Foosball Table
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504904000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403896020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506991200 | 15.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403704031 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Foosball Table (Table Football)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Foosball Tables"?
A Foosball Table (also known as Table Football) is a popular recreational game table where players manipulate rods to control miniature figures. In international trade, its classification is highly contested due to its dual nature: it is both a piece of furniture (it has legs, a frame, and a playing surface) and a toy/sporting good (it is used for entertainment and physical interaction).
Because of this ambiguity, it can fall under different chapters depending on how you describe its primary use and construction:
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If viewed as Game Equipment/Toy: Falls under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, Sports Equipment).
- If viewed as Furniture: Falls under Chapter 94 (Furniture).
- Crucial Note: The material composition (steel, aluminum, copper) and specific design features heavily influence the final tariff rate, especially under US "Section 301" and "Section 232" tariffs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on current data, here are the possible HS Codes for Foosball Tables, ranging from low-tax sporting goods to high-tax furniture and metals.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Determining Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
9504.90.40.00 |
Board games, table games, gaming machines (Not electronic) | Recreational game device; classified under gaming equipment | β Gaming Device |
9403.89.60.20 |
Furniture of other materials (Furniture of wood, plastic, metal, etc.) | Entertainment/Game Furniture; classified as general furniture | β Furniture |
9506.99.12.00 |
Other sports equipment and outdoor games | Sports & Outdoor Games; classified as sporting goods | β Sporting Good |
9506.99.60.80 |
Other sporting articles and equipment | Fitness & Game Apparatus; matches other sporting gear | β Sporting Apparatus |
9403.70.40.31 |
Furniture of wood (Other furniture) | Furniture category; no material conflict, but high tariff | β Wood Furniture |
π Important Reminder:
- Classification Discrepancy: The same product can have a tax rate as low as 10% (9504.90.40.00) or as high as 35% (9403.89.60.20).
- Material Impact: If the table has significant steel/aluminum/copper components, extra tariffs (up to 50%) may apply under specific clauses (9506.99.60.80).
- Primary Purpose: Customs may classify it as "Furniture" if it's large/heavy, or "Game" if it's compact/interactive.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9504.90.40.00 ββ Gaming Equipment (Lowest Risk Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% (Specific provision for certain gaming/electronic goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to full duty calculation) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9504.90.40 β Section 122 Surcharge |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification if the product is clearly defined as a "table game" or "gaming equipment."
- The 10% surcharge is significantly lower than furniture or steel-related tariffs.
- Strategy: Emphasize the "game mechanism" and "interactive play" rather than the wooden/metal frame.
π― 2. 9403.89.60.20 & 9403.70.40.31 ββ Furniture Category (High Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 / Section 232 | +25% (General China surcharge) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9403.xxxx β Section 301 (Footnote 9903.88.01) β Section 122 |
π Warning:
- If Customs classifies the Foosball Table as Furniture, the tariff jumps to 35%.
- This applies to both "Other Furniture" (9403.89.60.20) and "Wooden Furniture" (9403.70.40.31).
- Why? Because it has legs, a frame, and is stationary.
- Mitigation: Avoid using the word "Table" in the product name if possible; use "Game Board" or "Gaming Apparatus."
π― 3. 9506.99.12.00 & 9506.99.60.80 ββ Sporting Goods (Medium Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.6% (12) or 4.0% (60) |
| Section 301 / Other Add-ons | 0%β7.5% (Varies by specific subheading) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.6% (12) or 21.5% (60) |
| Metal Penalty Note | β οΈ For 9506.99.60.80, Steel/Aluminum/Copper items may have an additional 50% tariff! |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9506.99 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Critical Alert:
-9506.99.60.80is DANGEROUS: If the foosball table has metal rods, steel frames, or copper parts, the 50% steel/aluminum tariff could apply, making the total tax rate extremely high.
-9506.99.12.00is Safer: If classified as "Sports/Outdoor Games" without heavy metal components, the rate is only 15.6%.
- Strategy: Highlight the "Sporting/Physical Exercise" aspect, but ensure the product description does not emphasize "Metal Construction" to avoid the 50% surcharge.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Details dimensions, weight, materials (wood vs. metal ratio), and assembly instructions. |
| β High-Resolution Photos | βοΈ | Show the game mechanism (players, rods) prominently to support "Gaming/Sporting" classification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | DO NOT write "Furniture" if aiming for lower tax. Use "Foosball Game Set," "Table Football Equipment." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm if rods, balls, and instructions are included (complete game unit). |
| β Material Composition Statement | βοΈ | Critical for avoiding the 50% metal tariff. Specify % of wood vs. metal. |
| β Customs Ruling (if available) | βοΈ | If you have a previous Advance Ruling, attach it. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βDonβt Say βFurniture,β Say βGameβ! Avoid βSteel,β Say βCompositeβ!β
| Scenario | Recommended Declaration | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Goal: Lowest Tax (10%) | HS 9504.90.40.00"Foosball Game Board, Wooden Frame" |
Describing it as "Table" or "Furniture" |
| Goal: Medium Tax (15.6%) | HS 9506.99.12.00"Sports Game Apparatus, Non-Metallic Rods" |
Mentioning "Steel Frame" or "Metal Construction" |
| High Risk (35% or 70%+) | HS 9403.xxxx or 9506.99.60.80 with Metal |
Calling it "Wooden Table" or including "Steel Components" |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Metal Rods are Essential | If the table must have steel rods, try to classify under 9504.90.40.00 (Gaming) rather than 9506.99.60.80 (Sporting) to avoid the 50% metal penalty. Argue that the rods are minor components of a "Game Device." |
| Large-Sized Industrial Foosball | If itβs huge and looks like a bar counter, Customs may force 9403 (Furniture). Keep marketing materials focused on "Play," not "Bar Furniture." |
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the invoice matches the product exactly. Discrepancies between "Gaming Toy" in one doc and "Furniture" in another will trigger audits. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.90.40.00 |
10% | N/A (Lowest Risk) | Avoid 9403 (35%) and Metal-heavy 9506 (50%+). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9503.00.30 |
~4% + VAT | CE, EN71 | Different HS structure; focus on "Toys/Games." |
| π¨π³ China | 9504.90.00 |
0% - 10% | CCC (if electronic, but usually not needed) | Lower baseline tariffs globally. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9503.00.30 |
~4% + VAT | UKCA, EN71 | Post-Brexit rules align closely with EU for games. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9504.90.90 |
~0% - 5% | CPSIA (if child-directed) | Generally favorable for games. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most challenging market due to Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs.
- USA Strategy: Aggressively push for9504.90.40.00(10%) by emphasizing "Game Device" status.
- Avoid any language that highlights "Furniture" or "Metal Construction."
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood-Tested Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Using the word "Table" in the product name.
π Result: Customs classifies as 9403 (Furniture) β 35% Tax.
β
Fix: Use "Foosball Game Set," "Table Football Apparatus."
β Mistake 2: Not disclosing Metal Components.
π Result: Classified under 9506.99.60.80 β 21.5% + 50% Metal Surcharge = 70%+ Tax.
β
Fix: If rods are metal, argue they are minor components of a 9504.90.40.00 gaming device.
β Mistake 3: Inconsistent Documentation.
π Result: Audit delay, potential seizure.
β
Fix: Ensure Invoice, Packing List, and Spec Sheet all agree on the "Gaming/Sporting" nature.
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximum Savings!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Call it a Game, Not a Table."
πΉ "Metal is Money (Penalty)."
πΉ9504.90.40.00is your Best Friend (10%).
πΉ9403is your Enemy (35%).
π Pro Tip:
If your Foosball Table has significant wooden components but metal rods, consider providing a Material Breakdown showing wood > 50% by weight/value. This might help support a "Game" classification over "Furniture" or "Metal Goods."
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker for an Advance Ruling if the value is high.
π Update your Product Descriptions on invoices and catalogs immediately.
π Clearance Speed + Cost Efficiency = Happy Customers!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Saved is Pure Profit!
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.