| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506694000 | Doc | 42.9% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9506910030 | Doc | 42.1% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9507908000 | Doc | 39.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 6306905000 | Doc | 34.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 6306901000 | Doc | 33.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, it is distinguished by its unique paddle construction and plastic perforated ball, as well as its non-volley zone (the "kitchen").
History
Originating in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball was created by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Frank Fitten. It was initially devised as a recreational activity for families. The sport has since grown significantly in popularity, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
Equipment
- Paddle: Typically made of wood, composite materials (fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber), or aluminum. Paddle sizes vary, but generally measure up to 24 inches long and 16 inches wide. Weight is usually between 6-14 ounces.
- Ball: A perforated plastic ball, similar in size to a wiffle ball. Indoor balls are heavier and have smaller holes than outdoor balls.
- Net: 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle.
- Court: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play.
Gameplay and Rules
- Serving: Serves are underhand and must be hit below the waist. The serve must clear the non-volley zone.
- Double-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it, and the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting their return. This rule is unique to pickleball and promotes longer rallies.
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing within 7 feet of the net. They can enter the kitchen to hit a ball after it has bounced.
- Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.
- Faults: Occur when a ball goes out of bounds, doesn’t clear the net, is volleyed in the non-volley zone, or violates other rules.
Purpose and Benefits
Pickleball is designed for recreational play and fitness. It offers several benefits:
- Accessibility: Relatively easy to learn and play, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Social Interaction: Often played in doubles, fostering social connections.
- Physical Fitness: Provides a moderate-intensity workout, improving cardiovascular health, agility, and coordination.
- Low Impact: The smaller court size and underhand serving reduce the physical strain compared to tennis.
Usage Scenarios
- Recreational Play: Backyard games, community centers, parks.
- Competitive Play: Tournaments, leagues, professional events.
- Fitness Classes: Organized pickleball classes for exercise and skill development.
- Social Events: Pickleball parties and gatherings.
Common Types
- Singles: One player against one player. Less common than doubles.
- Doubles: Two players against two players. The most popular format.
- Mixed Doubles: One male and one female against another male and female.
- Competitive Leagues: Organized play with varying skill levels.
- Open Play: Informal games where players rotate partners.
Pickleball equipment falls under articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:
- 9506694000: This HS code covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and wading pools; parts and accessories thereof: Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls: Other: Noninflatable hollow balls not over 19 cm in diameter. Pickleballs, being balls used in a sport, and not specifically excluded, could fall under this code if they meet the size requirement (not over 19 cm in diameter). The total tax rate is 42.9%, comprised of a 5.4% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
- 9506910030: This HS code covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, or athletics; parts and accessories thereof Other. This is a broader category that could include pickleball paddles, nets, and other accessories. The total tax rate is 42.1%, comprised of a 4.6% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025. For items made of steel or aluminum, an additional 25% tariff applies.
According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'pickleball' are limited, with only the following 2 found.
Regarding HS code 9506910030, please note that if the pickleball equipment is made of steel or aluminum, an additional 25% tariff will be applied.