Colorful Matte Table Tennis Ball
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506400000 | 15.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506610000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909900 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Colorful Matte Table Tennis Balls
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Table Tennis Balls"?
Colorful Matte Table Tennis Balls are specialized sporting goods designed for practice, training, or recreational play. In international trade, they are strictly categorized under Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports requisites).
The critical distinction lies in the intended use and specific regulation: * Table Tennis Balls: Regulated specifically under subheading 9506.40. These are spherical objects made of celluloid or plastic, hollow, and lightweight, specifically designed for the sport of table tennis. * Other Balls (e.g., Tennis, Golf, General Sports): If the ball is not specifically for table tennis (e.g., a tennis ball), it falls under 9506.61 or other general sports categories.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the product is explicitly a Table Tennis Ball (even if matte, colorful, or branded for training) βε½ε ₯ 9506.40.00.00
- If it is a Lawn Tennis Ball (fuzzy exterior, different size/weight) βε½ε ₯ 9506.61.00.00
- If it is a Plastic Toy not meeting sports equipment standards β Possibly 3926.90 (But see Tax Warning below)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.40.00.00 |
Articles and equipment for table-tennis, and parts and accessories thereof | Official or training table tennis balls (matte, colorful, standard size 40mm/40+mm) | β Lowest Tax: 0% |
9506.61.00.00 |
Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls: Lawn-tennis balls | Fuzzy tennis balls for lawn court use | β οΈ High Tax: 7.5% |
3926.90.99.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Other | Non-sporting plastic balls, toys, or decorative items | β Error/Unknown Tax |
3926.90.90.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Other | General plastic articles not specified elsewhere | β Error/Unknown Tax |
π Critical Reminder:
- Never classify standard table tennis balls under 3926 (Plastics). Even if made of plastic, the "specific provision" rule (General Rule of Interpretation 3) mandates classification under 9506.40 for sports equipment. - Misclassification as "Plastic Balls" (3926) may lead to customs rejection or incorrect tax assessment (since tax retrieval failed for these codes, implying they are not the primary sport category).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025+ (Current Policy)
π― 1. 9506.40.00.00 ββ Table Tennis Balls & Equipment
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0% |
| Total Tariff | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if value < $800, subject to standard customs processing) |
| Legal Basis | Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) 9506.40.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Table tennis equipment is exempt from Section 301 additional tariffs. - This is one of the most favorable classifications for sports goods entering the US from China. - Total Cost Impact: None (for tariffs alone).
π― 2. 9506.61.00.00 ββ Lawn-Tennis Balls (For Comparison)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
π Warning:
- If you mistakenly declare table tennis balls as "tennis balls" or general sports balls, you may incur a 7.5% tax. - If declared under 3926, tax retrieval failed (Error), indicating high risk of customs delay, re-inspection, or manual assessment.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Table Tennis Balls," Material: Plastic/Celluloid, Size: 40mm+, Surface: Matte |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the ball, packaging, and any branding (e.g., ITTF approved logo if applicable) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must read: "Table Tennis Balls (Matte, Colorful)" β NOT "Plastic Balls" or "Toys" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity per box, gross weight, net weight |
| β FCC/CE Certificates | β | Not typically required for plastic sports balls, but helpful if marketed as "electronic" or "smart" balls |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Specific: 'Table Tennis' Not 'Plastic'"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Matte, Colorful Balls | 9506.40.00.00 "Table Tennis Balls" |
3926.90.99.00"Plastic Balls" or "Sports Toys" |
| Tennis Balls | 9506.61.00.00"Lawn Tennis Balls" |
9506.40.00.00"Table Tennis Balls" |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Smart" or "Weighted" Training Balls | Still 9506.40.00.00 if for table tennis training. If they have embedded electronics, may require FCC. |
| Bulk Packaging | Declare as "Pieces" or "Sets." Ensure total value does not trigger unnecessary scrutiny if under $800 (de minimis). |
| OEM/White Label | Provide authorization letter if using branded logos (e.g., DHS, Butterfly) to avoid IP issues. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.40.00.00 |
0% | No Section 301 tax on table tennis. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.40.00.00 |
5-7% | Import tariff applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.40.00 |
0% | Free trade under many agreements. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.40.00 |
0% | Post-Brexit, still favorable for sports goods. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most tariff-friendly market for table tennis balls among major economies. - Misclassification into 3926 (Plastics) is a high-risk error due to unclear tax status and potential rejection.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying as 3926.90.99.00 (Plastic Articles)
π Consequence: Tax retrieval Failed/Error. Customs may detain shipment for manual review, causing delay and storage fees.
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Sports Toys"
π Consequence: May be classified under 9503.00 (Toys), which could have different duty rates or require CPSIA certification (if for children under 12).
β Mistake 3: Confusing with Tennis Balls
π Consequence: Wrong HS code (9506.61) β 7.5% tax instead of 0%.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Table Tennis Balls, Plastic, Matte Finish, Colorful, 40mm Diameter, For Sports Training, Model TB-MC-01"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Zero Tariff, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Table Tennis = 9506.40 = 0% Tax"
πΉ "Plastic Balls = 3926 = Error/Delay"
πΉ "Tennis Balls = 9506.61 = 7.5% Tax"
π Pro Tip:
If your balls are ITTF-approved (International Table Tennis Federation), mention this in the commercial invoice. It reinforces the classification as sporting equipment under 9506, not general plastic goods.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Use HS Code 9506.40.00.00 for all table tennis balls.
π Clear, Accurate Description ensures 0% Tax and Fast Clearance in the US.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Save Time, Save Money, Avoid Delays!
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.