Elbow Pads
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016990500 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217909003 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217909010 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6117809570 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π‘οΈ Elbow Pads: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide 2026
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Guide
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding "Elbow Pads"
Elbow Pads are protective gear designed to shield the elbow joint from impact, abrasion, and friction. They are widely used in sports (skating, basketball, volleyball), industrial work, and daily life. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition and intended use.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If made primarily of sulfurized rubber or rubber-composite materials for general/home use β Classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber).
- If made of textiles, cotton, or synthetic fibers as clothing accessories β Classified under Chapter 61/62 (Apparel/Accessories).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Use Case | Tax Category Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.05.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber, household or personal protection use | Sulfurized rubber or rubber-composite materials; general household/personal protection items | Rubber Chapter (Home/Personal Protection) |
4016.99.60.50 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber, not for motor vehicle machinery | Sulfurized rubber or rubber-like elastic materials; non-automotive specific machinery parts | Rubber Chapter (General Industrial/Home) |
6217.90.90.03 |
Made-up clothing accessories, mainly cotton-based | Cotton or cotton-blend materials; classified as clothing accessories/parts | Textile Chapter (Cotton Accessories) |
6217.90.90.10 |
Made-up clothing accessories, mainly artificial fiber | Artificial fibers or woven fabrics; general clothing accessory/fallback category | Textile Chapter (Artificial Fiber Accessories) |
6117.80.95.70 |
Other made-up clothing accessories, mainly synthetic fiber | Synthetic fibers or elastic materials; clothing components/accessories | Knitting Chapter (Synthetic/Knitted Accessories) |
π Critical Reminder:
- Rubber-based pads go to Chapter 40.
- Fabric/Knitted pads go to Chapter 61/62.
- Misclassification risk: Declaring a rubber elbow pad as a textile accessory (or vice versa) leads to significant tariff differences and potential customs penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates include Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges for Chinese goods.
π― 1. 4016.99.05.00 ββ Vulcanized Rubber Elbow Pads (Household/Protection Use)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 301/122 surcharges) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.05.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- 3.4% is the standard MFN base rate for rubber articles.
- 7.5% is the Section 301 additional duty.
- 10% is the Section 122 duty (often applied to specific protective or industrial items from China).
- Total 20.9% is moderate compared to textile alternatives.
π― 2. 4016.99.60.50 ββ Vulcanized Rubber Elbow Pads (General/Non-Auto)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.60.50 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Caution:
- While the base rate is lower (2.5%), the Section 301 surcharge is 25% (higher than 7.5%).
- Total 37.5% is significantly higher than4016.99.05.00.
- Key Difference:4016.99.05.00is specifically for "household/personal protection," whereas4016.99.60.50is a generic rubber article category. Always aim for4016.99.05.00if the product is clearly protective gear.
π― 3. 6217.90.90.03 ββ Cotton-Based Elbow Pads (Clothing Accessories)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +0.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 24.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 122) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6217.90.90.03 β Section 122 |
π Note:
- No Section 301 surcharge (0%), but Section 122 adds 10%.
- Total 24.6% is higher than rubber option4016.99.05.00(20.9%).
- Suitable only if the product is primarily cotton-based.
π― 4. 6217.90.90.10 & 6117.80.95.70 ββ Synthetic/Artificial Fiber Elbow Pads
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 32.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6217.90.90.10 / 6117.80.95.70 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Analysis:
- Both synthetic fiber classifications carry Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Total 32.1% is the second-highest among textile options.
- Higher than rubber option4016.99.05.00(20.9%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Material Specification | βοΈ | Crucial: Must explicitly state % of rubber vs. cotton vs. synthetic fiber. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show structure: padding, fabric covering, elastic bands. |
| β Composition Label | βοΈ | Internal label showing "Material: 80% Sulfurized Rubber, 20% Nylon" etc. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Use precise description: "Rubber Elbow Pads for Sports Protection" vs. "Textile Elbow Pads". |
| β Customs Declaration | βοΈ | Align HS Code with material specs exactly. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial Defines Code, Protection Defines Duty, Donβt Mix Rubber with Textile!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Core, Protective Use | 4016.99.05.00 (20.9%) |
Declare as 6217.90.90.03 (Cotton Accessory) |
Underpayment Risk: If found to be rubber, back taxes + penalties. |
| Rubber Core, General Use | 4016.99.60.50 (37.5%) |
Declare as 4016.99.05.00 (Household/Protection) |
Overpayment Risk: Higher duty paid unnecessarily if not clearly "protective." |
| Cotton-Based Pad | 6217.90.90.03 (24.6%) |
Declare as 4016.99.05.00 |
Misclassification: Material mismatch β Inspection delay. |
| Synthetic Fiber Pad | 6217.90.90.10 (32.1%) |
Declare as 6217.90.90.03 |
Error: Wrong fiber type β Potential fines. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Material Pads (e.g., Rubber pad + Cotton sleeve) | Primary Purpose Test: If the rubber component provides the core protection, classify under Chapter 40. If the cotton sleeve is the main value-add and protection is minimal, classify under Chapter 62. |
| OEM Custom Elbow Pads | Provide detailed material breakdown. If the client specifies "Medical Grade Rubber," ensure it doesnβt fall under medical devices (Chapter 90). |
| Elbow Pads for Work Safety (Industrial) | Still likely 4016.99.05.00 if personal protective equipment (PPE). If part of a larger uniform, consider clothing accessory classification. |
| Sample Shipments | Even for samples, Section 122 and 301 apply. Do not assume "no tax" for samples from China. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.05.00 |
20.9% | No specific certs | Best option for rubber pads |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.99.05.00 |
3.4% | GB Standards | No surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.99.80 |
~6-9% | CE (if PPE) | Lower rates than US |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.99.80 |
~5-8% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4016.99.90 |
~10-15% | PSE (if applicable) | Moderate rates |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest complexity due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- Rubber-based elbow pads (4016.99.05.00) offer the lowest total duty (20.9%) in the US market compared to textile alternatives (24.6%-32.1%).
- Cotton-based pads (6217.90.90.03) are competitive (24.6%) if material cost is lower and no Section 301 applies.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring rubber elbow pads as "clothing accessories" without material proof.
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration, impose higher duties (if misclassified as non-protective rubber), or seize goods.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 Surtax.
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% charge on all shipments, affecting profitability.
β Mistake 3: Assuming "Protective Gear" automatically qualifies for lower rates.
π Consequence: Must prove "household/personal protection" purpose. Industrial safety gear may be classified differently.
β Mistake 4: Mixing "Elbow Pads" with "Sleeves" in one shipment.
π Consequence: Split classification required. If sleeves are textile and pads are rubber, two different HS Codes must be used.
β Correct Practice:
"Rubber Elbow Pads for Skateboarding, 80% Sulfurized Rubber, 20% Nylon, Model XYZ, PPE Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βRubber Pads β 20.9% (Best for Protection)β
πΉ βCotton Pads β 24.6% (Good for Light Use)β
πΉ βSynthetic Pads β 32.1% (Higher Duty)β
πΉ βAlways Declare Material % to Avoid Penalties!β
π Pro Tip:
If you can adjust your product design to use more rubber and less synthetic fabric, you may qualify for the lower 20.9% duty rate under 4016.99.05.00.
Recommend pre-arranging customs classification (Advance Ruling) for large volumes to ensure stability.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Material Composition + Verify HS Code Pre-classification
π Ensure smooth clearance, minimize tax costs, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny Saved in Duty 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.