Hat-forms, hat bodies and hoods of felt, neither blocked to shape nor with made brims; plateaux and manchons (including slit manchons) of felt

HS code 650100 covers the production of felt hat-forms, hat bodies, and hoods that have not been blocked to shape or fitted with brims. This industry is an important part of the broader textile and apparel manufacturing sector, providing essential components for the production of various types of hats and headwear. The felt products covered under this code are used across a range of industries, from fashion and retail to industrial and protective applications.

The production of felt hat-forms, bodies, and hoods typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw wool or other natural fibers are cleaned, carded, and then felted together using heat, moisture, and mechanical agitation. The resulting felt material is then cut and shaped into the desired hat forms, bodies, and hoods. This process may involve the use of specialized machinery and tools to ensure the proper size, thickness, and density of the final products.

The main inputs required for the production of felt hat-forms, bodies, and hoods include raw wool or other natural fibers, such as 500100 Sheep or Lamb Wool, Not Carded or Combed, as well as various chemicals and dyes used in the felting and finishing processes. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery and equipment, such as felting machines, cutting tools, and pressing equipment.

The primary outputs of the HS code 650100 industry are the felt hat-forms, bodies, and hoods themselves, which are then used as inputs for the production of a wide range of hats and headwear. These products may be further processed, blocked, or trimmed to create the final hat designs. The outputs of this industry are often consumed by manufacturers covered under 650200 Hats and Other Headgear, Knitted or Crocheted and 650300 Hats and Other Headgear, Not Knitted or Crocheted.