Product classification
HS code for Safety helmets: 6506.10
Headgear, safety, whether or not lined or trimmed.
Classification of safety helmets under HS 6506.10
Safety helmets are classified under HS code 6506.10. This classification falls under Chapter 65, which covers headgear and parts thereof. Heading 6506 is a residual category for "other headgear," and subheading 6506.10 specifically addresses safety headgear. The classification is based on the primary function of the article: providing protection to the wearer's head from impacts, falling objects, or other physical hazards. This code is material-neutral, meaning it applies to helmets made of plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or metal, provided they are designed for safety. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) prioritize the functional application of the headgear over its material composition in this instance. This includes helmets used in industrial settings, transportation, and sports, as long as they meet the criteria for protective equipment.
- Covers
- Industrial hard hats for construction
- Motorcycle and moped helmets
- Bicycle and skateboarding helmets
- Skiing and snowboarding helmets
- Military and riot control 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. Safety helmets are sometimes misclassified under 6505.00, which covers hats and other headgear that are knitted, crocheted, or made from lace or textile fabrics. Another error involves 9020.00 for helmets that are part of integrated breathing apparatuses; however, if the helmet is a standalone protective shell, 6506.10 remains the correct code. Sports equipment helmets are also occasionally misclassified under 9506, but Chapter 95 notes generally exclude headgear, directing them back to Chapter 65.
Top exporters and importers of HS 650610 (the code used for safety helmets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 650610 (the code used for safety helmets) 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 safety helmets.
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 safety helmets
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 safety helmets
What is the HS code for Safety helmets?
The HS code for Safety helmets is 650610 (Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed). The HS code for all types of safety headgear, including industrial and sports helmets, is 6506.10.
How do I classify Safety helmets for customs?
Safety helmets is classified under HS code 650610 — Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are welding helmets classified under this code?
Welding helmets that primarily serve as face shields with integrated filters are often classified under 9004.90 (protective spectacles/goggles) or 3926.90, though some jurisdictions may use 6506.10 if the head protection is the dominant feature.
Which countries are the top exporters of safety helmets (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 650610 (the code used for safety helmets) 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 safety helmets (HS 650610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 650610 (the code used for safety helmets) 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 Safety helmets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 650610 for Safety helmets 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 safety helmets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 650610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for safety helmets 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).