2 Pairs of Leg Guards
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926209050 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926905900 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506992580 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𦡠Leg Guards (Protective Sports Gear)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy for Sports Accessories
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What are "Leg Guards"?
Leg Guards are essential protective equipment used in various sports, primarily for protecting the lower limbs from impact, abrasion, and cold. In international trade, they are typically classified under Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports requisites) if designed for physical exercise or sports, or Chapter 39 (Plastics) if they are generic plastic accessories not specifically for sports.
Key Distinction: * Sports-Specific (Ice Hockey/Floor Hockey): Hard plastic shells, specific shapes for hockey sticks/goalies β Heading 9506. * Generic/Other Sports (Cricket, Baseball, Cycling, etc.): Often classified as "Other sports articles" or "Other plastics articles" depending on material and specific sport usage.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If designed specifically for Ice Hockey or Field Hockey (hard shells, specific protection zones) β 9506.99.25.80
- If designed for Other Sports (e.g., cricket batting pads, baseball leg guards, general cycling protection) β 9506.99.60.80
- If not for sports (e.g., generic plastic leg sleeves for fashion/medical use) β 3926.20.90.50
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided , here are the relevant HS Codes for "2 Pairs of Leg Guards" depending on their specific use:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.25.80 |
Ice-hockey and field-hockey articles and equipment, except balls and skates, and parts and accessories thereof | Hockey goalie pads, shooter leg guards, shin guards | β Sports Specific (Hockey) |
9506.99.60.80 |
Other articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports... Other | Cricket leg pads, baseball leg guards, soccer shinguards, cycling leg guards | β Sports Specific (Other) |
3926.20.90.50 |
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts): Other: Other: Other | Plastic leg sleeves for fashion, medical compression (non-medical code), generic plastic protective wear | β Non-Sports/General |
3926.90.59.00 |
Other articles of plastics... Belting and belts, for machinery... | NOT APPLICABLE for leg guards (This is for industrial belting) | β Incorrect Category |
π Key Reminder:
- "2 Pairs" implies a quantity for retail. Ensure the description matches the primary function. - Hockey Leg Guards have a unique subheading (9506.99.25.80) because ice/field hockey is explicitly listed. - Other Sports Leg Guards fall under9506.99.60.80as "Other" sports equipment. - Non-Sports Plastic Leg Guards (e.g., fashion accessories) fall under3926.20.90.50.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (2025-2026)
π― 1. 9506.99.25.80 ββ Hockey Leg Guards (Ice & Field)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (General Section 301) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (Only if the leg guards are primarily made of steel, aluminum, or copper β rare for plastic guards) |
| Total Tariff | 7.5% (Standard Plastic) 57.5% (If primarily Steel/Aluminum) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (if value β€ $800 per shipment, but subject to specific trade rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.99.25.80 β FOOTNOTE:Section301 |
π Explanation:
- Most hockey leg guards are made of plastic, foam, and fabric. They do not contain significant steel/aluminum/copper.
- Therefore, the 50% surcharge does NOT apply.
- Only the 7.5% Section 301 surcharge applies.
- Total: 7.5%
π― 2. 9506.99.60.80 ββ Other Sports Leg Guards (Cricket, Baseball, etc.)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (Only if primarily made of steel, aluminum, or copper) |
| Total Tariff | 11.5% (Standard Plastic/Fabric) 61.5% (If primarily Steel/Aluminum) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 11.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (if value β€ $800 per shipment) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.99.60.80 β FOOTNOTE:Section301 |
π Explanation:
- Base tariff is 4.0%.
- Section 301 surcharge is +7.5%.
- Total: 11.5% for standard plastic/fabric leg guards.
π― 3. 3926.20.90.50 ββ Non-Sports Plastic Leg Guards (Apparel/Accessories)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Highly scrutinized; often denied de minimis for China-origin apparel/accessories) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.20.90.50 β Section301:25% |
π Explanation:
- This code is for plastic articles of apparel (e.g., plastic leg sleeves for fashion).
- Base tariff 5.0% + 25% surcharge = 30%.
- High risk of denial for de minimis ($800 exemption).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., 100% Plastic, Foam, Fabric), Dimensions, Weight |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of front/back, labels, and any brand logos |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Pair of [Sport] Leg Guards, Material: Plastic/Fabric" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity: "2 Pairs", Net/Gross Weight |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Required for Section 301 surcharge calculation |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Specify Sport, Specify Material, Avoid Ambiguity!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Hockey Leg Guards | "Ice Hockey Leg Guards, Plastic/FOAM, Size M" | "Plastic Leg Protection" |
| Cricket/Baseball Leg Guards | "Cricket Leg Pads, Cotton/Plastic Composite" | "Sports Accessories" |
| Non-Sports Plastic Leg Sleeves | "Plastic Leg Sleeves for Apparel, Not for Sports" | "Sports Leg Guards" (Misclassification risk) |
| Mixed Materials | "Leg Guards: 70% Plastic, 30% Foam, 0% Metal" | "Metal Leg Guards" (If no metal, avoid confusion) |
β οΈ Warning:
- If you declare "Plastic Leg Guards" but they are actually for Hockey, use 9506.99.25.80 (7.5% tariff).
- If you declare "Plastic Leg Guards" for General Use, use 3926.20.90.50 (30% tariff).
- Misclassification can lead to underpayment and penalties.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Leg Guards with Metal Plates | If >50% value is metal, may be subject to 50% surcharge. Verify material composition. |
| OEM/Custom Designs | Provide design files to prove specific sport use (e.g., hockey vs. general). |
| De Minimis ($800) | For 9506 codes, de minimis may apply. For 3926 (apparel/plastic accessories), often denied. Check with broker. |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Content | If leg guards have steel buckles, aluminum stays, or copper wiring, declare material % accurately. May trigger +50% surcharge. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.25.80 (Hockey) |
7.5% | FCC (if electronic), CPSIA (if for kids) | 301 Surcharge applies |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.60.80 (Other) |
11.5% | CPSIA (if for kids) | 301 Surcharge applies |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.25.80 |
0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.25.80 |
0% (under GSP if eligible) | CE, REACH | No 301 surcharge |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.25.80 |
0-5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex due to Section 301 surcharges.
- Hockey Leg Guards have a lower tariff (7.5%) than other sports leg guards (11.5%) or non-sports plastic accessories (30%).
- Always specify the sport to leverage the correct, often lower, tariff.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Plastic Leg Guards" without specifying the sport.
π Consequence: Customs may default to 3926.20.90.50 (30% tariff) instead of 9506 (7.5%-11.5%). Overpayment or misclassification.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring material composition for Steel/Aluminum/Copper surcharge.
π Consequence: If leg guards have aluminum stays and you donβt declare it, you may face 50% surcharge retroactively. Fines & delays.
β Mistake 3: Using "De Minimis" for non-sports plastic accessories (3926).
π Consequence: Denied entry, returned shipment, or back-payment of duties. 30% tariff applies.
β Mistake 4: Incorrect Quantity Declaration.
π Consequence: "2 Pairs" must be clearly stated. "1 Pair" vs "2 Pairs" affects valuation and compliance.
β Correct Practice:
"2 Pairs of Ice Hockey Leg Guards, Model X, Plastic/FOAM Construction, No Metal Components, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Accurate Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rules:
πΉ "Hockey Leg Guards = 7.5%"
πΉ "Other Sports Leg Guards = 11.5%"
πΉ "Non-Sports Plastic Leg Guards = 30%"
πΉ "Metal Components = +50% Surcharge Risk"
π Pro Tip:
- For Hockey Leg Guards, ensure no metal/plastic mix triggers the 50% surcharge.
- For Other Sports Leg Guards, confirm material composition.
- Always declare the specific sport to avoid misclassification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker
π Provide product photos & material composition
π Clear Customs Efficiently, Minimize Tariffs, Maximize Profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate HS Codes!
πΌ Every Percent Matters in International Trade!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.