Acupoint Ball
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9019102050 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926907500 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π£ Acupoint Ball (Massage/Pressure Point Ball)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand the "Acupoint Ball"?
An Acupoint Ball is a small, portable tool used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and physical therapy for self-massage, reflexology, and pressure point stimulation. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its primary function and mechanism of action:
1. General Purpose Plastic/Inflatable Toys or Tools: If the ball is simple plastic/PVC, possibly inflatable or solid, and used for general stress relief or minor massage, it falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
2. Specialized Medical/Therapeutic Devices: If the ball is designed specifically as a non-electric massage apparatus with specific ergonomic shapes for acupressure, it may fall under Chapter 90 (Medical/Therapeutic Equipment).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a simple inflatable PVC ball or a basic plastic stress ball β Classified as Plastic Article (3926.90)
- If it is a structured non-electric massager (e.g., textured bamboo/plastic ball for deep tissue/acupressure) β Classified as Massage Device (9019.10)
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS Codes are derived from the specific characteristics of "Acupoint Balls" as analyzed in the dataset:
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Material/Type Inference |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics | General Plastic Article: The item is inferred as a plastic/PVC article not specifically listed elsewhere. | Plastic/PVC; Non-specific form |
9019.10.20.50 |
Other massage devices, non-electric | Therapeutic Massage Device: Used for massage; non-electric; material (plastic/rubber) doesn't conflict with the "massage equipment" category. | Plastic/Rubber; Non-electric massager |
3926.90.75.00 |
Other plastic articles: Inflatable articles | Inflatable Plastic Item: The name "inflatable" matches the category; material inferred as PVC/Plastic. | Plastic/PVC; Inflatable |
π Critical Insight:
-9019.10.20.50is often preferred for specialized acupressure balls because it captures the medical/therapeutic purpose, potentially lowering base tariffs.
-3926.90.75.00applies if the product is specifically inflatable (e.g., yoga/acupoint pressure balls that can be inflated/deflated).
-3926.90.99.89is the catch-all for non-inflatable, non-specific plastic massage balls.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates as per dataset (includes Section 301/122 implications)
π― 1. 9019.10.20.50 ββ Non-Electric Massage Devices (Recommended for Therapeutic Balls)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Note: Dataset indicates 0% for this specific subheading, likely due to HTSUS exclusions or specific country of origin rules not detailed here, but see Total Tax) |
| Section 122 Tariff (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Section 122 and 301 usually negate de minimis for certain categories, or specifically apply to the tariff itself) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9019.10.20.50 β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code has a 0% base rate and 0% Section 301 surcharge, which is highly advantageous.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a specific US trade measure.
- Total Cost Impact: Only 10% of the CIF value. This is the most cost-effective classification for therapeutic acupoint balls.
π― 2. 3926.90.75.00 ββ Inflatable Plastic Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.75.00 β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Higher base tariff (4.2%) compared to massage devices.
- Applicable only if the product is explicitly inflatable (e.g., rubber/PVC inflatable balls).
- Total Cost Impact: 14.2% of CIF value.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles (General)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most expensive classification.
- Attracts Section 301 surcharge (7.5%) AND Section 122 (10%).
- Only recommended if the product is a simple, non-medical, non-inflatable plastic ball with no therapeutic claims.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Material (PVC, Rubber, Plastic), Dimensions, Weight, Inflation status (if applicable). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing texture (acupressure points), shape, and any branding. |
| β Marketing Materials/Packaging | βοΈ | Crucial: To prove if itβs a "therapeutic device" or "toy." Avoid medical claims if classifying as plastic. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match the HS Code description (e.g., "Non-electric Massage Device" vs. "Plastic Inflatable Ball"). |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming exemption from Section 301 (not applicable here per dataset, but good practice). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Function First, Material Second, Claim Carefully!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk of Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic Acupressure Ball (Textured, hard plastic/rubber) | 9019.10.20.50Desc: "Non-electric massage device for acupressure, plastic/rubber" |
If declared as 3926.90.99.89 β 22.8% Tax vs 10% Tax. Overpayment! |
| Inflatable Pressure Ball (Can be inflated for firmness) | 3926.90.75.00Desc: "Inflatable plastic ball for massage" |
If declared as 9019 but not clearly a "device" β Customs may reclassify to 3926 + penalties. |
| Simple Plastic Stress Ball (No therapeutic intent) | 3926.90.99.89Desc: "Plastic article, stress relief toy" |
Safe, but higher tax. Avoid calling it "massage device" if itβs just a toy. |
β 3. Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Packaging Claims "Therapeutic" | If packaging says "Cures Pain," "TCM Approved," customs may demand medical device registration. Stick to "Massage/Wellness Tool." |
| Set of Balls | If sold as a set (e.g., 3 different textured balls), declare as "Non-electric massage device set" under 9019.10.20.50. Do not split into 3 plastic articles. |
| Inflatable vs. Solid | If the ball has a valve and can be inflated, MUST declare under 3926.90.75.00. Declaring it as solid plastic under 9019 will cause rejection. |
| Material Ambiguity | If unsure if itβs rubber or plastic, 9019.10.20.50 allows "plastic or rubber." 3926 is strictly plastic. Use 9019 if material is mixed/rubber-heavy. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9019.10.20.50 |
10.0% | Best option for therapeutic balls. Includes 122 Clause. |
| π¨π³ China | 9019.10.20.50 |
Low (5-10%) | Standard import duty for medical devices. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9019.10 |
0-6% | No Section 122 or 301. VAT applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9019.10 |
0-6% | Post-Brexit rules apply. No US-style surcharges. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9019.10 |
5% | GST (10%) applies on CIF + Duty. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most complex due to Section 122 and potential Section 301 tariffs.
- Classifying as a "Massage Device" (9019) saves 12.8% compared to "Other Plastic Articles" (3926.90.99.89).
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Blood-Soaked Lessons
β Mistake 1: Calling a solid textured ball an "Inflatable Ball"
π Consequence: Customs inspects, finds no valve, reclassifies to 3926.90.99.89 β 22.8% Tax + Delay.
β Mistake 2: Calling a simple plastic toy ball a "Massage Device"
π Consequence: Customs may accept it, but if questioned, lack of medical function proof could lead to reclassification. Stick to 9019 only if it has clear therapeutic design (e.g., acupressure points).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underestimating costs. Even 9019 has a 10% Section 122 tariff. Total cost is not just base duty.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Non-Electric Massage Device, Model XYZ, Made of Rubber/Plastic, with Acupressure Points, For Self-Massage Use, HS Code: 9019.10.20.50"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximum Savings
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Therapeutic? Go 9019 (10%). Inflatable? Go 3926.75 (14.2%). Generic Plastic? Go 3926.99 (22.8%)."
πΉ "Section 122 is 10% for ALL. Donβt forget it!"
π Pro Tip:
If your acupoint balls are packaged as a kit with straps, handles, or instructional cards for physical therapy, emphasize the "Kit" aspect under 9019.10.20.50 to maintain the 10% total rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your broker with product photos and packaging claims.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if importing large volumes to lock in the9019.10.20.50classification.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of tariff saved is pure profit!
Customer Reviews
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.