Find HS Code and trade information for earpad

Earpad

An earpad, also known as an ear cushion or ear cup pad, is a soft component affixed to the headbands of headphones that rest against the ears of the wearer. They significantly impact comfort, sound isolation, and sound quality.

Material

Earpads are constructed from a variety of materials, each offering different properties:

• Leather (Genuine or Faux): Provides excellent comfort, durability, and a premium feel. Genuine leather is breathable but requires more care. Faux leather (pleather, vinyl) is more affordable and easier to clean but less breathable and can degrade over time.
• Velour: Offers a soft, plush feel and good breathability. Less durable than leather and can attract dust and lint.
• Protein Leather: A synthetic leather offering a balance of comfort, durability, and breathability, often considered a good alternative to genuine leather.
• Mesh Fabric: Highly breathable, often used in on-ear headphones to reduce sweating. Generally less comfortable and provides minimal sound isolation.
• Foam: The core cushioning material. Variations include:
  • Memory Foam: Conforms to the shape of the ear for enhanced comfort and isolation.
  • Standard Foam: Less expensive, provides basic cushioning.

Purpose

• Comfort: The primary purpose is to provide a comfortable interface between the headphones and the ear, allowing for extended listening sessions.
• Sound Isolation: Earpads contribute to passive noise isolation by creating a seal around the ear, reducing ambient noise.
• Sound Quality: They affect sound quality by influencing the acoustic properties of the headphone. Material and density can impact sound reflection and absorption.
• Hygiene: Earpads absorb sweat and oils from the ear; they are often replaceable for hygienic purposes.

Function

Earpads function by:

• Distributing Pressure: Evenly distributing the pressure from the headphone headband across the ear.
• Creating a Seal: Forming a physical barrier to block external noise.
• Acoustic Dampening: Absorbing and reflecting sound waves to influence the overall sound signature.

Usage Scenarios

• Extended Listening: Essential for long listening sessions (music production, gaming, travel).
• Noise Isolation: Beneficial in noisy environments (offices, public transportation).
• Headphone Maintenance: Replacing worn or damaged earpads to restore comfort and hygiene.
• Customization: Upgrading earpads to alter the sound signature or improve comfort.

Common Types

• Circumaural (Over-Ear): Fully enclose the ear. Offer the best sound isolation and comfort.
• Supra-Aural (On-Ear): Rest on the ear. More portable than over-ear, but offer less isolation and comfort.
• In-Ear (Earbuds/IEMs): Fit inside the ear canal. Highly portable, but require a proper fit for optimal sound and isolation. (Though these don't technically have earpads, they have ear tips that serve a similar function).
• Velour Earpads: Soft and breathable, ideal for warmer climates or long listening sessions.
• Leather/Protein Leather Earpads: Durable and comfortable, offering good sound isolation.
• Hybrid Earpads: Combine different materials (e.g., leather exterior with memory foam core) for a balance of properties.

Based on the provided information, the following HS codes may be relevant to “earpad”:

• 6506910060: This HS code falls under Chapter 65 – Headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. Specifically, it covers Heading 6506 – Other headgear. The Subheading 6506910060 details “Other: Of rubber or plastics Other”. This would apply to earpads constructed from rubber or plastic materials. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

• 6506996000: Also within Chapter 65, Heading 6506 – Other headgear, this Subheading 6506996000 specifies “Other: Of other materials: Other”. This HS code would be applicable to earpads made from materials other than rubber or plastics. The total tax rate is 63.5%, consisting of an 8.5% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, rising to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'earpad' are limited, with only the following 2 found.