Cycling Helmet
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506106045 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506103045 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6506103030 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909950 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π΄ββοΈ Cycling Helmets (Protective Headgear for Sports)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Cycling Helmet"?
A cycling helmet is a specialized piece of safety equipment designed to protect the head during cycling and related sports. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on material composition, intended use, and structural design. It is generally categorized under either Sporting Goods (Chapter 95) or Headwear (Chapter 65), with plastic-based protective gear often falling under Chapter 39.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If classified as a general sporting good, it may fall under 9506.91.00.30.
- If classified as headwear/headgear, it falls under 6506.10.30/6506.10.60.
- If made of plastic/synthetic materials without specific headwear structure, it may be classified under 3926.90.99.50.
- Critical Factor: The exact material (enhanced plastic vs. layered plastic vs. general plastic) and whether it is considered "headgear" or "sports equipment" drastically changes the tariff rate.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Structure Inference |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.91.00.30 |
Other sporting goods, specifically cycling helmets as sports equipment | General cycling, outdoor sports | Matches "other general sports goods" category |
6506.10.60.45 |
Headgear for sports, made of various materials | Cycling helmets classified as headwear | Purpose: Sports; Form: Helmet |
6506.10.30.45 |
Helmet, reinforced or laminated plastic, for sports | Cycling helmets with plastic construction | Purpose: Cycling (Sport); Form: Helmet; Material: Reinforced/Laminated Plastic |
6506.10.30.30 |
Helmet, enhanced or laminated plastic | Cycling helmets with specific plastic traits | Purpose/Shape match; Material: Enhanced/Laminated Plastic |
3926.90.99.50 |
Other articles of plastics (e.g., face masks, plastic helmets) | Plastic cycling accessories or masks | Material: Plastic/Synthetic Fiber; Use: Mask/General Plastic |
π Key Reminder:
- Cycling Helmets are often debated between Chapter 95 (Sports) and Chapter 65 (Headwear).
- Material matters: "Reinforced/laminated plastic" (6506) vs. "General plastic" (3926) leads to different tax treatments.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a helmet as a generic "plastic article" (3926) may incur higher base duties if not justified by specific product characteristics.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9506.91.00.30 ββ Cycling Helmet as Sporting Good
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.6% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (high duty threshold) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 4.6% β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Clause: 10% β Steel/Al/Cu: 50% |
π Explanation:
- This classification attracts the highest surcharge (50%) due to the potential classification under "Steel/Aluminum/Copper" articles, which is unusual for plastic helmets but possible if metal components are deemed primary.
- Total 22.1% includes multiple layers of tariffs, making this the most expensive option.
π― 2. 6506.10.60.45 ββ Headgear for Sports (General Plastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- Zero base duty makes this attractive, but Section 301 and 122 Clause still apply.
- Suitable for helmets classified purely as "sports headgear" without specific plastic reinforcement claims.
π― 3. 6506.10.30.45 ββ Helmet, Reinforced/Laminated Plastic (Sports)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- Same as above; classification under "reinforced/laminated plastic" does not reduce Section 301/122 surcharges.
- Recommended if the helmet is explicitly marketed as "sports headgear" with plastic construction.
π― 4. 6506.10.30.30 ββ Helmet, Enhanced/Laminated Plastic (Optimal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Section 301: 0% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Critical Insight:
- This is the lowest tax rate (10%)!
- It benefits from 0% Section 301 surcharge due to specific subheading rules for certain plastic helmets.
- Requirement: Must clearly declare as "enhanced or laminated plastic" with no metal components triggering the 50% steel/aluminum tax.
π― 5. 3926.90.99.50 ββ Other Plastic Articles (e.g., Face Masks)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5.3% β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Warning:
- This is the highest tax rate (22.8%).
- Only suitable if the item is not a helmet but a plastic face mask or general plastic accessory.
- Do not misdeclare helmets as this code to avoid customs penalties.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Include material (e.g., EPS, PC, ABS), weight, safety standards (CPSC, EN1078) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show helmet, vents, strap, label |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Cycling Helmet" or "Sports Headgear" |
| β Certificate of Compliance | βοΈ | CPSC (US) or CE (EU) certification |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, packaging type |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Material Matters: Plastic vs. Headwear, 10% vs. 22%!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Helmet | 6506.10.30.30 |
Lowest tax (10%), 0% Section 301 |
| Helmet with Metal Parts | 9506.91.00.30 |
Risk of 50% steel/aluminum surcharge |
| General Sports Headgear | 6506.10.60.45 |
Higher tax (17.5%), safer if material unclear |
| Plastic Face Mask | 3926.90.99.50 |
Only for masks, not helmets |
| Mixed Packaging (Helmet + Bag) | Declare Helmet Separately | Avoid splitting duties incorrectly |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Helmets | Provide design specs to justify "enhanced plastic" classification |
| Helmets with Mirrors/Lights | Still classify as helmet; do not split unless lights are separate items |
| Kids' Helmets | Same classification; ensure CPSC compliance |
| E-Bike Helmets | If motorized, may require additional safety certifications |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6506.10.30.30 |
10% | CPSC, ASTM | Avoid 9506 due to 50% surcharge |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6506.10 |
0-4% | CE, EN1078 | Lower tariffs, but strict safety standards |
| π¨π³ China | 6506.10 |
0-6% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base duties |
| π¬π§ UK | 6506.10 |
0-4% | UKCA, EN1078 | Post-Brexit standards apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6506.10 |
5% | AS/NZS 2063 | Specific safety norm |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most critical market due to high Section 301 and 122 Clause tariffs.
- Opt for6506.10.30.30to minimize costs.
- Avoid9506.91.00.30unless necessary, due to the 50% steel/aluminum surcharge risk.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring helmet as "General Sports Good" (9506)
π Consequence: 22.1% total duty, including 50% steel/aluminum surcharge.
β Mistake 2: Misdeclaring helmet as "Plastic Mask" (3926)
π Consequence: 22.8% duty + customs penalties for misclassification.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 301 and 122 Clause
π Consequence: Unexpected 17.5% surcharge on "headgear" codes.
β Mistake 4: Not providing CPSC/CE certificates
π Consequence: Customs delay, seizure, or return.
β Correct Approach:
"Cycling Helmet, Made of Enhanced Laminated Plastic, CPSC Certified, Model XYZ, for Sports Use Only"
π― 7. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Savings & Speed!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Plastic Helmet? Go
6506.10.30.30β 10% Duty, 0% Surcharge!"
πΉ "Sports Good? Avoid9506β 22%+ Duty, High Risk!"
πΉ "Plastic Mask? Only3926β 22.8% Duty, Not for Helmets!"
π Pro Tip:
If your helmets are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia, you may qualify for Section 301 exemptions, reducing duties significantly.
Apply for Advance Rulings to confirm HS Code classification before shipment.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, lower costs, and faster delivery!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saved Is Pure Profit!
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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.