Catgut strings for tennis rackets
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506516000 | 20.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506598060 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΎ Catgut Strings for Tennis Rackets
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand βTennis Catgutβ?
Catgut strings for tennis rackets are high-performance sporting goods materials, historically made from sheep or cattle intestine, but in modern trade, often classified under the broader category of racket parts and accessories. In international trade, these items are strictly categorized under Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports requisites).
Key Distinction:
- If the item is a complete lawn-tennis racket (strung or unstrung): It falls under heading 9506.51.
- If the item is strictly "strings" or "accessories" for tennis rackets: It falls under the sub-category for Parts and Accessories.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- Complete Rackets (frame + strings) β 9506.51.60.00
- Strings Only (catgut, synthetic gut, multifilament, etc.) β Classified as Parts and Accessories β 9506.59.80.60π Explanation:
- According to the Harmonized System (HS) notes, "parts and accessories" of tennis rackets include strings.
- Since "Catgut Strings" are not the racket itself, they cannot be classified under the main racket heading (9506.51) but under the "Other" or "Parts and Accessories" sub-heading (9506.59).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Includes Strings? |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.51.60.00 |
Lawn-tennis rackets, whether or not strung, and parts and accessories thereof | Complete Rackets (Unstrung or Pre-strung) | β No (Refers to the racket frame) |
9506.59.80.60 |
Other articles and equipment for sports; Parts and accessories of tennis rackets | Strings Only (Catgut, Synthetic Gut, Nylon, Polyester) | β Yes (This is the correct code for strings) |
π Key Reminder:
- Strings alone (whether catgut, synthetic gut, or multifilament) are considered accessories/parts of the racket.
- Do NOT classify strings under "textiles" or "guts" (Chapters 50 or 05). They are specifically covered under Chapter 95.
- The HS Code 9506.59.80.60 explicitly covers "Other... Other, including parts and accessories," which captures strings that are not part of a complete racket assembly in the declaration.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Period)
π― 1. 9506.59.80.60 ββ Tennis Racket Strings (Catgut/Synthetic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (No additional 25% tax for this specific HS code) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% (No 10% IEEPA tax for this category) |
| Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | 50% (Applies only if the product contains significant aluminum/copper components, which strings do not. Not applicable.) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0.00 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800, eligible for Section 321 entry, though 0% tax means no duty anyway) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.59.80.60 β General Rate: 0% |
π Explanation:
- Catgut strings are classified under 9506.59.80.60.
- Unlike many Chinese electronics or machinery, sports equipment parts like racket strings are exempt from the Section 301 25% surcharge and IEEPA 10% surcharge.
- The total effective tariff is 0%. This is a highly favorable classification for importers.
- Note: The "Aluminum/Copper/Copper Products Surcharge (50%)" listed in the source data is not applicable to catgut strings, as they are organic/synthetic materials, not metal products.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Catgut Strings for Tennis Rackets," material composition (e.g., "Processed Sheep Intestine" or "Synthetic Gut"), length, diameter. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly describe as "Parts and Accessories for Tennis Rackets" or "Tennis Strings," NOT "Rackets." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List weight and quantity. Ensure no complete rackets are mixed in unless separately declared. |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Recommended to confirm classification as 9506.59.80.60 to avoid misclassification under "Rackets" (9506.51). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βStrings are accessories, not rackets. Declare as parts, pay zero tax!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Catgut Strings Only | HS Code: 9506.59.80.60 |
HS Code: 9506.51.60.00 (Rackets) β Risk of misclassification |
| Complete Racket | HS Code: 9506.51.60.00 |
HS Code: 9506.59.80.60 β Under-declaration |
| Mixed Shipment | Separate lines for Rackets and Strings | Mixed line β Customs seizure or penalty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Natural Catgut vs. Synthetic Gut | Both fall under 9506.59.80.60. No distinction in tariff rate (both 0%). |
| Pre-Strung Rackets | Classify as 9506.51.60.00 (Racket). Do not split. |
| Racket Strung at Destination | Import as "Unstrung Racket" (9506.51.60.00) and "Strings" (9506.59.80.60) separately if shipped separately. |
| OEM Private Label | Provide OEM agreement. Ensure description matches the physical item (strings only). |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.59.80.60 |
0% | None | No Section 301 tax for strings |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.59 |
4.7% | CE (if safety-related) | Standard MFN rate |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.59 |
5.0% | None | Import duty for foreign strings |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.59 |
4.7% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rate |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9506.59 |
0% | None | Preferential under USMCA if originating |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% tariff for tennis racket strings (HS 9506.59.80.60).
- EU charges 4.7%.
- China charges 5.0%.
- Key Advantage: US importers benefit from zero duty on tennis strings, making it a cost-effective import category.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Catgut Strings" under "Rackets" (9506.51.60.00)
π Consequence: While both have 0% base duty, misclassification can lead to audit flags or duty discrepancies if regulations change.
π Correct: Use 9506.59.80.60 for strings alone.
β Mistake 2: Declaring "Catgut" as "Animal Products" (Chapter 05)
π Consequence: Wrong chapter, potential biosecurity delays or incorrect tariffs.
π Correct: Sports equipment parts go to Chapter 95.
β Mistake 3: Missing "Parts and Accessories" in Description
π Consequence: Customs may classify as "General Sports Goods" and apply higher scrutiny.
π Correct: Explicitly state "Parts and Accessories for Tennis Rackets."
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Catgut Tennis Strings, 13m length, for recreational use, classified as parts and accessories of tennis rackets, HS 9506.59.80.60"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Zero Duty, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember Mantra:
πΉ "Strings are parts, not rackets. HS 9506.59.80.60 is the key."
πΉ "Zero tax in the USA, no Section 301, just declare correctly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your shipment includes both rackets and strings, declare separately:
- Rackets β 9506.51.60.00 (0% tax)
- Strings β 9506.59.80.60 (0% tax)
This ensures clarity and avoids any ambiguity for customs brokers.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker to confirm HS Code 9506.59.80.60 for strings.
π Zero Duty. No Surcharge. Fast Clearance.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency, Accurately Calculated!
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.