Product classification
HS code for Hard hats: 6506.10
Headgear, safety, whether or not lined or trimmed.
Classification of hard hats under HS 6506.10
Hard hats, also known as safety helmets, are classified under HS code 6506.10. This classification is based on the product's primary function as protective headgear. Chapter 65 covers headgear and parts thereof, and heading 6506 includes "other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed." Subheading 6506.10 specifically addresses safety headgear. This classification applies regardless of the material used in construction—whether it is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass, or carbon fiber—as long as the item is designed to protect the wearer from impact, falling objects, or electrical hazards. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that the specific use as safety equipment takes precedence over the general material composition. This ensures that all industrial, construction, and mining helmets are grouped together for trade statistics and safety regulation purposes, facilitating the monitoring of personal protective equipment (PPE) standards across international borders.
- Covers
- Construction safety helmets
- Industrial hard hats
- Mining helmets with lamp brackets
- High-voltage electrical safety helmets
- Forestry protective helmets
- Also under 6506.10
- 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. Hard hats are sometimes incorrectly classified under HS code 3926.90 as "other articles of plastics." While they are made of plastic, the specific heading for headgear (6506) takes precedence over the general heading for plastic articles. Another common error is using HS code 6505.00, which is intended for hats and headgear that are knitted, crocheted, or made from lace or textile fabric. Additionally, sports helmets are sometimes confused with industrial hard hats, though both generally fall under the 6506.10 subheading in many jurisdictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 650610 (the code used for hard hats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 650610 (the code used for hard hats) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 650610, not only hard hats.
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 hard hats
Brazil splits HS 6506.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6506.10.10Firefighter helmets with visor and face shield
- 6506.10.90Other safety helmets and protective headgear
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hard hats
What is the HS code for Hard hats?
The HS code for Hard hats is 650610 (Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed). The HS code for hard hats and industrial safety helmets is 6506.10.
How do I classify Hard hats for customs?
Hard hats is classified under HS code 650610 — Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are accessories like chin straps included?
If imported with the hard hat, they are classified together. If imported separately, parts of headgear are generally classified under 6507.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of hard hats (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 650610 (the code used for hard hats) 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 hard hats (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 650610 (the code used for hard hats) 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.
Is the HS code for Hard hats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 650610 for Hard hats is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for hard hats in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 650610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hard hats depends on the product's details: 6506.10.10 (Firefighter helmets with visor and face shield), 6506.10.90 (Other safety helmets and protective headgear).