HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6506.10 – Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed
HS code 6506.10 is the 6-digit subheading for headgear, safety, whether or not lined or trimmed. It is used for hard hats, safety helmets (industrial), bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets and ski helmets.
What HS 6506.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers safety headgear, designed to protect the wearer from injury, whether or not they are lined or trimmed. This category is critical for industrial safety, sports, and various professional applications, encompassing items that meet specific protective standards. Importers are typically industrial suppliers, construction companies, sports equipment retailers, and government agencies responsible for worker safety. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with expertise in materials science, impact absorption, and ergonomic design, frequently located in countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent safety regulations. Key aspects of this trade include adherence to international safety standards (e.g., ANSI, EN, ASTM), material durability, impact resistance, and comfort. The demand for safety headgear is driven by occupational safety regulations, sports participation, and increasing awareness of personal protection, making it a stable and essential segment of global trade. Innovation in materials and design for enhanced protection and comfort is a continuous driver in this market.
- Covers
- Hard hats
- Safety helmets (industrial)
- Bicycle helmets
- Motorcycle helmets
- Ski helmets
- Equestrian helmets
- Welding helmets (passive)
- Examples
- MSA V-Gard hard hats
- Bell cycling helmets
- Shoei motorcycle helmets
- Giro ski helmets
- Kask equestrian helmets
- 3M safety helmets
- Petzl climbing helmets
Codes often confused with 6506.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from general headgear (650691, 650699) because its primary function is safety and it must meet specific protective standards. Confusion can arise if a protective helmet is not clearly designed for safety, or if it's a non-protective sports helmet.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 650610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 650610 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $391M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 France $305M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $542M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $524M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $372M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 6506.10 2
Brazil splits HS 6506.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 6506.10.10 Firefighter helmets with visor and face shieldDo tipo utilizado por bombeiros, com viseira e protetor facial incorporados
- 6506.10.90 Other safety helmets and protective headgearOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 65.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6506.10
What is HS code 650610?
HS code 650610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed. This HS code specifically covers safety headgear, designed to protect the wearer from injury, whether or not they are lined or trimmed. This category is critical for industrial safety, sports, and various professional applications, encompassing items that meet specific protective standards. Importers are typically industrial suppliers, construction companies, sports equipment retailers, and government agencies responsible for worker safety. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with expertise in materials science, impact absorption, and ergonomic design, frequently located in countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent safety regulations. Key aspects of this trade include adherence to international safety standards (e.g., ANSI, EN, ASTM), material durability, impact resistance, and comfort. The demand for safety headgear is driven by occupational safety regulations, sports participation, and increasing awareness of personal protection, making it a stable and essential segment of global trade. Innovation in materials and design for enhanced protection and comfort is a continuous driver in this market.
What products fall under HS code 650610?
Hard hats, Safety helmets (industrial), Bicycle helmets, Motorcycle helmets, Ski helmets, Equestrian helmets, Welding helmets (passive)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 650610?
This code is distinct from general headgear (650691, 650699) because its primary function is safety and it must meet specific protective standards. Confusion can arise if a protective helmet is not clearly designed for safety, or if it's a non-protective sports helmet.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 650610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 650610 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 34% of world exports), Germany ($391M) and France ($305M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 650610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 650610 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($542M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($524M) and France ($372M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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.
How is HS code 650610 structured?
HS code 650610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (65) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 650610?
Brazil splits HS code 650610 into 2 NCM codes: 6506.10.10 (Firefighter helmets with visor and face shield), 6506.10.90 (Other safety helmets and protective headgear). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.