Chapter 65 covers headgear and parts thereof, including hats, head coverings, hairnets, etc., made of various materials. This chapter includes not only hats for daily apparel use, but also specialized headgear such as safety helmets and sports hats. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include asbestos hats (Chapter 68), worn hats (Chapter 63), or toy hats (Chapter 95). Safety helmets, as labor protection articles, are classified in this chapter due to their functional characteristics. Heading 6506 covers other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. This heading is a residual heading that includes headgear not specified in other headings, such as safety helmets, rubber or plastic headgear, leather headgear, etc. However, knitted or crocheted headgear is classified under 6505, and asbestos headgear is classified under 6812. Safety helmets are usually made of plastic or metal, have protective functions, and are therefore classified under 6506. Code 650610 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "65" represent Chapter 65 (headgear and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 6506 (other headgear); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 650610 (safety helmets). The subheading is further subdivided, but the 6-digit code is sufficient to determine the classification of safety helmets. Safety helmets must have protective functions, are usually made of hard plastic, metal, or composite materials, and are equipped with accessories such as headbands and chin straps. Safety helmets are classified under 650610 rather than other headgear codes because of their specialized protective function. For example, knitted hats are classified under 6505, while safety helmets are usually made of molded plastic or metal and are not knitted. In addition, sports helmets such as motorcycle helmets are classified under 6506, but safety helmets specifically refer to industrial protective helmets, and are therefore explicitly listed under subheading 650610. If a safety helmet is equipped with electronic devices (such as communication equipment), it may be classified under other chapters.
Chapter
Chapter 65 covers headgear and parts thereof, including hats, head coverings, hairnets, etc., made of various materials. This chapter includes not only hats for daily apparel use, but also specialized headgear such as safety helmets and sports hats. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include asbestos hats (Chapter 68), worn hats (Chapter 63), or toy hats (Chapter 95). Safety helmets, as labor protection articles, are classified in this chapter due to their functional characteristics.
Heading
Heading 6506 covers other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. This heading is a residual heading that includes headgear not specified in other headings, such as safety helmets, rubber or plastic headgear, leather headgear, etc. However, knitted or crocheted headgear is classified under 6505, and asbestos headgear is classified under 6812. Safety helmets are usually made of plastic or metal, have protective functions, and are therefore classified under 6506.
Digit Breakdown
Code 650610 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "65" represent Chapter 65 (headgear and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 6506 (other headgear); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 650610 (safety helmets). The subheading is further subdivided, but the 6-digit code is sufficient to determine the classification of safety helmets. Safety helmets must have protective functions, are usually made of hard plastic, metal, or composite materials, and are equipped with accessories such as headbands and chin straps.
Classification Basis
Safety helmets are classified under 650610 rather than other headgear codes because of their specialized protective function. For example, knitted hats are classified under 6505, while safety helmets are usually made of molded plastic or metal and are not knitted. In addition, sports helmets such as motorcycle helmets are classified under 6506, but safety helmets specifically refer to industrial protective helmets, and are therefore explicitly listed under subheading 650610. If a safety helmet is equipped with electronic devices (such as communication equipment), it may be classified under other chapters.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the goods, which should be accurately described as "safety helmet" or "protective helmet," and indicate the use (such as industrial use). Material: Declare the main material of the safety helmet, such as ABS plastic, polyethylene, fiberglass, etc., as well as the material of the headband. Brand: Declare the brand of the safety helmet (such as 3M, MSA, etc.); if there is no brand, declare as "no brand." Model: Declare the model or specification of the safety helmet, such as V-Gard 500, to facilitate identification of the specific product. Use: Declare the use of the safety helmet, such as industrial protection in construction, mining, electric power, etc. Whether with accessories: Declare whether it has accessories such as chin straps, face shields, ear muffs, etc., and the materials of the accessories. Standard: Declare the standards that the safety helmet complies with, such as GB 2811, EN 397, etc. Product Name: Safety helmet (industrial use); Brand: 3M; Model: V-Gard 500; Material: ABS plastic (shell), polyethylene (headband); Use: Head protection at construction sites; Whether with accessories: With chin strap, no face shield; Standard: Complies with GB 2811-2019; Origin: China. Incorrectly classifying safety helmets under 6505 (knitted hats), ignoring their material and protective function. Failure to declare accessories (such as face shields); if the face shield is classified separately, it may lead to incorrect overall classification. Ignoring brand and model, resulting in customs inability to conduct intellectual property and price review.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the goods, which should be accurately described as "safety helmet" or "protective helmet," and indicate the use (such as industrial use).
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "hat" or "helmet," failing to reflect the safety protection characteristics.
Material
Declare the main material of the safety helmet, such as ABS plastic, polyethylene, fiberglass, etc., as well as the material of the headband.
⚠️ Only declaring "plastic" without specifying the type, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Declare the brand of the safety helmet (such as 3M, MSA, etc.); if there is no brand, declare as "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or making a false declaration, affecting customs protection of intellectual property rights.
Model
Declare the model or specification of the safety helmet, such as V-Gard 500, to facilitate identification of the specific product.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Use
Declare the use of the safety helmet, such as industrial protection in construction, mining, electric power, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely declaring as "for protection" without specifying the industry.
Whether with accessories
Declare whether it has accessories such as chin straps, face shields, ear muffs, etc., and the materials of the accessories.
⚠️ Failure to declare accessories, leading to differences in classification or tax rates.
Standard
Declare the standards that the safety helmet complies with, such as GB 2811, EN 397, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide standard information, affecting customs judgment of product characteristics.
Example： Product Name: Safety helmet (industrial use); Brand: 3M; Model: V-Gard 500; Material: ABS plastic (shell), polyethylene (headband); Use: Head protection at construction sites; Whether with accessories: With chin strap, no face shield; Standard: Complies with GB 2811-2019; Origin: China.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying safety helmets under 6505 (knitted hats), ignoring their material and protective function.
Failure to declare accessories (such as face shields); if the face shield is classified separately, it may lead to incorrect overall classification.
Ignoring brand and model, resulting in customs inability to conduct intellectual property and price review.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the material, function, and use of the safety helmet. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, 6506 includes other headgear, and safety helmets are classified under 650610 because of their protective function and because they are usually made of hard materials. If a safety helmet is combined with a face shield, ear muffs, etc., and these accessories constitute the main function, it may be classified under other headings (such as 9020 breathing appliances). However, a safety helmet alone is still classified under 650610. 650500 Knitted or crocheted headgear: 650500 covers knitted or crocheted headgear, such as wool hats; safety helmets are usually made of molded plastic or metal, are not knitted, and are therefore classified under 650610. 650691 Other headgear of rubber or plastics: 650691 covers other headgear of rubber or plastics, such as rain hats; although safety helmets are often made of plastic, they are specifically listed under 650610 because of their specialized protective function. 650699 Other headgear of other materials: 650699 covers headgear of other materials (such as leather, metal); if a safety helmet is made of metal, it is still classified under 650610 because that subheading takes precedence. 902000 Other breathing appliances and gas masks: 902000 covers breathing appliances and gas masks; if a safety helmet is combined with a breathing apparatus and the breathing apparatus is the main function, it is classified under 902000; otherwise, the safety helmet remains under 650610. Is it confirmed that the safety helmet is the main function? Is the material hard plastic or metal? Does it have accessories such as a face shield or ear muffs? Is it knitted or crocheted? Is it used for industrial protection?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the material, function, and use of the safety helmet. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, 6506 includes other headgear, and safety helmets are classified under 650610 because of their protective function and because they are usually made of hard materials. If a safety helmet is combined with a face shield, ear muffs, etc., and these accessories constitute the main function, it may be classified under other headings (such as 9020 breathing appliances). However, a safety helmet alone is still classified under 650610.
Confused Codes：
650500 - Knitted or crocheted headgear
650500 covers knitted or crocheted headgear, such as wool hats; safety helmets are usually made of molded plastic or metal, are not knitted, and are therefore classified under 650610.
650691 - Other headgear of rubber or plastics
650691 covers other headgear of rubber or plastics, such as rain hats; although safety helmets are often made of plastic, they are specifically listed under 650610 because of their specialized protective function.
650699 - Other headgear of other materials
650699 covers headgear of other materials (such as leather, metal); if a safety helmet is made of metal, it is still classified under 650610 because that subheading takes precedence.
902000 - Other breathing appliances and gas masks
902000 covers breathing appliances and gas masks; if a safety helmet is combined with a breathing apparatus and the breathing apparatus is the main function, it is classified under 902000; otherwise, the safety helmet remains under 650610.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed that the safety helmet is the main function?
✓ Is the material hard plastic or metal?
✓ Does it have accessories such as a face shield or ear muffs?
✓ Is it knitted or crocheted?
✓ Is it used for industrial protection?
❓ FAQ
Are both safety helmets and motorcycle helmets classified under 650610? No. Motorcycle helmets are usually classified under 650610, but safety helmets specifically refer to industrial protective helmets. The two may be the same at the subheading level, but the use must be clearly declared. If a motorcycle helmet has a face shield, it may be classified under 650610 or 902000, depending on the main function. How do I check the import tax rate for safety helmets? First determine the HS code as 650610, then check the applicable tax rate based on the country of origin and trade agreements. The latest tax rate can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that tax rates may change and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. In the declaration elements for safety helmets, how should the material be filled in? The main material should be filled in, such as "ABS plastic" or "fiberglass," and the material of the headband should also be indicated. Avoid writing only "plastic" to prevent classification disputes. If it is a composite material, list each component. If a safety helmet has Bluetooth functionality, does the classification change? If the Bluetooth function is merely additional and does not change the main function of the safety helmet, it is still classified under 650610. However, if Bluetooth communication becomes the main function, it may be classified under 8517. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and consult customs if necessary. Does a safety helmet exported to the EU require CE certification? Yes. Safety helmets are personal protective equipment (PPE), and export to the EU must comply with PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and bear the CE mark. Specific standards include EN 397. Relevant certificates must be provided during customs declaration. Can used safety helmets be imported? Used safety helmets may be classified under 6309 (worn clothing) or prohibited from import depending on the circumstances. China prohibits the import of used clothing, but if used safety helmets are treated as plastic waste, they may be classified under 3915. It is recommended to consult customs before import to avoid violations. What are the tariff quota and license requirements for safety helmets? Safety helmets generally have no tariff quota, but may need to comply with China Compulsory Certification (CCC) requirements. A CCC certificate must be provided upon import. Specific regulatory conditions can be checked in the Customs Import and Export Tariff. For cross-border e-commerce sales of safety helmets, how should the HS code be selected? For cross-border e-commerce retail export of safety helmets, 650610 is generally used. However, note that personal protective equipment may need to comply with destination standards. When declaring, provide elements such as product name, material, and use to ensure compliance.
Q: Are both safety helmets and motorcycle helmets classified under 650610?
A: No. Motorcycle helmets are usually classified under 650610, but safety helmets specifically refer to industrial protective helmets. The two may be the same at the subheading level, but the use must be clearly declared. If a motorcycle helmet has a face shield, it may be classified under 650610 or 902000, depending on the main function.
Q: How do I check the import tax rate for safety helmets?
A: First determine the HS code as 650610, then check the applicable tax rate based on the country of origin and trade agreements. The latest tax rate can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that tax rates may change and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail.
Q: In the declaration elements for safety helmets, how should the material be filled in?
A: The main material should be filled in, such as "ABS plastic" or "fiberglass," and the material of the headband should also be indicated. Avoid writing only "plastic" to prevent classification disputes. If it is a composite material, list each component.
Q: If a safety helmet has Bluetooth functionality, does the classification change?
A: If the Bluetooth function is merely additional and does not change the main function of the safety helmet, it is still classified under 650610. However, if Bluetooth communication becomes the main function, it may be classified under 8517. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and consult customs if necessary.
Q: Does a safety helmet exported to the EU require CE certification?
A: Yes. Safety helmets are personal protective equipment (PPE), and export to the EU must comply with PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and bear the CE mark. Specific standards include EN 397. Relevant certificates must be provided during customs declaration.
Q: Can used safety helmets be imported?
A: Used safety helmets may be classified under 6309 (worn clothing) or prohibited from import depending on the circumstances. China prohibits the import of used clothing, but if used safety helmets are treated as plastic waste, they may be classified under 3915. It is recommended to consult customs before import to avoid violations.
Q: What are the tariff quota and license requirements for safety helmets?
A: Safety helmets generally have no tariff quota, but may need to comply with China Compulsory Certification (CCC) requirements. A CCC certificate must be provided upon import. Specific regulatory conditions can be checked in the Customs Import and Export Tariff.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of safety helmets, how should the HS code be selected?
A: For cross-border e-commerce retail export of safety helmets, 650610 is generally used. However, note that personal protective equipment may need to comply with destination standards. When declaring, provide elements such as product name, material, and use to ensure compliance.
⚠️ 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.