Golf Club Cover
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506310000 | 21.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909930 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Golf Club Cover (Golf Club Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Golf Gear
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly is a "Golf Club Cover"?
A Golf Club Cover (often referred to as a shaft cover, head cover, or travel cover) is an accessory designed to protect golf club shafts, heads, or entire sets from damage during transport or storage. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the material composition, functionality, and packaging (whether sold individually or as part of a set).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the cover is specifically shaped for and used with golf clubs β Likely Chapter 95 (Sports Goods).
- If the cover is a generic plastic/metal item without specific golf functionality β Likely Chapter 39 (Plastics) or 73 (Iron/Steel).
- If sold as a complete kit with other entertainment items β Likely Chapter 95 (Games/Toys).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Function |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.31.00.00 |
Golf clubs and other golf equipment, including covers, due to match with use and form. | Specific shaft/head covers designed for golf clubs. | β Specific to Golf |
9504.90.90.80 |
Games and playthings, if the club cover is an accessory to a set. | Covers sold as part of a gaming/entertainment set. | β Set Accessory |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastic and other materials, if the cover contains plastic parts. | Generic plastic covers not specific to golf. | β Generic Plastic |
3926.90.99.30 |
Other articles of non-metallic materials, if made of plastic/composite. | Composite material covers falling under "other articles." | β Non-Metallic |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel, if the cover contains metal components. | Metal-reinforced or all-metal protective cases. | β Metal/Steel |
π Critical Reminder:
- Specificity Wins: If the cover is specifically designed for golf clubs (shape, size, branding), it defaults to 9506.31.00.00.
- Generic vs. Specific: If the cover is a generic sleeve that fits any club, customs may reclassify it as a general plastic/steel article (95% risk of reclassification to Ch 39/73).
- Set Packaging: If part of a broader "game set," it might fall under 9504.90.90.80, but this is rare for standalone golf accessories.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)
π― 1. 9506.31.00.00 ββ Golf Clubs and Accessories (Recommended)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 4.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (USITC Footnote for certain sports goods) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 21.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9506.31.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- 4.4% is the standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate for golf accessories.
- +7.5% is the Section 301 additional duty.
- +10% is the IEEPA surcharge specific to Chinese-origin goods.
- Total: 21.9%. This is the most accurate and typically lowest-risk classification if the cover is clearly for golf.
π― 2. 9504.90.90.80 ββ Games/Playthings Accessories (If Part of a Set)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9504.90.90.80 |
π Note:
- Only applicable if the cover is not primarily a golf accessory but part of a general "game/entertainment" set.
- Risk: Customs may reject this if the item is exclusively for golf, forcing a reclassification to 21.9%.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 & 3926.90.99.30 ββ Plastic Articles (Generic Covers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3926.90.99 |
π Warning:
- If the cover is purely plastic and not specifically shaped for golf, it falls here.
- Higher than Golf Specific (21.9%). No advantage unless the "Golf" description is disputed.
π― 4. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Iron/Steel Articles (Metal Components)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Steel/Aluminum/Copper surcharge) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:7326.90 β FOOTNOTE:Steel/Cu/Al |
π¨ CRITICAL AVOIDANCE:
- If the cover has metal parts (e.g., metal rods, steel buckles), customs may classify it under Chapter 73.
- Tariff: 87.9% is disastrous.
- Strategy: Ensure covers are primarily textile/fabric/plastic. If metal is present, keep it <5% by weight and ensure the "essential character" remains textile/plastic.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Dimensions, material (e.g., "Neoprene," "Polyester"), weight. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the cover on a golf club to prove specific use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Golf Club Shaft Cover, Material: Nylon, Not for General Use." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm if sold alone or in a set. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state if NO significant metal components are used. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove origin (China) and apply correct surcharges. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βGolf Specifics, Low Tariff; Generic Metal, High Risk!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric/Neoprene Cover for Golf | 9506.31.00.00 (21.9%) |
Calling it "Plastic Sheet" β 3926 (22.8%) |
| Cover with Metal Zippers/Buckles | 9506.31.00.00 (21.9%) if <5% metal |
Over-declaring metal content β 7326 (87.9%) |
| Cover Sold in a Gift Set | 9504.90.90.80 (17.5%) |
Selling as individual item but in a box β Misclassification risk |
| Generic Travel Sleeve | 3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) |
Calling it "Golf" when it fits any cylinder β False Declaration |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If cover is 90% fabric + 10% metal, argue "Essential Character" is textile/golf. Provide photos showing minimal metal. |
| OEM Custom Covers | Provide design files showing club-specific contours. This supports 9506.31.00.00. |
| "Unisex" or "Universal" Covers | Risk of being classified as generic 3926. Use marketing that emphasizes golf compatibility. |
| Travel Cases for Entire Set | If itβs a large bag holding 14 clubs, still 9506.31.00.00. If itβs a small shaft cover, same code. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.31.00.00 |
21.9% | None specific | High scrutiny on "Golf" label. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.31.00.00 |
5.0% (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | Low import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.31.00.00 |
0% (If CE/RoHS) | CE (if electronic parts) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.31.00.00 |
0% | UKCA (if needed) | Post-Brexit tariff lines. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9506.31.00.00 |
0% | PSE (if electronic) | Very low tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 + IEEPA surcharges (21.9%).
- EU/UK/Japan offer 0% tariff for this HS code, making them more attractive for cost-sensitive exports.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling a metal-reinforced cover "Golf Accessory" without declaring metal content.
π Consequence: Reclassified to 7326.90.86.88 β 87.9% Tariff!
β Error 2: Using "Plastic Cover" as the description for a clearly golf-shaped item.
π Consequence: Customs rejects generic classification, delays shipment, or reclassifies to 3926 (22.8%).
β Error 3: Failing to prove "Specific Use" for 9506.31.00.00.
π Consequence: Customs may view it as a general industrial part, leading to audit.
β Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA Surcharge.
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% cost increase if not budgeted.
β Correct Practice:
"Neoprene Golf Shaft Cover, Custom-fit for Drivers/Irons, No Metal Parts, Brand: XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Golf Specific = 21.9%; Metal Content = 87.9%!"
πΉ "Photos Prove Function, Description Prevents Audit!"
πΉ "IEEPA 10% is Inevitable for China, Plan Ahead!"
π Pro Tip:
If your golf club covers are shipped from Vietnam or Mexico, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions, reducing tariffs to 0%~5%.
Consider Advanced Ruling (Ruling Letter) from US Customs (CBP) if shipping large volumes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product photos + Submit HS Code Pre-Ruling Request
π Let your golf accessories clear customs smoothly, minimize tax, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in international trade!
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.