berets
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6506910060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506996000 | 43.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504003000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6504009015 | 41.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505000800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505001540 | 42.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§’ Berets (Headwear): HS Code Classification & Duty Analysis | 2026 Trade Compliance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | Latest 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: What Exactly is a "Beret"?
In international trade, berets are classified under Chapter 65: Hatting and Headgear. They are generally defined as soft, flat-crowned, round hats without a brim. However, the HS Code assignment varies significantly based on the material composition (e.g., rubber, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers).
Misclassification is common because customs officers rely heavily on the declared material and manufacturing process. Below is the precise breakdown based on the provided data.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate (US Import from China) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6506.91.00.60 | Other Headgear: Categorized as headgear, inferred material is rubber or plastic. Fits the "other headgear" catch-all category. | Rubber / Plastic | 35.0% |
| 6506.99.60.00 | Other Headgear: Matches form and usage. Material is a non-specific category, fitting the "other materials" catch-all logic. | Non-specific Material | 43.5% |
| 6504.00.30.00 | Woven/Plaited Headgear: Inferred as headgear made of vegetable fibers or hair textiles. Fits the description of "sewn headgear." | Vegetable Fiber / Hair Textile | 41.0% |
| 6504.00.90.15 | Other Headgear: Matches form/usage. Inferred material is wool or man-made fibers. Fits "sewn headgear made of man-made fibers." | Wool / Man-made Fiber | 41.8% |
| 6505.00.08.00 | Felt Hats: Categorized as felt headgear. Inferred material is felt or woolen cloth. Fits "other felt hats and other felt headgear." | Felt / Woolen Cloth | Complex: β’ Base: 13.5Β’/kg + 6.3% + 1.9Β’/article β’ Additional: 25% + 10% β’ Effective Total: ~35% + Specifics |
| 6505.00.15.40 | Other Headgear: Hat category. Inferred material is cotton, linen, or textile fabric. Fits the logic for "hats and headbands." | Cotton / Linen / Textile | 42.9% |
π Key Distinction:
- 6505 Series generally refers to Felt or Knitted/Crocheted headgear (often higher base duty but specific rates).
- 6504 & 6506 Series refer to Woven/Plaited or Other materials (often higher ad valorem duties).
- Material Declaration is Critical: You must declare the exact fiber content (e.g., "100% Wool Felt" vs. "100% Cotton Knit") to avoid customs rejection or misclassification penalties.
π° 3. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Including Section 301 & IEEPA measures)
π― 1. 6506.91.00.60 (Rubber/Plastic Headgear)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Free of duty under HTSUS) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote: Trade remedy on Chinese goods) |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (Specific add-on for certain Chinese imports) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301/IEEPA goods are excluded from $800 de minimis relief) |
| Legal Path | USITC:6506.91.00.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Although base duty is 0%, the 35% combined surcharge makes this expensive.
- Rubber/plastic berets are less common; ensure the material is truly non-textile.
π― 2. 6506.99.60.00 (Other Materials - Non-specific)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 8.5% (Standard HTSUS rate) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 43.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:6506.99.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- This is a "catch-all" for materials not specifically listed in 6504/6505.
- High Risk: Customs may challenge this if the material is identifiable (e.g., if itβs wool, it should be 6505).
π― 3. 6504.00.30.00 (Vegetable Fiber/Hair Textile)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:6504.00.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π― 4. 6504.00.90.15 (Man-made Fiber/Wool)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.8% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:6504.00.90.15 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π― 5. 6505.00.08.00 (Felt Hats)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | Complex Specific Rate: β’ 13.5 cents/kg β’ 6.3% ad valorem β’ 1.9 cents/piece |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (Applied to the ad valorem portion or total value depending on CBP interpretation) |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~35% + Specific Duties |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:6505.00.08.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Felt berets (wool felt) are a classic category.
- Warning: The combination of specific duties (per kg/piece) + ad valorem + surcharges makes calculation complex. Use a customs broker to compute the exact duty.
π― 6. 6505.00.15.40 (Cotton/Linen/Textile)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 7.9% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 42.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 42.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:6505.00.15.40 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | β Yes | Must specify material composition (e.g., "90% Wool, 10% Acrylic") and construction (Felt vs. Knit vs. Woven). |
| Commercial Invoice | β Yes | Clearly state "Beret" as the product name. Avoid vague terms like "Headgear" without details. |
| Packing List | β Yes | Include quantity and weight (critical for 6505 specific duties). |
| Material Test Report | β Recommended | If disputed, lab reports proving fiber content (e.g., wool vs. synthetic) can prevent misclassification. |
| Origin Certificate | β Yes | Required to prove China origin for 301/IEEPA application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial First, Form Second, Name Precise, Tax Clear!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Error |
|---|---|---|
| Wool Felt Beret | 6505.00.08.00 |
Misdeclare as 6506 (plastic/rubber) β Penalty |
| Cotton Knit Beret | 6505.00.15.40 |
Misdeclare as 6504 (woven) β Wrong Rate |
| Plastic/ Rubber Beret | 6506.91.00.60 |
Rare; only if not textile |
| Mixed Material | Check Main Component | If >50% wool, declare wool. If mixed, consult HTS rules. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the supplier provides accurate material specs. Customs may inspect samples. |
| "Bermuda" or "Tam" Style | Often classified as 6505 if felt/knit. Ensure no visor/brim (if brim > 2cm, may be 6504). |
| Embroidered/Decorated | Classification remains based on base material, not decoration. |
| De Minimis ($800 Rule) | β NOT APPLICABLE for Section 301/IEEPA goods from China. Even small shipments are subject to duties. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6505.00.15.40 (Cotton) |
42.9% | High tariffs due to 301 + IEEPA |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6505.00 (Felt) |
4% + VAT | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¨π³ China | 6505.00 |
8-10% | Low base duty |
| π¬π§ UK | 6505.00 |
4% + VAT | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 6505.00 |
0-10% | CUSMA eligibility may apply for some textiles |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for Chinese-made berets due to 40%+ combined duties.
- EU/UK have much lower base duties but still apply VAT and potential anti-dumping if materials are subsidized.
- Strategy: Consider sourcing from Vietnam, Bangladesh, or Turkey to avoid US Section 301 tariffs (if substantially transformed).
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Beret" without material composition
π Result: Customs assigns "Other Headgear" (6506.99.60.00) β 43.5% duty.
β
Fix: Always declare "100% Wool Felt" or "100% Cotton Knit".
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 (IEEPA) tariffs
π Result: Underpayment by 10% β Penalties + Back Duties.
β
Fix: Include IEEPA 122 clause in all cost calculations.
β Mistake 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies
π Result: Small shipments seized or held at port.
β
Fix: Plan for duty payment even for low-value shipments.
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Savings
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ Material is King: Wool, Cotton, Plastic, and Felt have different HS Codes and Tax Rates.
πΉ Total Duty is ~35-44%: Do not budget for base duty only; include 301 (25%) + IEEPA (10%).
πΉ No De Minimis: Small businesses importing from China must pay duties on every shipment.
π Pro Tip:
If your berets are made in China, consider transshipment through Vietnam or India for substantial transformation to qualify for preferential US tariffs (though this carries legal risk if not compliant).
β
Best Practice: Apply for a Binding Ruling (PBPR) from US CBP before shipment to lock in the HS Code.
π£ Call to Action:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker to verify your material specs.
π¦ Update Your Landed Cost Calculator with 40%+ duty for China-origin berets.
π Stay Compliant, Avoid Audits, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Precise Classification Starts Here!
πΌ Every Penny Saved in Duties is Pure 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.