Dartboard Protection Ring
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307909891 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307909875 | 17.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506990530 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π― Dartboard Protection Ring: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Protocol
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Dartboard Protection Rings"?
The Dartboard Protection Ring (also known as a dart surround or steel surround) is an essential accessory for dartboards, designed to protect the board from damage and contain stray darts. In international trade, it is classified based on its function, material, and association with sporting goods.
It is not a standalone sporting good but a component/accessory. Key classification logic depends on: 1. Material: Plastic, rubber, metal (steel/aluminum), or composite. 2. Specificity: Is it exclusively for dartboards, or a general-purpose safety ring? 3. Trade Policy: Subject to specific U.S. "Section 301" and "Section 122" tariffs for Chinese origin.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a generic plastic/rubber ring used for various sports equipment β May fall under Chapter 63 (Textiles/Other Made-up Articles).
- If it is specifically designed for dartboards (sports equipment) β Falls under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, Sports Equipment).
- Material Matters: Steel/Aluminum/Copper components trigger additional 50% tariffs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Mapping)
Based on the provided data, here are the four most likely HS Codes for a Dartboard Protection Ring, sorted by typical usage and material inference.
| HS Code | Product Description & Rationale | Material Inference | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.05.30 |
Sports Equipment Parts: Dartboard Accessories Function matches dartboard sports equipment. Protection ring classified as a part/accessory. |
Plastic or Rubber | β Most Likely for Standard Plastic/Rubber Rings |
9506.99.60.80 |
Sports Equipment Parts: General Sports Goods Accessories Categorized under "Other sporting goods and their parts." Common for plastic/rubber sports accessories. |
Plastic or Rubber | β Alternative for General Sports Rings |
6307.90.98.75 |
Other Made-up Articles: Protective Covers/Part Components Categorized under "Other masks/made-up articles" or generic accessories. Broad "catch-all" for non-specific parts. |
Fabric, Plastic, or Composite | β οΈ For Generic/Textile-based Rings |
6307.90.98.91 |
Other Made-up Articles: Other Accessories Classified as an accessory under "Other categories." Last-resort category for miscellaneous made-up articles. |
Various | β οΈ Least Preferred; High Tariff Risk |
π Critical Note:
- HS 9506 codes are preferred if the product is exclusively for sports/darts.
- HS 6307 codes apply if the product is considered a general protective accessory not specific to sports.
- Metal Components: If the ring contains steel, aluminum, or copper, a 50% additional tariff applies under Section 301, regardless of the base HS code.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9506.99.05.30 β Sports Equipment Parts (Dartboard Specific)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% (Section 301 Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific to China under Section 122) |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | +50% (If material is steel, aluminum, or copper) |
| Total Tariff | 17.5% (Plastic/Rubber) 67.5% (Steel/Al/Copper) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% (or 67.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | Section 122 β USITC:9506.99.05.30 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- 17.5% is the standard rate for plastic/rubber dartboard accessories.
- 67.5% applies if the ring has metal parts. This is a high-risk tariff for metal-framed rings.
π― 2. 9506.99.60.80 β General Sports Goods Accessories
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | +50% (If material is steel, aluminum, or copper) |
| Total Tariff | 21.5% (Plastic/Rubber) 71.5% (Steel/Al/Copper) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.5% (or 71.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | Section 122 β USITC:9506.99.60.80 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base tariff (4%) than9506.99.05.30.
- Only use if9506.99.05.30is not available or if the product is not specific to darts.
π― 3. 6307.90.98.75 β Other Made-up Articles (Generic Accessory)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% (Exempt from Section 301 in this subheading) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | N/A (Usually fabric/plastic, but check if metal-infused) |
| Total Tariff | 17.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | Section 122 β USITC:6307.90.98.75 |
π Explanation:
- 17.0% total tariff.
- No Section 301 surcharge, but higher base tariff.
- Use only if the product is not clearly a sports accessory.
π― 4. 6307.90.98.91 β Other Made-up Articles (Catch-all)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | N/A |
| Total Tariff | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | Section 122 β USITC:6307.90.98.91 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Note:
- 24.5% is the highest recommended rate in the provided data.
- Avoid this code unless no other classification fits. It offers no Section 301 exemption.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (plastic/rubber/metal), dimensions, and exclusive use for dartboards. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the ring, showing any brand, model number, and material texture. |
| β Bill of Lading / Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code rationale (e.g., "Plastic Dartboard Surround, Part No. XYZ"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must clarify if rings are imported separately or with dartboards. |
| β Declaration of Non-Metal (if applicable) | βοΈ | If claiming HS 9506, explicitly state "No steel, aluminum, or copper components" to avoid 50% surcharge. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βMaterial Defines Tariff, Specificity Defines HS Code!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Dartboard Ring | 9506.99.05.30 + "Plastic Dartboard Accessory" |
Misclassifying as 6307 β Higher base tariff |
| Metal-Framed Ring | 9506.99.05.30 + "Contains Steel" |
Hiding metal content β 50% Penalty + 67.5% Total Tariff |
| Mixed Import (Board + Ring) | Declare Ring as Part/Accessory | Separate declaration as "Toy" β Compliance Risk |
| Generic Safety Ring | 6307.90.98.75 + "Protective Cover for Sports Equipment" |
Over-specifying as "Dartboard Only" when it fits other uses |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Rings | Provide customer design files to prove exclusive use for darts. |
| Composite Materials | If plastic + metal wire, must declare metal content to avoid 50% surcharge penalty. |
| Imported with Dartboards | The ring is a part of the dartboard set. Declare as part of the main good if possible, but US customs often requires separate HS if value is significant. |
| Re-export from Third Country | Check Certificate of Origin. If re-exported from Vietnam/Malaysia, Section 122/301 may not apply (subject to rules of origin). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.05.30 |
17.5% (Plastic) 67.5% (Metal) |
FTC Labeling, CPSIA (if toy-like) | Section 122 + 301 apply. Metal surcharge is critical. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.05.30 |
~0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low entry barrier. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.80 |
0-4% | CE, EN71 | No Section 122/301 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.80 |
0-4% | UKCA, CE | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9506.99.90 |
5% | ACCC | No high surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to layered tariffs (Section 122 + 301).
- Metal content is the biggest cost driver in the US (50% additional tariff).
- Plastic/Rubber rings are cost-effective at 17.5%.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a steel-framed ring as plastic to avoid 50% surcharge.
π Consequence: Customs audit β Back taxes + Penalties + Seizure.
β Error 2: Using 6307.90.98.91 for a clearly sports-specific ring.
π Consequence: Higher base tariff (24.5% vs 17.5%) and potential classification challenge.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 in the declaration.
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% tariff β Liability for duty deficiency.
β Error 4: Mixing "Toy" and "Sporting Good" descriptions.
π Consequence: Darts are sporting goods, not toys. Misclassification can lead to FTC scrutiny.
β Best Practice:
"Plastic Dartboard Protection Ring, Exclusive Use for Darts, No Metal Components, Model XYZ, China Origin"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember These Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Plastic Ring = 17.5% (HS 9506.99.05.30)"
πΉ "Metal Ring = 67.5% (HS 9506.99.05.30 + 50% Metal Surcharge)"
πΉ "Section 122 (10%) Always Applies for China Origin"
πΉ "Section 301 (7.5%) Applies to Sports Parts, Not Generic Articles (HS 6307.98.75)"
π Pro Tip:
If your dartboard ring has any metal component, strongly consider material substitution (e.g., reinforced plastic) to avoid the 50% additional tariff.
For high-volume imports, apply for an Advance Ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to secure your HS Code classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Verify Metal Content
π Optimize Your Supply Chain, Reduce Tariff Burden, and Ensure Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Matters in International Trade!
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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.