Find HS Code and trade information for sports knee pads

Sports Knee Pads

Sports knee pads are protective gear designed to mitigate injury to the knee joint during athletic activities. They encompass a range of designs, materials, and levels of protection, catering to diverse sports and impact levels.

Materials

• Foam Padding: The core protective element, typically employing materials like:
  • EVA Foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): Lightweight, provides good shock absorption, and is commonly used in lower-impact activities.
  • Polyethylene Foam: Offers higher impact resistance than EVA foam, suitable for more demanding sports.
  • Memory Foam: Conforms to the knee's shape for enhanced comfort and a secure fit.
• Shells: External layers providing rigidity and abrasion resistance:
  • Plastic (Polycarbonate, ABS): Durable and commonly used in higher-impact pads.
  • Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and exceptionally strong, often found in advanced, professional-grade pads.
• Fabrics: Covering materials for comfort, breathability, and secure fit:
  • Neoprene: Provides compression, warmth, and flexibility.
  • Polyester/Spandex Blends: Offer breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and stretch.
  • Nylon: Durable and abrasion-resistant.
• Straps & Fasteners: Typically utilize Velcro, buckles, or elastic materials for adjustability and secure attachment.

Purpose & Function

The primary functions of sports knee pads are:

• Impact Absorption: Reducing the force transmitted to the knee joint during falls, collisions, or direct impacts.
• Abrasion Resistance: Protecting the knee from scrapes and cuts caused by contact with surfaces like floors, turf, or other players.
• Compression & Support: Providing compression to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and offer joint stability.
• Prevention of Hyperextension: Certain designs limit the range of motion to prevent excessive bending or extension of the knee.

Usage Scenarios

Knee pads are utilized in a wide variety of sports and activities:

• Contact Sports: Football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, and martial arts, where collisions are frequent.
• Skateboarding/Rollerblading/BMX: Protecting against falls and scrapes on abrasive surfaces.
• Volleyball/Basketball: Providing protection during dives and floor contact.
• Cycling: Protecting against abrasions and impacts in the event of a fall.
• Construction/Gardening/Heavy Labor: Providing knee protection during tasks involving kneeling or working on hard surfaces.

Common Types

• Basic Foam Pads: Lightweight and offer minimal protection, suitable for low-impact activities.
• Shell Knee Pads: Feature a rigid plastic or carbon fiber shell over foam padding for higher impact resistance.
• Gel Knee Pads: Incorporate gel padding for superior shock absorption and comfort.
• Hinged Knee Pads: Include hinges on either side of the knee to provide medial and lateral support and limit range of motion. These are often used for recovery from injuries or to prevent them.
• Sleeve Knee Pads: Combine compression fabric with integrated foam padding for a snug fit and moderate protection.
• Youth Knee Pads: Specifically designed for children with smaller sizes and often feature adjustable straps for a secure fit.

Sports knee pads fall under articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games. Here are relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 9506910030: This HS code covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, or athletics; parts and accessories thereof. The subheading specifies 'Other'. This is a broad category encompassing various sports equipment, including knee pads.

  • 95: Chapter 95 signifies articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games.
  • 06: Heading 9506 specifically relates to articles and equipment for these activities.
  • 910030: This further specifies 'Other' within the category.

• 9506996080: This HS code also covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games, not specified elsewhere. The subheading specifies 'Other: Other Other'. This is a more general 'Other' category within the broader sports equipment classification.

  • 95: Chapter 95 signifies articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games.
  • 06: Heading 9506 specifically relates to articles and equipment for these activities.
  • 996080: This further specifies 'Other: Other Other' within the category.

• 3926202000: This HS code covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories, including gloves, mittens and mitts; specifically, 'Specially designed for use in sports: Baseball and softball gloves and mitts'. While primarily for hand protection, it demonstrates the classification of sports-specific protective gear under apparel and accessories.

  • 39: Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Heading 3926 specifically relates to articles of apparel and clothing accessories.
  • 202000: This further specifies 'Specially designed for use in sports: Baseball and softball gloves and mitts'.

Regarding HS code 9506910030 and 9506996080, please note that a tariff of 4.6% and 4.0% respectively is applied as a base rate, with an additional 7.5% as a surcharge. Furthermore, a 30.0% surcharge will be applied after April 2, 2025. Additionally, steel and aluminum products are subject to an additional 25% surcharge.