Balance Support Foot
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6406909000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021100090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6406901580 | 32.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Balance Support Foot (Orthopedic Insoles & Shoe Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Balance Support Foot"?
"Balance Support Foot" typically refers to orthopedic insoles, foot pads, or heel cups designed to improve posture, alleviate pain, or support the arch. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on material composition and primary function:
- Orthopedic Appliances (Medical/Functional): If the item is designed to correct deformities, provide therapeutic support, or is classified as a surgical appliance, it falls under Chapter 90.
- Shoe Parts (General Use): If the item is a standard removable insole, heel pad, or liner primarily used for comfort or standard shoe fitting, it falls under Chapter 64 (Footwear parts).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it claims therapeutic/corrective benefits (e.g., "orthopedic," "surgical appliance," "arch support for flat feet") β Likely 9021.
- If it is a standard insole/shoe part made of textile, rubber, or plastic β Likely 6406.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the four possible classifications for "Balance Support Foot":
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
9021.90.81.00 |
Orthopedic Accessories | Classified as a support material for feet, deemed an orthopedic auxiliary function. Fits the logic of "medical device accessories/auxiliary parts." | Therapeutic insoles, prescription orthotics, devices for correcting foot deformities. |
6406.90.90.00 |
Shoe Parts (Non-Metal) | Classified as a shoe part, specifically removable insoles. Material inferred as non-metallic other materials (e.g., foam, rubber, plastic). | General comfort insoles, gel pads, standard shoe liners. |
9021.10.00.90 |
Orthopedic Surgical Appliances | Foot support material falling under orthopedic surgical appliances. Classified as a non-internal fixation auxiliary device. | Custom-made orthotics, corrective braces for feet, medical-grade supports. |
6406.90.15.80 |
Shoe Parts (Textile) | Classified as a similar article/removable insole/foot pad. Material inferred as textile materials. | Fabric-covered insoles, wool felt pads, textile-based heel cups. |
π Key Reminder:
- Medical vs. General Use: If the product marketing emphasizes medical correction (e.g., "treats plantar fasciitis"), customs may push for 9021. If itβs just for comfort, 6406 is more common.
- Material Matters: The base material (textile vs. foam/plastic) determines the subheading within Chapter 64.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9021.90.81.00 & 9021.10.00.90 ββ Orthopedic Foot Supports
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 122 applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 10% β HTS: 9021.90.81.00 / 9021.10.00.90 |
π Explanation:
- These codes are classified as medical/orthopedic appliances.
- They are exempt from the higher Section 301 tariffs (25%) but still subject to the Section 122 tariff (10%) applicable to certain Chinese-origin goods.
- Total burden is relatively low at 10%, making this the most cost-effective classification if the product qualifies as a medical/orthopedic aid.
π― 2. 6406.90.90.00 ββ Shoe Parts (Non-Metal, Other Materials)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HTS: 6406.90.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as general shoe parts.
- Subject to Section 301 (7.5%) (Note: Some categories may have different 301 rates, but data specifies 7.5%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Higher than orthopedic codes due to Section 301 application.
π― 3. 6406.90.15.80 ββ Shoe Parts (Textile Materials)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 32.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 14.9% β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HTS: 6406.90.15.80 |
π Explanation:
- If the insole is made of textile (e.g., fabric, wool, felt), the base tariff is significantly higher (14.9%).
- Combined with Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%), this results in the highest total tariff (32.4%).
- Avoid this classification if possible; consider reclassifying as non-textile or orthopedic.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include material composition, dimensions, and intended use (medical vs. comfort). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Clearly state if the material is textile, foam, rubber, or plastic. |
| β Medical Certification (if applicable) | βοΈ | If claiming 9021 (orthopedic), provide FDA registration or medical device classification documents. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe product as "Orthopedic Foot Support" or "Removable Shoe Insole" accurately. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail units per box, net/gross weight. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for applying correct tariff rates. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Strategy)
π₯ βMedical Claims? Go 9021. Textile? Avoid 6406.15. Declare Material!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic/Corrective Insole | 9021.90.81.00 / 9021.10.00.90 |
Declaring as "Shoe Part" | Risk of misclassification, but 9021 is cheaper (10%) if medically justified. |
| Standard Comfort Insole (Foam/Rubber) | 6406.90.90.00 |
Declaring as "Textile" | Avoid 32.4% tax; use 17.5% instead. |
| Textile/Fabric Insole | 6406.90.15.80 |
None (Inevitable) | High tax (32.4%); consider if product can be made from non-textile materials. |
| Mixed Materials | Consult Customs | Vague description | Delays, inspections, potential penalty. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Product has Medical Benefits | Provide doctorβs prescription or medical device list to support 9021 classification. |
| Product is Fashion/Comfort Only | Clearly state "Non-medical," "General Use," "Shoe Accessory" to avoid unnecessary medical device scrutiny. |
| Textile-Based Insole | Explore if the product can be made from non-textile materials (e.g., EVA foam) to shift to 6406.90.90.00 (17.5%) or 9021 (10%). |
| Section 122 Applicability | Confirm if the product origin and type are subject to Section 122 (currently 10% for many Chinese goods). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.90.81.00 |
10% (with Sec 122) | FDA (if medical) | Best option for orthopedic items. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6406.90.90.00 |
17.5% | None | Best for general shoe parts. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6406.90.15.80 |
32.4% | None | Avoid if possible due to high base rate. |
| π¨π³ China | 9021 / 6406 |
0-10% | CCC (if medical) | Lower export taxes. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9021 / 6406 |
0-4.5% | CE (if medical) | No Section 122/301 surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA Market: Prioritize9021classification for medical/orthopedic claims to minimize tax to 10%.
- Avoid Textile (6406.90.15.80) unless necessary, as the 32.4% total tariff is burdensome.
- Documentation is Key: Clear material declaration and medical justification (if applicable) are crucial for smooth clearance.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a medical orthotic as a general shoe part (6406)
π Consequence: While tax might be higher (17.5%), itβs still cheaper than textile. However, if it fails medical scrutiny, itβs not a problem. The real risk is declaring a general insole as medical to get 10% tax, but lacking proof β Penalties!
β Mistake 2: Using "Insole" without specifying material
π Consequence: Customs may default to the highest applicable rate (e.g., textile) or hold the shipment for inspection.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Surprises with an unexpected 10% charge on top of other duties.
β Mistake 4: Misclassifying textile insoles as non-textile
π Consequence: Significant tax underpayment (32.4% vs 17.5% or 10%), leading to duties owed + penalties.
β Correct Approach:
"Orthopedic Foot Support, EVA Foam Core, Medical Grade, FDA Registered" β
9021.90.81.00
"Removable Shoe Insole, Non-Textile, General Use" β6406.90.90.00
"Fabric Heel Pad, Textile Material" β6406.90.15.80
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Medical = 9021 (10%) | Non-Medical/Shoe Part = 6406 (17.5% | 32.4%)"
πΉ "Textile is Expensive (32.4%) | Foam/Rubber is Cheaper (17.5%) | Medical is Best (10%)"
πΉ "Always declare material and function clearly to avoid delays!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is primarily for medical/orthopedic use, invest in medical device certification to qualify for the lower 10% tariff under 9021.
If itβs a general consumer good, ensure the material is not textile to avoid the 32.4% hit.
π£ Action Plan:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Confirm the exact material and function.
π Prepare Medical Docs: If claiming orthopedic status.
π·οΈ Label Accurately: "Orthopedic Insole" vs. "Shoe Insole."
π Optimize for 10%: Make it a medical device if possible!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in your profit margin!
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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.