About HS Code 6216
Heading 6216 specifically classifies "Gloves, mittens and mitts (not knitted or crocheted)" within Chapter 62. This category is dedicated to hand coverings made from woven textile fabrics, designed for protection, warmth, fashion, or specific tasks. The crucial distinction for this heading is that the articles must *not* be knitted or crocheted; such items are classified under Chapter 61. This heading encompasses a wide array of materials, including cotton, linen, silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics, and can include gloves with minor non-textile components (e.g., a small leather palm patch on a woven glove). The scope covers various types, from formal dress gloves to lightweight work gloves (where the essential character is woven textile). Accurate classification is vital for trade compliance, as it determines applicable tariff rates, import quotas, and specific labeling requirements. The trade in gloves reflects both functional needs across industries and evolving fashion trends. Historically, gloves have served diverse purposes, from ceremonial wear to occupational safety. Their classification within Chapter 62 underscores their identity as finished textile apparel accessories, distinguishing them from gloves made entirely of other materials (like leather or rubber) or from raw textile forms. Understanding this heading is essential for importers, exporters, and customs professionals dealing with this significant segment of apparel and protective gear.
Products Under This Code
Cotton dress gloves, polyester fashion gloves, satin opera gloves, driving gloves (woven textile), gardening gloves (woven textile, minimal coating), formal gloves (woven), costume gloves (woven), sun protection gloves (woven), lightweight linen gloves, thin nylon gloves, children's woven gloves, military dress gloves (woven), parade gloves, textile oven mitts (primarily woven), welding gloves (if main body is woven textile), golf gloves (woven upper), cycling gloves (woven back), fishing gloves (woven textile), canvas work gloves, denim gloves, twill gloves, fine silk gloves, rayon gloves.
Real World Examples
A manufacturer in China exports bulk orders of woven cotton work gloves (with minimal PVC dots for grip) to industrial suppliers in the US and Europe, typically via containerized ocean freight. An Italian fashion house imports fine woven silk gloves from Vietnam for its accessory lines, then distributes them globally through air cargo to luxury boutiques. A Pakistani company ships woven polyester dress gloves to a uniform retailer in Canada, with shipments often transiting through major ports. A textile mill in India exports lightweight linen gloves to a specialty gardening supplier in Australia, focusing on eco-friendly and breathable options.
Common Misclassification
The most common misclassification for articles under 6216 is confusing them with their *knitted or crocheted* counterparts, which are correctly classified under Chapter 61 (e.g., knitted wool gloves would be in 6116). The 'not knitted or crocheted' clause is the primary differentiator. Another frequent error involves gloves made *entirely* of leather or composition leather, which belong in Chapter 42. If a glove has significant plastic or rubber components that give it its essential character (e.g., fully rubberized work gloves), it might incorrectly be placed in 6216 instead of Chapter 39 (plastics) or 40 (rubber). Careful examination of the predominant material and construction method is crucial to avoid misclassification.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of gloves, mittens, and mitts under HS 6216 include China, Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, leveraging their established textile manufacturing infrastructure. Key importing markets are the United States, the European Union (Germany, France, UK), Japan, and Canada, driven by both industrial demand for protective gear and consumer demand for fashion accessories. Tariffs can vary significantly based on material composition (e.g., cotton vs. synthetic) and specific end-use, with different rates applying to work gloves versus dress gloves. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) schemes often provide preferential duty rates, making accurate origin determination and documentation essential for traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6216?
HS code 6216 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Gloves, mittens and mitts (not knitted or crocheted). Heading 6216 specifically classifies "Gloves, mittens and mitts (not knitted or crocheted)" within Chapter 62. This category is dedicated to hand coverings made from woven textile fabrics, designed for protection, warmth, fashion, or specific tasks. The crucial distinction for this heading is that the articles must *not* be knitted or crocheted; such items are classified under Chapter 61. This heading encompasses a wide array of materials, including cotton, linen, silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics, and can include gloves with minor non-textile components (e.g., a small leather palm patch on a woven glove). The scope covers various types, from formal dress gloves to lightweight work gloves (where the essential character is woven textile). Accurate classification is vital for trade compliance, as it determines applicable tariff rates, import quotas, and specific labeling requirements. The trade in gloves reflects both functional needs across industries and evolving fashion trends. Historically, gloves have served diverse purposes, from ceremonial wear to occupational safety. Their classification within Chapter 62 underscores their identity as finished textile apparel accessories, distinguishing them from gloves made entirely of other materials (like leather or rubber) or from raw textile forms. Understanding this heading is essential for importers, exporters, and customs professionals dealing with this significant segment of apparel and protective gear.
What products fall under HS code 6216?
Cotton dress gloves, polyester fashion gloves, satin opera gloves, driving gloves (woven textile), gardening gloves (woven textile, minimal coating), formal gloves (woven), costume gloves (woven), sun protection gloves (woven), lightweight linen gloves, thin nylon gloves, children's woven gloves, military dress gloves (woven), parade gloves, textile oven mitts (primarily woven), welding gloves (if main body is woven textile), golf gloves (woven upper), cycling gloves (woven back), fishing gloves (woven textile), canvas work gloves, denim gloves, twill gloves, fine silk gloves, rayon gloves.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6216?
The most common misclassification for articles under 6216 is confusing them with their *knitted or crocheted* counterparts, which are correctly classified under Chapter 61 (e.g., knitted wool gloves would be in 6116). The 'not knitted or crocheted' clause is the primary differentiator. Another frequent error involves gloves made *entirely* of leather or composition leather, which belong in Chapter 42. If a glove has significant plastic or rubber components that give it its essential character (e.g., fully rubberized work gloves), it might incorrectly be placed in 6216 instead of Chapter 39 (plastics) or 40 (rubber). Careful examination of the predominant material and construction method is crucial to avoid misclassification.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6216?
Major exporters of gloves, mittens, and mitts under HS 6216 include China, Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, leveraging their established textile manufacturing infrastructure. Key importing markets are the United States, the European Union (Germany, France, UK), Japan, and Canada, driven by both industrial demand for protective gear and consumer demand for fashion accessories. Tariffs can vary significantly based on material composition (e.g., cotton vs. synthetic) and specific end-use, with different rates applying to work gloves versus dress gloves. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) schemes often provide preferential duty rates, making accurate origin determination and documentation essential for traders.
How is HS code 6216 structured?
HS code 6216 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 62 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (62) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.