Find HS Code and trade information for massage stone

Massage Stone

Massage stones are smooth, flat stones, typically between one to six inches in diameter, used as tools for massage therapy. They are employed to enhance relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and provide therapeutic benefits.

Material

The most common material for massage stones is basalt, a volcanic rock known for its high iron content and heat-retentive properties. Other stone types used include:

• Marble: Often used for cooling treatments or for their aesthetic qualities.
• Jade: Valued for its purported energy-balancing properties and cooling effect.
• River stones: Smooth, rounded stones naturally polished by water.
• Granite: Less common, offering a different density and texture.

Purpose

The primary purposes of using massage stones are:

• Muscle Relaxation: Heat from the stones helps to relax muscles, allowing for deeper tissue work.
• Pain Relief: Can alleviate pain associated with muscle spasms, tension headaches, and chronic pain conditions.
• Improved Circulation: Heat expands blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow.
• Stress Reduction: The warmth and pressure contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.
• Energy Balance: Some traditions believe stones have energetic properties that can help balance the body's energy flow.

Function

Massage stones function through a combination of:

• Heat Therapy: Stones are typically heated in warm water before use. The heat penetrates muscles, increasing flexibility and reducing stiffness.
• Pressure: The weight and shape of the stones provide deep, sustained pressure to targeted muscle areas.
• Glide: Smooth stones allow for long, flowing strokes, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
• Static Pressure: Stones can be held in place on specific points to release tension.

Usage Scenarios

• Professional Massage Therapy: Used by licensed massage therapists as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Hot stone massage is a specialized modality.
• Self-Massage: Smaller stones can be used at home for self-massage of the back, neck, shoulders, and feet.
• Spa Treatments: Frequently incorporated into spa services, such as hot stone pedicures or full-body massages.
• Pain Management: Used as a complementary therapy for conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic back pain.

Common Types

• Flat, Oval Stones: The most versatile type, used for large muscle groups like the back and thighs.
• Thumb Stones: Smaller, rounded stones used for targeted pressure on specific points.
• Palm Stones: Designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand, used for broad strokes.
• Finger Stones: Smallest stones, used for precise work on trigger points or small muscle areas.
• Stone Sets: Pre-packaged sets containing a variety of stone shapes and sizes for different massage techniques.

Based on the material, use, function, and application scenarios, "massage stone" typically refers to natural stone used for massage therapy, potentially including various types of stones like marble, travertine, or other calcareous stones.

Here are the relevant HS codes found within the provided reference material:

• 6801000000: This HS code covers "Setts, curbstones and flagstones, of natural stone (except slate)". While not specifically "massage stones," these could apply if the stones are cut into shapes suitable for massage, being natural stone excluding slate.

  • Chapter 68: Articles of stone, plaster, lime, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials.
  • Heading 6801: Setts, curbstones and flagstones of natural stone (except slate).
  • Subheading 6801000000: Specifically covers setts, curbstones and flagstones.
  • Tax Details: Basic duty is 2.8%, with an additional surcharge of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 57.8%.

• 2515200000: This HS code covers "Marble, travertine and other calcareous monumental or building stone of an apparent specific gravity of 2.5 or more, and alabaster, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape". If the massage stones are made of marble, travertine, or alabaster, this code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 25: Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes.
  • Heading 2515: Marble, travertine and other calcareous monumental or building stone.
  • Subheading 2515200000: Covers other calcareous monumental or building stone and alabaster.
  • Tax Details: Basic duty is 3.0%, with an additional surcharge of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 58.0%.

• 6802910500: This HS code covers "Worked monumental or building stone (except slate) and articles thereof, other than goods of heading 6801; mosaic cubes and the like, of natural stone (including slate), whether or not on a backing; artificially colored granules, chippings and powder, of natural stone (including slate): Other: Marble, travertine and alabaster: Marble: Slabs". If the massage stones are worked marble slabs, this code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 68: Articles of stone, plaster, lime, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials.
  • Heading 6802: Worked monumental or building stone.
  • Subheading 6802910500: Specifically covers worked marble slabs.
  • Tax Details: Basic duty is 2.5%, with an additional surcharge of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 57.5%.

• 6802913000: This HS code covers "Worked monumental or building stone (except slate) and articles thereof, other than goods of heading 6801; mosaic cubes and the like, of natural stone (including slate), whether or not on a backing; artificially colored granules, chippings and powder, of natural stone (including slate): Other: Marble, travertine and alabaster: Alabaster". If the massage stones are worked alabaster, this code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 68: Articles of stone, plaster, lime, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials.
  • Heading 6802: Worked monumental or building stone.
  • Subheading 6802913000: Specifically covers worked alabaster.
  • Tax Details: Basic duty is 4.7%, with an additional surcharge of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 59.7%.

Important Note: The applicable HS code will depend on the specific material composition and the degree of processing the massage stones have undergone. It is recommended to consult with a customs broker or relevant authority to determine the most accurate classification.