HS 650610 Safety headgear
Quick Answer: Safety headgear imported under HS 650610 enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US with rates varying from Free to $1.10/kg + 40%. This classification covers protective headwear designed to safeguard against mechanical impacts, electrical hazards, heat, or radiation, such as industrial helmets, construction hard hats, and motorcycle helmets. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity in the US, potentially impacting landed costs. According to CustomTariffs data, careful review of specific product descriptions against the subheadings within each jurisdiction is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6506100000 | — | — | — |
| 6506101000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 6506108000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6506100000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 6506108000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 6506101000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650610 | — | — | — |
| 65061030 | Free | — | — |
| 6506103030 | — | — | ["No.","kg"] |
| 6506103045 | — | — | ["doz.","kg"] |
| 6506103075 | — | — | ["doz.","kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 650610 cover?
This subheading covers safety headgear, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes helmets and other protective head coverings designed to safeguard the wearer from injury, such as those used in construction, industrial settings, sports, or for military personnel. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the primary characteristic is protection against physical hazards, distinguishing them from ordinary headwear.
What falls outside HS 650610?
The following products are excluded from HS 650610: ordinary hats and other headwear of Chapter 65 not designed for safety purposes, such as fashion hats, caps, or berets. Also excluded are specialized protective equipment not worn on the head, like safety goggles (HS 9004), ear defenders (HS 3926 or 9019), or respiratory masks (HS 9020). Items that offer minimal protective qualities or are primarily for aesthetic or ceremonial purposes are also classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 650610?
A common error is misclassifying headgear that offers some degree of protection but is not primarily designed as safety equipment. For instance, a cycling helmet, while offering protection, is often classified under a more specific subheading if available, or under general headgear if not explicitly covered by safety provisions. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 is crucial, ensuring the primary function of protection dictates classification under 650610.
How should importers classify products under HS 650610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 650610 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, materials, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, UK Trade Tariff) and the WCO Explanatory Notes. Key considerations include whether the headgear is specifically designed to protect against impacts, falling objects, electrical hazards, or other specified risks, and if it meets relevant safety standards.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 650610?
A batch of 100 industrial safety helmets, each weighing approximately 0.5 kg, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem ($1,500 value × 10% = $150). If the helmets were subject to a specific duty, the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 650610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 650610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates for member countries. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the originating country.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 650610, 'Safety headgear'?
Import duty rates for HS code 650610 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 2.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply. For instance, goods from Canada or Mexico under USMCA may be duty-free. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also provide detailed rate structures for their respective jurisdictions.
What specific criteria define 'Safety headgear' under HS code 650610?
HS code 650610 covers headgear designed for protection against specific hazards, such as impact, penetration, electrical shock, heat, or chemicals. This includes items like industrial safety helmets, construction hard hats, motorcycle helmets, and sports protective headgear that meets relevant safety standards. It generally excludes ordinary hats and caps for fashion or general wear. The WCO (World Customs Organization) Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on the scope of this heading, emphasizing the protective function as the primary classification determinant.
What documentation is typically required when importing safety headgear (HS 650610)?
When importing safety headgear classified under HS 650610, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, proof of compliance with relevant safety standards for the destination country is often required. This might include test reports, certificates of conformity, or declarations from the manufacturer attesting that the headgear meets specific safety regulations (e.g., ANSI Z89.1 for US industrial helmets, EN 397 for European industrial helmets). Failure to provide adequate safety documentation can lead to delays or rejection of the shipment.
How is the import duty calculated for safety headgear if a specific duty rate and a per-unit charge apply?
Some countries may apply a combination of ad valorem (based on value) and specific duties (based on quantity). For example, if a country applies a rate of $1.10 per kilogram plus 40% ad valorem on safety headgear, and you import 100 kg of headgear valued at $5,000 USD: The ad valorem duty would be 40% of $5,000 = $2,000. The specific duty would be $1.10/kg * 100 kg = $110. The total duty would be $2,000 + $110 = $2,110. Always verify the exact duty calculation method and rates from the official tariff schedule of the importing country.
Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for safety headgear (HS 650610)?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for safety headgear. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying safety headgear originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry into the United States. Similarly, the European Union has numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries that could reduce or eliminate duties on imports of safety headgear into the EU. To claim preferential treatment, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation.