Chapter 65 covers hats and other headgear, and parts thereof, including hat forms, hat bodies, hoods, hat frames, peaks, and chinstraps. However, it does not include: worn hats or hats with obvious signs of use (classified in Chapter 63); asbestos hats (classified in Chapter 68); doll hats or carnival hats (classified in Chapter 95); and special-purpose hats that have characteristics of headgear but belong to other chapters (such as safety helmets, which are classified in Chapter 65 but require careful distinction). Goods of this chapter are usually made of textile materials, leather, fur, or other materials, but classification requires a comprehensive judgment based on material and processing technology. Heading 6504 covers hats made by plaiting or assembling strips of any material (including plastic strips, straw, willow, etc.), as well as hats made of textile yarn or strips by weaving, crocheting, or similar processes. However, note that this heading does not include knitted or crocheted hats (classified in 6505), nor hats sewn from textile fabrics (classified in 6505 or 6506). The core characteristic is that the hat body is directly formed by plaiting or weaving, rather than cut and sewn from fabric. Code 650400 is a six-digit subheading, in which: the first two digits "65" represent Chapter 65, "Hats and other headgear, and parts thereof"; digits 3-4 "04" represent the heading "Plaited hats or hats made of strips of any material, whether or not lined or trimmed"; digits 5-6 "00" indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, meaning all plaited hats meeting the description of heading 6504 are classified under this code. Therefore, 650400 is a complete six-digit subheading applicable to all hats made by plaiting, such as straw hats, willow hats, plastic-strip plaited hats, etc. This product is classified under 650400 because its hat body is directly formed by plaiting, which conforms to the description of heading 6504. If the hat is made by knitting or crocheting, it should be classified under 6505; if it is sewn from textile fabrics, it is classified under 6505 or 6506; if it is a special-purpose hat such as a safety helmet, it may be classified under 6506. Therefore, the plaiting process is the key criterion for classification under 650400.
Chapter
Chapter 65 covers hats and other headgear, and parts thereof, including hat forms, hat bodies, hoods, hat frames, peaks, and chinstraps. However, it does not include: worn hats or hats with obvious signs of use (classified in Chapter 63); asbestos hats (classified in Chapter 68); doll hats or carnival hats (classified in Chapter 95); and special-purpose hats that have characteristics of headgear but belong to other chapters (such as safety helmets, which are classified in Chapter 65 but require careful distinction). Goods of this chapter are usually made of textile materials, leather, fur, or other materials, but classification requires a comprehensive judgment based on material and processing technology.
Heading
Heading 6504 covers hats made by plaiting or assembling strips of any material (including plastic strips, straw, willow, etc.), as well as hats made of textile yarn or strips by weaving, crocheting, or similar processes. However, note that this heading does not include knitted or crocheted hats (classified in 6505), nor hats sewn from textile fabrics (classified in 6505 or 6506). The core characteristic is that the hat body is directly formed by plaiting or weaving, rather than cut and sewn from fabric.
Digit Breakdown
Code 650400 is a six-digit subheading, in which: the first two digits "65" represent Chapter 65, "Hats and other headgear, and parts thereof"; digits 3-4 "04" represent the heading "Plaited hats or hats made of strips of any material, whether or not lined or trimmed"; digits 5-6 "00" indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, meaning all plaited hats meeting the description of heading 6504 are classified under this code. Therefore, 650400 is a complete six-digit subheading applicable to all hats made by plaiting, such as straw hats, willow hats, plastic-strip plaited hats, etc.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 650400 because its hat body is directly formed by plaiting, which conforms to the description of heading 6504. If the hat is made by knitting or crocheting, it should be classified under 6505; if it is sewn from textile fabrics, it is classified under 6505 or 6506; if it is a special-purpose hat such as a safety helmet, it may be classified under 6506. Therefore, the plaiting process is the key criterion for classification under 650400.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the material and process of the hat, such as "straw plaited hat" or "plastic-strip plaited hat." Material: Detailed description of the materials used for plaiting, such as straw, wheat straw, willow, plastic strips, textile yarn, etc., and whether they are blended. Processing Technology: Clearly state "plaiting" or "weaving," and indicate whether further processing has been carried out (such as dyeing, sizing, or decoration). Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name (if none, write "none"). Specifications and Model: Declare the size, style (such as round crown or wide brim), and model of the hat to facilitate customs identification. Use: Explain the main use of the hat, such as daily wear, sun protection, or decoration. Packaging Method: Declare the packaging form, such as cartons or plastic bags, and the quantity per carton. Product Name: Straw plaited sun hat; Material: 100% straw; Processing Technology: hand plaited, undyed; Brand: none; Specifications and Model: hat circumference 56 cm, round crown and wide brim; Use: daily sun protection; Packaging Method: packed in cartons, 50 hats per carton. Misreporting a plaited hat as a knitted hat, resulting in classification under 6505. The material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "plant fiber" without specifying straw or willow. Ignoring the processing technology by not stating "plaiting" and writing "weaving" instead, which may cause classification disputes.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the material and process of the hat, such as "straw plaited hat" or "plastic-strip plaited hat."
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "hat" without reflecting the plaiting process or material.
Material
Detailed description of the materials used for plaiting, such as straw, wheat straw, willow, plastic strips, textile yarn, etc., and whether they are blended.
⚠️ Writing only "plant material" or "plastic" without specifying the type.
Processing Technology
Clearly state "plaiting" or "weaving," and indicate whether further processing has been carried out (such as dyeing, sizing, or decoration).
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as "knitting" or "sewing," resulting in misclassification.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name (if none, write "none").
⚠️ Omitting the brand or providing incomplete information.
Specifications and Model
Declare the size, style (such as round crown or wide brim), and model of the hat to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Writing only "one size" without specific size information.
Use
Explain the main use of the hat, such as daily wear, sun protection, or decoration.
⚠️ Writing "other" or being too vague.
Packaging Method
Declare the packaging form, such as cartons or plastic bags, and the quantity per carton.
⚠️ Ignoring packaging information, which affects customs inspection.
Example： Product Name: Straw plaited sun hat; Material: 100% straw; Processing Technology: hand plaited, undyed; Brand: none; Specifications and Model: hat circumference 56 cm, round crown and wide brim; Use: daily sun protection; Packaging Method: packed in cartons, 50 hats per carton.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting a plaited hat as a knitted hat, resulting in classification under 6505.
The material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "plant fiber" without specifying straw or willow.
Ignoring the processing technology by not stating "plaiting" and writing "weaving" instead, which may cause classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the manufacturing process of the hat. Heading 6504 applies only to hats made by plaiting processes (such as interlacing or knotting), and the material may be plant strips, plastic strips, etc. If the hat is made by knitting or crocheting, it is classified under 6505; if it is cut and sewn from textile fabrics, it is classified under 6505 or 6506. In addition, attention should be paid to the main function of the hat; for example, safety helmets should be classified under 6506 even if made by a plaiting process. Therefore, when declaring, a process description should be provided, and samples or pictures should be provided when necessary. 650500 Knitted or crocheted hats: 650500 covers hats made by knitting or crocheting, while 650400 is for plaiting. The key difference lies in the process: knitted fabrics are formed by looping yarn, while plaited articles are formed by interlacing strips. 650610 Safety helmets: 650610 covers safety helmets regardless of their manufacturing process; even if made by a plaiting process, they are classified under 650610. Therefore, if a hat has a safety protection function, it should be classified under 650610 first. 650699 Other hats: 650699 covers hats made of other materials, but does not include plaited hats. If a hat is sewn from textile fabrics or molded from other materials, it is classified under 650699, not 650400. 650700 Parts of hats: 650700 covers hat bands, linings, covers, and other parts, while 650400 is for complete hats. If the declared item is a semi-finished product or part of a hat, it should be classified under 650700. Confirm whether the hat is made by a plaiting process. Confirm whether the material is strips (such as straw or plastic strips). Confirm whether it has a safety protection function. Confirm whether it is made by knitting or crocheting. Confirm whether it is sewn from textile fabrics.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the manufacturing process of the hat. Heading 6504 applies only to hats made by plaiting processes (such as interlacing or knotting), and the material may be plant strips, plastic strips, etc. If the hat is made by knitting or crocheting, it is classified under 6505; if it is cut and sewn from textile fabrics, it is classified under 6505 or 6506. In addition, attention should be paid to the main function of the hat; for example, safety helmets should be classified under 6506 even if made by a plaiting process. Therefore, when declaring, a process description should be provided, and samples or pictures should be provided when necessary.
Confused Codes：
650500 - Knitted or crocheted hats
650500 covers hats made by knitting or crocheting, while 650400 is for plaiting. The key difference lies in the process: knitted fabrics are formed by looping yarn, while plaited articles are formed by interlacing strips.
650610 - Safety helmets
650610 covers safety helmets regardless of their manufacturing process; even if made by a plaiting process, they are classified under 650610. Therefore, if a hat has a safety protection function, it should be classified under 650610 first.
650699 - Other hats
650699 covers hats made of other materials, but does not include plaited hats. If a hat is sewn from textile fabrics or molded from other materials, it is classified under 650699, not 650400.
650700 - Parts of hats
650700 covers hat bands, linings, covers, and other parts, while 650400 is for complete hats. If the declared item is a semi-finished product or part of a hat, it should be classified under 650700.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the hat is made by a plaiting process.
✓ Confirm whether the material is strips (such as straw or plastic strips).
✓ Confirm whether it has a safety protection function.
✓ Confirm whether it is made by knitting or crocheting.
✓ Confirm whether it is sewn from textile fabrics.
❓ FAQ
How can you determine whether a hat is a plaited hat or a knitted hat? Observe the texture of the hat: plaited hats are usually made by interlacing strips, with a crossed grid-like texture and possibly gaps between the strips; knitted hats are made by looping yarn, with a V-shaped or looped texture and better elasticity. If you still cannot determine, check the production process or consult the supplier. Does the material of a plaited hat affect the HS code? No. As long as the plaiting process is used, regardless of whether the material is straw, willow, plastic strips, or textile strips, it is classified under 650400. However, if the material is asbestos, it is classified under 6812; if it is leather, it may be classified under 650400 or 650500, depending on the process. Are plaited hats with decorations still classified under 650400? Yes. Heading 6504 explicitly includes plaited hats with linings or decorations. However, if the decoration constitutes the essential character of the hat (such as an electronic light-emitting device), it may affect classification and requires specific analysis. How do you distinguish plaited hats from sewn hats? Plaited hats are directly formed by plaiting strips, with no seams; sewn hats are cut from textile fabrics and then sewn, with obvious stitching. If a hat is made by sewing plaited pieces together, it is still regarded as a plaited hat and classified under 650400. If a safety helmet is made by a plaiting process, which code should it be classified under? Safety helmets should be classified under 650610 regardless of their manufacturing process, because safety helmets have a special protective function and their use is given priority in classification. What declaration elements are required for imported plaited hats? Product name, material, processing technology, brand, specifications and model, use, packaging method, etc. are required. The processing technology should clearly be stated as "plaiting," and the material should be specified by type (such as straw). How is the HS code for plaited hats applied in cross-border e-commerce? In cross-border e-commerce, plaited hats should be declared as 650400. Note that subheadings may differ by country; for example, the U.S. HTSUS is 6504.00.60, and the EU TARIC is 6504.00.00. It is recommended to check the customs website of the destination country. How can you check the import tariff rate for plaited hats? Tariff rates vary by country and may change. They can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the customs website of the destination country, or the WTO tariff database. The complete HS code (such as 650400) and country of origin are required.
Q: How can you determine whether a hat is a plaited hat or a knitted hat?
A: Observe the texture of the hat: plaited hats are usually made by interlacing strips, with a crossed grid-like texture and possibly gaps between the strips; knitted hats are made by looping yarn, with a V-shaped or looped texture and better elasticity. If you still cannot determine, check the production process or consult the supplier.
Q: Does the material of a plaited hat affect the HS code?
A: No. As long as the plaiting process is used, regardless of whether the material is straw, willow, plastic strips, or textile strips, it is classified under 650400. However, if the material is asbestos, it is classified under 6812; if it is leather, it may be classified under 650400 or 650500, depending on the process.
Q: Are plaited hats with decorations still classified under 650400?
A: Yes. Heading 6504 explicitly includes plaited hats with linings or decorations. However, if the decoration constitutes the essential character of the hat (such as an electronic light-emitting device), it may affect classification and requires specific analysis.
Q: How do you distinguish plaited hats from sewn hats?
A: Plaited hats are directly formed by plaiting strips, with no seams; sewn hats are cut from textile fabrics and then sewn, with obvious stitching. If a hat is made by sewing plaited pieces together, it is still regarded as a plaited hat and classified under 650400.
Q: If a safety helmet is made by a plaiting process, which code should it be classified under?
A: Safety helmets should be classified under 650610 regardless of their manufacturing process, because safety helmets have a special protective function and their use is given priority in classification.
Q: What declaration elements are required for imported plaited hats?
A: Product name, material, processing technology, brand, specifications and model, use, packaging method, etc. are required. The processing technology should clearly be stated as "plaiting," and the material should be specified by type (such as straw).
Q: How is the HS code for plaited hats applied in cross-border e-commerce?
A: In cross-border e-commerce, plaited hats should be declared as 650400. Note that subheadings may differ by country; for example, the U.S. HTSUS is 6504.00.60, and the EU TARIC is 6504.00.00. It is recommended to check the customs website of the destination country.
Q: How can you check the import tariff rate for plaited hats?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and may change. They can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the customs website of the destination country, or the WTO tariff database. The complete HS code (such as 650400) and country of origin are required.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.