Football Shin Guards
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506992000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926203000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202923900 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π‘οΈ Football Shin Guards (Sports Protective Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Categorizing Shin Guards Correctly?
Football Shin Guards are essential protective gear for sports such as soccer, hockey, and martial arts. In international trade, they are primarily classified under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment) or Chapter 39/42 (Plastics/Textiles) depending on their specific composition and intended use. The key to accurate classification lies in distinguishing between the protective function (sports equipment) and the material composition (plastic/textile accessories).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified strictly as sports equipment accessories for protective purposes β Chapter 95
- If classified as plastic household/sports articles not specific to a sport β Chapter 39
- If classified as textile/synthetic bags/cases for carrying guards β Chapter 42
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.20.00 |
Football Shin Guards; Sports protective gear made of plastic/metal | Soccer, field sports; rigid plastic or metal shells | β Sports-specific protection |
9506.99.60.80 |
Football Shin Guards; Exercise & sports equipment | General sports training, athletic protection | β Sports equipment category |
3926.20.30.00 |
Shin Guard Sleeves/Covers; Accessory to gloves/guards | Plastic covers for guards; non-rigid | β Plastic accessory, not primary guard |
4202.92.39.00 |
Shin Guard Cases/Bags; Sports bags/supplies | Textile/synthetic bags for carrying guards | β Bag/Container, not the guard itself |
9506.91.00.30 |
Shin Guard Covers/Inserts; Accessories for track/football | Plastic/EVA foam liners; soft protective inserts | β Sports accessory/part |
π Key Reminder:
- Rigid Plastic/Metal Shin Guards primarily used for impact protection should ideally fall under Chapter 95 if deemed "specifically designed for sports."
- Soft Sleeves or Fabric Covers meant to hold the guard in place may fall under Chapter 39 (if plastic-dominated) or Chapter 42 (if textile-dominated).
- Bags/Cases for storing shin guards are classified under Chapter 42.
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 Date: From 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9506.99.20.00 ββ Football Shin Guards (Plastic/Metal Protective Gear)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Section 232 Tariff (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (If applicable to metal components) |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% (Without Section 232) 67.5% (With Section 232) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% (or 67.5% if metal) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 + Section 232 |
π Explanation:
- Base tariff is 0% because it is a sports article.
- Section 301: Adds 7.5% for Chinese origin.
- Section 122: Adds 10% for general US trade policy surcharge.
- Section 232: If the guard contains steel, aluminum, or copper (e.g., metal buckles, reinforced plates), an additional 50% applies. This significantly increases the cost for metal-reinforced guards.
π― 2. 9506.99.60.80 ββ Football Shin Guards (Sports Equipment)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Section 232 Tariff (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (If applicable to metal components) |
| Total Tax Rate | 21.5% (Without Section 232) 71.5% (With Section 232) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.5% (or 71.5% if metal) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 + Section 232 |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base rate (4.0%) than9506.99.20.00.
- Still subject to Section 301 and 122.
- Metal content triggers the 50% surcharge, making this classification less favorable for metal-heavy products.
π― 3. 3926.20.30.00 ββ Shin Guard Sleeves (Plastic Accessories)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as "Other articles of plastics" rather than specific sports gear.
- Section 301 surcharge is 25% (higher than the 7.5% for sports goods in Ch. 95).
- Total 38% is significantly higher than Ch. 95 options unless metal content triggers Section 232.
π― 4. 4202.92.39.00 ββ Shin Guard Bags/Cases (Textile/Synthetic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 17.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 52.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 52.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 |
π Note:
- This code is for bags/cases, not the shin guards themselves.
- High base tariff (17.6%) + 25% Section 301 + 10% Section 122 = 52.6%.
- Do not misclassify shin guards as bags to avoid penalties.
π― 5. 9506.91.00.30 ββ Shin Guard Covers/Inserts (Plastic/EVA)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Section 232 Tariff (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (If applicable to metal components) |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.1% (Without Section 232) 72.1% (With Section 232) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.1% (or 72.1% if metal) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 + Section 232 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as "Accessories and Parts" for sports equipment.
- Similar to9506.99.20.00but with a slightly higher base rate (4.6%).
- Subject to same Section 232 risk if metal is used in inserts/buckles.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Dimensions, material (Plastic/Textile/Metal), padding type (EVA/Soft) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Front, back, inside lining, brand/logo, packaging |
| β Bill of Materials (BOM) | βοΈ | List all components: Shell, Strap, Padding, Buckles |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Football Shin Guards - Plastic/Metal" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity per box, total weight, dimensions |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming preferential rates (though unlikely for CN origin under current tariffs) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material Matters, Sport Specificity Counts, Avoid Bag Trap!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid Plastic Shin Guards | 9506.99.20.00 or 9506.99.60.80 |
Misdeclare as 3926.20.30.00 β Higher Section 301 (25%) |
| Shin Guards with Metal Buckles | 9506.99.20.00 + Declare Metal Content |
Ignore metal β Risk of Section 232 (50%) penalty |
| Shin Guard Bags/Cases | 4202.92.39.00 |
Declare as "Shin Guards" β Misclassification penalty |
| Soft Fabric Sleeves | 3926.20.30.00 (if plastic-lined) or 6116.93 (if textile) |
Misdeclare as Ch. 95 β Incorrect base rate |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Metal-Heavy Guards | Calculate total cost with Section 232 (50%). Consider switching to plastic-only if possible to save 50% surcharge. |
| Mixed Materials | Clearly state material breakdown in BOM. Customs may apportion tariffs if not clear. |
| OEM Custom Guards | Provide design drawings. Proving "sports-specific design" supports Chapter 95 classification. |
| Small Samples (De Minimis) | β Not eligible for $800 de minimis exemption due to Section 301/122/232. All shipments subject to tariffs. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.20.00 |
17.5% (No metal) 67.5% (With metal) |
None specific | High risk with metal components. Section 301 + 122 apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.20.00 |
0% - 5% | N/A | Low tariff, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.90 |
0% - 4.7% | CE (if applicable) | No major surtaxes. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.90 |
0% - 4.7% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules align with EU. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9506.99.90 |
5% | ACMA (if electronics) | No surtaxes. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to Section 301, 122, and potential Section 232 tariffs.
- Metal components are critical: Using metal buckles/reinforcement can increase tariffs by 50%.
- Chapter 95 is preferred over Chapter 39/42 for actual shin guards to avoid higher Section 301 rates.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Shin Guards as "Plastic Articles" (3926.20.30.00)
π Consequence: Section 301 jumps from 7.5% to 25% β Total tax 38% vs 17.5%.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Metal Components in 9506.99.20.00
π Consequence: Section 232 50% surcharge applies if steel/aluminum/copper is present β Total tax 67.5% vs 17.5%.
β Mistake 3: Declaring Shin Guard Bags as the Guards Themselves
π Consequence: Misclassification β Penalty, delays, and incorrect tax calculation.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) Applies
π Consequence: All shipments are taxable. Do not split shipments to avoid tariffs.
β Correct Approach:
"Football Shin Guards, Plastic Shell with EVA Padding, Nylon Straps, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Sports First, Material Second, Metal is Expensive, Bag is Not Guard!"
πΉ "Chapter 95 is King for Shin Guards, Section 232 is the Trap!"
πΉ "17.5% vs 67.5%: Choose Plastic, Avoid Metal Buckles!"
π Pro Tip:
If your shin guards do not contain steel, aluminum, or copper, use
9506.99.20.00for the lowest possible tariff (17.5%).
If metal is unavoidable, factor in the 50% Section 232 surcharge.
Consider supplier audits to confirm material composition before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide BOM + Verify Material Composition
π Optimize Supply Chain, Reduce Tariff Burden, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Profit Gained!
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.