Product classification
HS code for Protective headgear: 6506.10
Headgear, safety, whether or not lined or trimmed.
Classification of protective headgear under HS 6506.10
Protective headgear is classified under HS code 6506.10 because it falls within the scope of Chapter 65, which governs headgear and parts thereof. Specifically, heading 6506 is a residual heading for "Other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed." Within this, subheading 6506.10 is specifically carved out for "Safety headgear." This classification is determined by the primary function of the article, which must be designed to protect the head from injury. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter Note 1 to Chapter 65 excludes certain items, but safety helmets made of various materials like plastics, reinforced resins, or metals are explicitly included here. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the headgear is for industrial use, such as hard hats used in construction, or for sporting activities, such as cycling or skiing helmets. The key factor is the protective nature of the item, often evidenced by its construction—incorporating a hard outer shell and an internal shock-absorbing liner. Even if the headgear includes electronic components like integrated lights or communication devices, it remains under 6506.10 as long as the essential character is that of protective headgear. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (ENHS) provide additional guidance, clarifying that this subheading includes helmets for motorcyclists, miners, and athletes. The materials used can vary significantly, ranging from traditional steel to modern high-impact plastics like polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The presence of accessories such as visors, chin straps, or internal padding does not alter the classification. Importers must ensure that the product's primary design intent is safety to avoid disputes with customs authorities who might otherwise look toward general apparel or sports equipment headings.
- Covers
- Industrial safety helmets (hard hats)
- Motorcycle and moped helmets
- Bicycle, skiing, and snowboarding helmets
- Riot control and military ballistic helmets
- Protective headgear for sports like ice hockey or American football
- 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. Protective headgear is frequently misclassified under HS code 6505.00, which covers hats and other headgear that are knitted or crocheted. While some protective liners might resemble knitted hats, the structural safety component dictates 6506.10. Another common error is using HS code 9506.99 for general sports equipment. Although helmets are used in sports, the specific heading for headgear (Chapter 65) takes precedence over the general heading for sports equipment (Chapter 95) according to the principle of specificity in GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 650610 (the code used for protective headgear), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 650610 (the code used for protective headgear) 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 protective headgear.
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 protective headgear
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 protective headgear
What is the HS code for Protective headgear?
The HS code for Protective headgear is 650610 (Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed).
How do I classify Protective headgear for customs?
Protective headgear is classified under HS code 650610 — Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for motorcycle helmets?
The HS code for motorcycle helmets is 6506.10, as they are considered safety headgear regardless of their material or aerodynamic design.
Does this code include replacement liners for helmets?
No, replacement liners and parts are generally classified under HS code 6507.00, which covers head-bands, linings, covers, hat foundations, hat frames, peaks, and chinstraps for headgear.
Which countries are the top exporters of protective headgear (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 650610 (the code used for protective headgear) 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 protective headgear (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 650610 (the code used for protective headgear) 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 Protective headgear the same in all countries?
The base HS code 650610 for Protective headgear 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 protective headgear in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 650610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for protective headgear 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).