Surgical Cap
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6505008015 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6210105090 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505008090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6214900090 | 28.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Surgical Caps (Disposable Headwear)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π One, Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Surgical Caps"?
Surgical caps are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in medical scenarios. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition and specific use case (e.g., disposable non-woven vs. reusable fabric). Based on the provided data, we analyze the four most common HS Code classifications for Chinese-origin surgical caps entering the US market.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If made of Non-Woven Fabric (Disposable): Often falls under Headwear (6505) or Protective Clothing (6210).
- If made of Woven Fabric (Reusable/Textile): Falls under Other Textile Articles (6214or6210).
- Critical Factor: The "122 Clause" (Section 301/IEEPA) and Base Tariffs vary significantly between these categories.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2024 Latest Tariff Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Scenario Inference | Tax Rate Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
6505.00.80.15 |
Headwear: Surgical cap as disposable headwear, inferred material: Non-woven fabric, fits this code. | Disposable Non-Woven / Medical Scenario | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% + 35.0% |
6210.10.50.90 |
Protective Clothing: Surgical cap made of non-woven fabric, classified as medical/pollution-area protective disposable clothing. | Disposable Non-Woven / Protective Apparel | 17.5% |
6505.00.80.90 |
Headwear (Fallback): Surgical cap as headwear, inferred material: Disposable non-woven or man-made fiber, fits the residual category. | Disposable Non-Woven / General Headwear | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% + 35.0% |
6214.90.00.90 |
Other Textiles: Surgical cap as textile product, inferred material: Non-cotton or other synthetic fibers, fits other textile material category. | Woven/Synthetic Fiber / General Textile | 28.8% |
π Key Reminder:
-6210.10.50.90offers the lowest total tax burden (17.5%) but requires strict justification as "Protective Clothing" rather than simple "Headwear."
-6505.00.80.15/90and6214.90.00.90carry significantly higher tariffs due to base duties and additional levies.
π° Three, 2024 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current Trade Policies (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 6505.00.80.15 ββ Headwear (Disposable Surgical Cap)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~35.0% (plus specific duty) |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Value Γ Ad Valorem Rates) + (Weight Γ Specific Duty) + Surcharges |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High tax rate excludes small package exemption benefits in many contexts) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6505.00.80.15 β USITC Footnotes (301/122) |
π Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods in Chapter 65.
- The 10% is the "122 Clause" tariff (often related to specific trade remedy provisions or enhanced China tariffs).
- The 18.7Β’/kg is a specific duty applied per kilogram, which can be substantial for heavy bulk shipments but minimal for lightweight disposable caps.
π― 2. 6210.10.50.90 ββ Protective Clothing (Disposable Non-Woven)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6210.10.50.90 β USITC Footnotes (301/122) |
π Note:
- This is the most cost-effective classification if the product can be legally defined as "Protective Clothing for Medical/Pollution Areas."
- It avoids the high base duties of Chapter 65.
- Crucial: You must provide documentation proving it is used in "medical or pollution-controlled zones" to justify this classification over general headwear.
π― 3. 6505.00.80.90 ββ Headwear (Fallback Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~35.0% (plus specific duty) |
| Tax Calculation | Same as 6505.00.80.15 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6505.00.80.90 β USITC Footnotes (301/122) |
π Warning:
- This is a "catch-all" for headwear not specifically listed elsewhere.
- The tax burden is identical to6505.00.80.15but lacks the specific product recognition. Use only if no better fit exists.
π― 4. 6214.90.00.90 ββ Other Textile Articles (Non-Cotton/Synthetic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 11.3% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause (IEEPA) Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 28.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:6214.90.00.90 β USITC Footnotes (301/122) |
π Caution:
- This applies if the cap is made of woven synthetic fibers (not non-woven) or is considered a general textile accessory rather than protective gear.
- The base duty is higher than protective clothing, and surcharges apply.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation List (No Exceptions)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail material (Non-woven PP, Spunbond, etc.), weight, and layer count. |
| β Material Composition Proof | βοΈ | Crucial to distinguish between "Headwear" (6505) and "Protective Clothing" (6210). |
| β Product Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Show the capβs shape, ear ties, and any "Medical Use" markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Surgical Cap, Disposable Non-Woven, for Medical Protective Use." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net weight and quantity to verify specific duty calculations (for 6505 codes). |
| β Usage Statement | βοΈ | A letter stating the cap is used in medical/surgical environments to support 6210 classification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Protective Clothing Wins, Headwear Loses, Material is Key, Tax Drops!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Non-Woven Cap | 6210.10.50.90 (If justified as Protective Clothing) |
Declaring as 6505 β 35%+ Tax |
| Reusable Fabric Cap | 6214.90.00.90 |
Declaring as 6210 β Misclassification Risk |
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Cloth + Paper) | Analyze essential character; likely 6214 or 6505 |
Ambiguous description β Audit Flag |
| "Surgical Hat" without "Medical" context | High risk of 6505 classification |
Using vague terms like "Hat" β Higher Tax |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Caps | Provide design files + material specs. Ensure marketing materials emphasize "Medical/PPE" status. |
| Non-Woven vs. Woven | Non-woven has a better chance for 6210 (Protective Clothing). Woven likely falls to 6214 or 6505. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | For bulk shipments, weight-based specific duties (6505) may add up. Calculate carefully. |
| Origin Marking | Ensure "Made in China" is clearly marked. Mislabeling leads to penalties and higher duties. |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2024 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tax (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6210.10.50.90 |
17.5% | FDA Registration (if Class I Medical Device) | Lowest US Tax if classified as Protective Clothing |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6505.00.80.15 |
~35% + Specific | General | High tax due to Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6210.10.50.90 |
Varies (0-6.5%) | CE Marking (PPE Regulation) | No Section 301; CE mandatory for PPE |
| π¨π³ China | 6210.10.50.90 |
10-14% | NMPA Registration (if medical) | Import duties apply; VAT 13% |
| π¬π§ UK | 6210.10.50.90 |
0-5% | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit rules apply; check UK ITC |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging due to Section 301 and 122 Clause tariffs.
-6210.10.50.90is the optimal classification for disposable non-woven surgical caps in the US, saving ~17-18% compared to headwear classifications.
- Europe is more favorable with lower base duties, but CE/UKCA certification is stricter for PPE.
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring disposable non-woven caps as "Headwear" (6505)
π Consequence: Tax jumps from 17.5% to ~35%+. Huge cost increase!
β Error 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause" (10% Additional Duty)
π Consequence: Unexpected budget overrun; customs holds shipment for duty reassessment.
β Error 3: No evidence of "Medical/Protective Use" for 6210 classification
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 6505 or 6214 β Back Taxes + Penalties.
β Error 4: Vague Description: "Cotton Cap" (when it's Non-Woven PP)
π Consequence: Misclassification audit; delay in clearance; potential seizure.
β Correct Practice:
"Surgical Cap, Disposable, Non-Woven Polypropylene, Sterile, For Medical Use Only, Model XYZ, CE/FDA Compliant"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Protective Clothing Wins, Headwear Burns!"
πΉ "Non-Woven + Medical Use = 17.5% Tax"
πΉ "Vague Description = 35% Tax + Penalties"
π Pro Tip:
- If your supplier provides a Material Test Report showing the fabric is Non-Woven PP, use this to support 6210.10.50.90.
- Consider applying for an Advance Ruling with US Customs if shipping large volumes, to lock in the 17.5% rate.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact your customs broker with the correct HS Code (
6210.10.50.90) and Supporting Docs.
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Reduce Costs, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Matters in Global Trade!
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.