HS Code 65.06 – Headgear; n.e.c. in chapter 65, whether or not lined or trimmed

HS code 6506 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Headgear; n.e.c. in chapter 65, whether or not lined or trimmed. Heading 6506 serves as the residual or 'basket' heading for headgear not specifically covered elsewhere in Chapter 65, particularly outside the textile-focused scope of 6505. This classification is crucial for headgear made from materials other than textile fabrics (e.g., plastic, rubber, fur, leather, straw, paper, wood, metal) and for specialized headgear such as safety helmets. Its broad scope encompasses items ranging from industrial hard hats and sports helmets (motorcycle, bicycle, ski) to traditional straw hats, fur hats, and leather caps. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere specified) qualifier emphasizes its role as a catch-all for headgear that doesn't fit the specific criteria of 6505 or the parts category of 6507. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the primary material and function is paramount. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates, non-compliance with product safety standards (e.g., for safety helmets), and potential regulatory penalties. This heading is vital for industries dealing with personal protective equipment (PPE), sports equipment, and fashion accessories made from diverse non-textile materials, ensuring appropriate classification within the broader context of Chapter 65.

Plastic hard hats, motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, ski helmets, equestrian helmets, firemen's helmets, construction safety helmets, leather hats, fur hats, straw hats, paper hats, rubber swim caps, plastic visors (non-textile), medieval helmets (metal), ceremonial headgear (non-textile), sun hats made of woven straw, felt cowboy hats (if not made from felt in the piece as per 6505), disposable paper chef hats, plastic shower caps, diving helmets, space helmets, riot control helmets, hockey helmets, rock climbing helmets, welding helmets.

A common error involves distinguishing 6506 from 6505. While 6505 covers textile, knitted, or crocheted headgear, 6506 is for headgear of other materials (e.g., plastic, leather, fur, straw). For instance, a plastic motorcycle helmet is 6506, but a knitted balaclava is 6505. Another mistake is classifying generic plastic articles (e.g., a simple plastic face shield) under 6506 if its primary function isn't 'headgear,' possibly belonging to 3926 (Other articles of plastic). Also, parts of helmets like replacement visors specifically designed for headgear belong in 6507, not 6506.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6506 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 37% of world exports), Germany ($403M) and Italy ($339M). World exports came to about $5.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6506 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($592M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($557M) and France ($401M). World imports came to about $5.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 6506 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 65 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (65) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.