Dartboard Frame

🎯 Dartboard Frame (Dartboard Protective Ring)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand the "Dartboard Frame"?

The Dartboard Frame (also known as a dartboard protective ring or surround) is an essential accessory for darts equipment, designed to protect the dartboard and enhance safety. In international trade, it can be classified under different HS codes depending on its material composition, structural function, and specific usage.

International trade categorizes it primarily into two types:

1. Sports Equipment Accessories (HS 9506):
If the frame is specifically designed as a part or accessory for sports apparatus (e.g., made of plastic/rubber to protect the board during play), it falls under Chapter 95.

2. General Textile/Other Parts (HS 6307):
If the frame is made of fabric, felt, or other textile materials, or is considered a general "made-up article" not specifically identified as a sports part, it may fall under Chapter 63.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a structural component made of plastic/rubber specifically for a dartboard →归入 9506
- If it is a textile/fabric cover or general protective part → 归入 6307

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- Material Matters: Plastic/Rubber frames usually go to 9506; Fabric/Textile frames go to 6307.
- Specificity: If the product is explicitly marketed as a "part for dartboards," customs often prefer 9506 over general "other parts" codes.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties, Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025-11-10 (Includes subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 9506.99.60.80 —— Dartboard Protective Ring (Plastic/Rubber Sports Parts)

📌 Explanation:
- This code applies if the frame is made of plastic or rubber.
- Note on Steel/Aluminum/Copper: If the frame contains metal parts (e.g., a steel ring), the 50% surcharge may apply, potentially raising the total tax significantly. However, the data summary lists 21.5%, which implies the calculation may exclude the 50% metal surcharge or assume non-metal materials for the base summary. Caution: Verify material content strictly.

🎯 2. 6307.90.98.75 —— Dartboard Protective Ring (Other Made-up Articles)

📌 Note:
- This code is suitable for fabric/textile frames.
- It has no Section 301 tariff, making it cheaper than some sports equipment codes.
- Section 122 applies if any metal components are present.

🎯 3. 9506.99.05.30 —— Dartboard Protective Ring (Archery/Darts Specific Parts)

📌 Important:
- This code has a 0% base rate, making it attractive.
- However, Section 122 (+10%) and Section 301 (+7.5%) still apply.
- Like Code 1, if the frame is metallic, the 50% surcharge could drastically increase costs. The summary 17.5% likely assumes non-metal materials.

🎯 4. 6307.90.98.91 —— Dartboard Protective Ring (General Accessory Parts)

📌 Note:
- This is the most expensive option among the listed codes.
- It applies to general protective rings without specific sports or textile classification.
- Avoid this code if a more specific classification (like 9506 or 6307.75) is available to save costs.

🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (All Required)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 "Material First, Function Second, Name Accurate, Tax Lowered!"

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariffs due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- Material composition is critical in the US market to avoid the 50% metal surcharge.
- EU/UK/Australia are more favorable, with lower or zero tariffs.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a plastic frame as "Textile" to save tax
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection reveals plastic → Penalty + Back Taxes!

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring metal components in "Plastic" frames
👉 Consequence: Missing the 50% Steel/Aluminum/Copper surcharge → Heavy Back Taxes + Fines!

❌ Mistake 3: Using "Dartboard Accessory" as a generic name
👉 Consequence: Customs may choose the most expensive code (6307.90.98.91) → 24.5% instead of 17%

❌ Mistake 4: Splitting Dartboard and Frame shipments unnecessarily
👉 Consequence: If sold as a set, splitting may lead to misclassification of the frame component.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Dartboard Protective Ring, 12-inch, Plastic Material, for Use with Standard Dartboards, No Metal Components"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Cut Costs!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Plastic goes to 9506, Fabric to 6307. No Metal = No 50% Surcharge. Name it right, keep your profit high!"
🔹 "HS Code defines your cost. A 7.5% difference can make or break your margin!"

📌 Pro Tip:
- If your dartboard frame is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions or avoid Section 301 tariffs.
- Highly recommend Applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm the HS code before shipping, especially for mixed-material items.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Professional Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Pre-ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth customs clearance, efficient global shipping, and maximized profits!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Penny of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!