Product classification
HS code for Swim caps: 6506.91
Headgear, (other than safety headgear), of rubber or plastics, whether or not lined or trimmed.
Classification of swim caps under HS 6506.91
Swim caps are classified under HS code 6506.91, which covers headgear made of rubber or plastics. This classification is determined by the material composition of the item and its function as a head covering. Chapter 65 of the Harmonized System encompasses all types of headgear, regardless of the material used, but it is subdivided based on the method of manufacture and the material. Subheading 6506.91 specifically excludes safety headgear (which falls under 6506.10) and focuses on items made from polymers or elastomers. Most professional and recreational swim caps are made from silicone, latex, or polyurethane, all of which are considered rubber or plastic for HS purposes. The classification is guided by GRI 1, which looks at the heading terms, and GRI 6, which looks at the subheading level. The manufacturing process—whether the cap is molded in one piece or assembled from flat sheets—is consistent with the requirements of 6506.91. It is important to note that this code is reserved for caps that are not knitted or crocheted. If a swim cap were made from a textile fabric like Lycra or nylon without a plastic or rubber coating, it would be classified under 6505.00. The primary purpose of the cap in 6506.91 is to provide a waterproof or hydrodynamic barrier, which is a characteristic function of the rubber and plastic materials specified in this subheading. Importers should ensure that the material is the primary component by weight and volume to maintain this classification.
- Covers
- Silicone swim caps
- Latex swim caps
- Polyurethane (PU) coated swim caps
- Plastic shower caps
- Rubber bathing caps
- Also under 6506.91
- Speedo swimming caps
- Zoggs silicone caps
- Frogg Toggs rain hats
- Nike plastic visors
- Party City novelty hats
- Disposable bouffant caps
- Adidas plastic visors
Codes often confused with 6506.91
Common mistake. Swim caps are often misclassified under 6505.00 if they are made of textile materials like nylon or spandex. Another common error is 4015.90, which covers other articles of vulcanized rubber; however, because the item is headgear, Chapter 65 takes precedence over Chapter 40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 650691 (the code used for swim caps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 650691 (the code used for swim caps) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 650691, not only swim caps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $165M 67% of world exports
- 2 United States $12M 4.9% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $10M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $248M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $13M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $9.8M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $180M 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 code for swim caps
Brazil classifies swim caps under NCM 6506.91.00: HS 6506.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about swim caps
What is the HS code for Swim caps?
The HS code for Swim caps is 650691 (Headgear; (other than safety headgear), of rubber or plastics, whether or not lined or trimmed). The HS code for swim caps made of rubber or plastic is 6506.91.
How do I classify Swim caps for customs?
Swim caps is classified under HS code 650691 — Headgear; (other than safety headgear), of rubber or plastics, whether or not lined or trimmed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fabric swim caps under the same code?
No, fabric swim caps (like those made of Lycra) are classified under HS code 6505.00 as knitted or crocheted headgear.
Which countries are the top exporters of swim caps (HS 650691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 650691 (the code used for swim caps) in UN Comtrade data were China ($165M, 67% of world exports), the United States ($12M) and Malaysia ($10M). World exports came to about $248M, 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 swim caps (HS 650691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 650691 (the code used for swim caps) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($13M) and the Netherlands ($9.8M). World imports came to about $180M, 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 Swim caps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 650691 for Swim caps 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 swim caps in Brazil?
In Brazil, swim caps (HS 650691) is classified under NCM 6506.91.00.