Find HS Code and trade information for kayaking accessories

Kayaking Accessories

Kayaking accessories encompass a wide range of equipment used to enhance safety, comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment of kayaking. These items supplement the core kayak and paddle, catering to various kayaking styles and conditions.

Categories & Types

Accessories can be broadly categorized based on their function:

1. Safety Gear:

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Essential for buoyancy and legal requirements in many locations. Types include:
  • Type III PFDs: Most common for recreational kayaking, offering good floatation with some restriction of movement.
  • Type V PFDs: Specialized for specific activities (e.g., fishing, whitewater), often offering more features.
• Whistle: For signaling in emergencies.
• Bilge Pump: Removes water that accumulates inside the kayak. Manual and electric options exist.
• Spray Skirt: Prevents water from entering the cockpit, crucial for colder conditions or rough water. Types vary based on cockpit size and material.
• Paddle Float: Used for self-rescue in the event of capsizing, allowing re-entry into the kayak.
• Rescue Throw Rope: For assisting other kayakers in distress.
• First Aid Kit: Waterproof and containing essential medical supplies.
• Navigation Tools: Compasses, GPS devices, charts for longer trips.
• Signaling Devices: Flares, waterproof flashlights, mirrors.

2. Performance & Comfort:

• Kayak Paddles: Beyond the basic paddle, options include:
  • Wing Paddles: For advanced paddlers, offering increased power and efficiency.
  • Bent-Shaft Paddles: For touring and long-distance kayaking, reducing fatigue.
  • Adjustable Paddles: Allow customization of paddle length.
• Kayak Seats: Improve comfort, particularly for longer trips. Include padded seats and backrests.
• Kayak Skirts: As mentioned above, also contribute to performance by improving water shedding.
• Rudders & Skegs: Enhance tracking and directional stability. Rudders are steerable, while skegs are fixed.
• Spray Deck: Covers the cockpit opening, preventing water entry and providing protection from the elements.
• Kayak Carts: For transporting kayaks to and from the water.
• Outriggers: Provide increased stability, particularly useful for beginners or fishing kayaks.

3. Storage & Transport:

• Dry Bags: Waterproof bags for protecting personal belongings.
• Deck Bags: Attach to the kayak deck for convenient storage of frequently used items.
• Kayak Racks: For transporting kayaks on vehicles. Roof racks and trailer options exist.
• Kayak Covers: Protect kayaks from sun, dust, and damage during storage.

4. Fishing-Specific Accessories (for Fishing Kayaks):

• Rod Holders: Securely hold fishing rods.
• Fish Finders: Locate fish and map underwater terrain.
• Anchor Systems: Keep the kayak stationary.
• Livewells: Keep caught fish alive.
• Fishing Line Cutters & Pliers: Essential tools for fishing.
• Tackle Boxes: Organize fishing gear.

Materials

Accessories are constructed from a variety of materials:

• Nylon: Durable and affordable, commonly used for PFDs and dry bags.
• Polyester: Water-resistant and durable, often used for deck bags and kayak covers.
• PVC: Waterproof and abrasion-resistant, used for dry bags and spray skirts.
• Carbon Fiber/Composite: Lightweight and strong, used for high-performance paddles.
• Aluminum: Used for kayak racks and some paddle components.
• Plastic: Used for rod holders, fish finders, and other fishing accessories.

Usage Scenarios

The appropriate accessories depend on the type of kayaking:

• Recreational Kayaking: PFD, whistle, bilge pump, paddle leash, dry bag.
• Touring Kayaking: PFD, spray skirt, bilge pump, rudder/skeg, dry bags, navigation tools, comfortable seat.
• Whitewater Kayaking: PFD, helmet, spray skirt, rescue throw rope, paddle float, specialized paddle.
• Fishing Kayaking: PFD, rod holders, fish finder, anchor system, tackle box, livewell.

Kayaking accessories encompass a range of items used with kayaks, potentially including parts for yachts or pleasure boats, tubes, pipes, hoses, and articles of plastics. The following HS codes may be relevant:

• 3926903000: This code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Parts for yachts or pleasure boats of heading 8903; parts of canoes, racing shells, pneumatic craft and pleasure boats which are not of a type designed to be principally used with motors or sails”. This would apply to plastic components used in kayaks, specifically those classified as pleasure boats. The basic duty is 4.2%, with an additional 25.0% duty, totaling 59.2%. A further 30.0% duty will apply after 2025.4.2.
• 3917390050: This code refers to “Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics: Other tubes, pipes and hoses: Other Other: Other”. This could apply to plastic tubing or hoses used as accessories for kayaks. The basic duty is 3.1%, with an additional 30.0% duty after 2025.4.2, resulting in a total of 33.1%.
• 3917320050: This code covers “Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics: Other tubes, pipes and hoses: Other, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings Other”. This applies to plastic tubes and pipes not reinforced and without fittings, potentially used in kayak accessories. The basic duty is 3.1%, with an additional 25.0% duty, totaling 58.1%. A further 30.0% duty will apply after 2025.4.2.
• 6306300010: This code refers to “Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds; tents (including temporary canopies and similar articles); sails for boats, sailboards or landcraft; camping goods: Sails Of synthetic fibers”. If the kayaking accessories include sails made of synthetic fibers, this code applies. The basic duty is 0.0%, with an additional 7.5% duty, totaling 37.5%. A further 30.0% duty will apply after 2025.4.2.
• 6306300020: This code covers “Tarpaulins, awnings and sunblinds; tents (including temporary canopies and similar articles); sails for boats, sailboards or landcraft; camping goods: Sails Of other textile materials”. If the kayaking accessories include sails made of other textile materials, this code applies. The basic duty is 0.0%, with an additional 7.5% duty, totaling 37.5%. A further 30.0% duty will apply after 2025.4.2.