About HS Code 65
Chapter 65 of the Harmonized System (HS) covers "Headgear and parts thereof," a broad classification encompassing all forms of head coverings designed to be worn on the head, whether for protection, fashion, religious observance, or professional use, and their identifiable parts. This chapter's scope is extensive, ranging from basic knitted caps to sophisticated protective helmets and high-fashion hats. It includes headgear made from various materials like felt, straw, knitted or crocheted fabrics, plastics, and metals. The boundaries are generally clear: if it's designed to be worn on the head as a distinct item, it likely falls here. Exclusions typically include wigs (Chapter 67), headbands not forming part of a hat (often Chapters 62 or 63), or specific integral parts of other articles (e.g., a helmet permanently affixed to a diving suit). Key sub-categories within this chapter include hat-forms and bodies (6501, 6502), plaited or assembled hats (6504), knitted or crocheted headgear (6505), other made-up headgear, including protective helmets (6506), and parts of headgear (6507). Accurate classification under Chapter 65 is crucial for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. For protective headgear, adherence to safety standards (e.g., CE marking, ANSI standards) is paramount and linked to proper classification. Historically, headgear has always been a significant trade item, evolving from functional necessity to a global fashion accessory and essential safety equipment, making its trade volume substantial and diverse.
Products Under This Code
Baseball caps, knitted beanies, wide-brimmed straw hats, felt fedoras, wool berets, sun visors, industrial hard hats, bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, ski helmets, jockey caps, chef hats, graduation caps (mortarboards), shower caps, swimming caps, fabric bonnets, historical costume hats, police caps, military berets, firefighter helmets, balaclavas, fascinators, turbans, medical scrub caps, cowboy hats
Real World Examples
A large US apparel retailer imports 100,000 custom-embroidered baseball caps (6505.90) from a manufacturing plant in Vietnam, shipping them via ocean freight to the Port of Los Angeles for distribution across their stores. The importer carefully manages origin documentation to potentially leverage CPTPP preferential tariffs. A German safety equipment distributor imports 5,000 industrial hard hats (6506.10) from a specialized factory in China to the Port of Hamburg, ensuring all products meet stringent EU CE safety certification requirements before onward sale to construction companies across Europe. A high-end Japanese fashion boutique imports 300 handcrafted felt fedoras (6504.00) from a renowned hatmaker in Italy, utilizing air freight to Tokyo to quickly bring the latest designer collections to its discerning clientele. A Canadian outdoor gear supplier imports 20,000 knitted wool beanies (6505.00) from Bangladesh, taking advantage of duty-free access under Canada's General Preferential Tariff (GPT) scheme for least developed countries, with shipments arriving in Vancouver for the winter season.
Common Misclassification
Traders often make mistakes classifying headgear by confusing it with related textile articles or specialized equipment. A common misclassification occurs with simple textile headbands or scarves, which, if not clearly designed as a hat or cap, might belong in Chapter 62 or 63 (e.g., 6217.90 for other made-up clothing accessories or 6307.90 for other made-up textile articles) rather than Chapter 65. Another frequent error involves protective helmets: while most fall under 6506.10, some highly specialized helmets, particularly those integrated into larger systems (e.g., a diver's helmet integral to a suit), might be classified with the primary article. Confusion also arises with toy hats or costume items; if the primary function is clearly play or entertainment rather than practical wear, they should be classified under Chapter 95 (e.g., 9503.00 for toys) instead of 65.
Headings in This Chapter 6
Industry
This code belongs to the Footwear & Headgear industry.
Trade Overview
Major importers of headgear include the USA, Germany, UK, France, Japan, and Canada, driven by strong consumer demand for fashion, sports, and protective headwear. Key exporting nations are China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Italy, and Spain, with China and Vietnam dominating mass-produced textile headwear, and Italy and Spain known for high-fashion items. Tariff rates vary significantly based on material, origin, and specific product type. Many textile-based headgear products from developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, often benefit from preferential tariff treatment under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes or specific Free Trade Agreements (e.g., CPTPP for Vietnam, USMCA for North America). Protective headgear frequently requires compliance with specific national or regional safety standards (e.g., CE marking in the EU, ANSI standards in the US).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 65?
HS code 65 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Headgear and parts thereof. Chapter 65 of the Harmonized System (HS) covers "Headgear and parts thereof," a broad classification encompassing all forms of head coverings designed to be worn on the head, whether for protection, fashion, religious observance, or professional use, and their identifiable parts. This chapter's scope is extensive, ranging from basic knitted caps to sophisticated protective helmets and high-fashion hats. It includes headgear made from various materials like felt, straw, knitted or crocheted fabrics, plastics, and metals. The boundaries are generally clear: if it's designed to be worn on the head as a distinct item, it likely falls here. Exclusions typically include wigs (Chapter 67), headbands not forming part of a hat (often Chapters 62 or 63), or specific integral parts of other articles (e.g., a helmet permanently affixed to a diving suit). Key sub-categories within this chapter include hat-forms and bodies (6501, 6502), plaited or assembled hats (6504), knitted or crocheted headgear (6505), other made-up headgear, including protective helmets (6506), and parts of headgear (6507). Accurate classification under Chapter 65 is crucial for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. For protective headgear, adherence to safety standards (e.g., CE marking, ANSI standards) is paramount and linked to proper classification. Historically, headgear has always been a significant trade item, evolving from functional necessity to a global fashion accessory and essential safety equipment, making its trade volume substantial and diverse.
What products fall under HS code 65?
Baseball caps, knitted beanies, wide-brimmed straw hats, felt fedoras, wool berets, sun visors, industrial hard hats, bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, ski helmets, jockey caps, chef hats, graduation caps (mortarboards), shower caps, swimming caps, fabric bonnets, historical costume hats, police caps, military berets, firefighter helmets, balaclavas, fascinators, turbans, medical scrub caps, cowboy hats
What are common misclassifications for HS code 65?
Traders often make mistakes classifying headgear by confusing it with related textile articles or specialized equipment. A common misclassification occurs with simple textile headbands or scarves, which, if not clearly designed as a hat or cap, might belong in Chapter 62 or 63 (e.g., 6217.90 for other made-up clothing accessories or 6307.90 for other made-up textile articles) rather than Chapter 65. Another frequent error involves protective helmets: while most fall under 6506.10, some highly specialized helmets, particularly those integrated into larger systems (e.g., a diver's helmet integral to a suit), might be classified with the primary article. Confusion also arises with toy hats or costume items; if the primary function is clearly play or entertainment rather than practical wear, they should be classified under Chapter 95 (e.g., 9503.00 for toys) instead of 65.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 65?
Major importers of headgear include the USA, Germany, UK, France, Japan, and Canada, driven by strong consumer demand for fashion, sports, and protective headwear. Key exporting nations are China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Italy, and Spain, with China and Vietnam dominating mass-produced textile headwear, and Italy and Spain known for high-fashion items. Tariff rates vary significantly based on material, origin, and specific product type. Many textile-based headgear products from developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, often benefit from preferential tariff treatment under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes or specific Free Trade Agreements (e.g., CPTPP for Vietnam, USMCA for North America). Protective headgear frequently requires compliance with specific national or regional safety standards (e.g., CE marking in the EU, ANSI standards in the US).
How is HS code 65 structured?
HS code 65 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.