Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Airbag
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016910000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404210095 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404902090 | 23.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016950000 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Airbag
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
An Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Airbag is a specialized industrial or automotive component characterized by its sulfurated (vulcanized) rubber material and inflatable functional form. In international trade, classification hinges on whether the item is deemed a "gasket/pad" (solid/plastic-like usage) or an "inflatable product" (active pneumatic usage).
β οΈ Key Classification Dilemma:
- If used as a support pad, seal, or static cushion (even if potentially inflatable in theory) β Often falls under Rubber Articles (4016).
- If used as a functional pneumatic bladder (active inflation for suspension, lifting, or isolation) β Falls under Inflatable Rubber Articles (4016.95).
- If classified as Furniture/Bedding accessory (e.g., mattress pad) β Falls under Heading 9404 (Note: High tariff risk in US).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided data, here are the potential HS Codes, their logic, and tax implications for imports into the United States.
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Tax Rate (Total) | Primary Tax Components | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.60.50 |
Other Sulfurated Rubber Articles: Classified as "Pads" (εΆεη±»). Fits material (vulcanized rubber) but not specific machine parts. | 37.5% | Base: 2.5% + Section 301: 25% + Section 1223: 10% |
π‘ Medium-High |
4016.91.00.00 |
Floor Coverings & Mats: Explicitly matches "Sulfurated Rubber" + "Mat/Pad" form. No conflict. | 37.7% | Base: 2.7% + Section 301: 25% + Section 1223: 10% |
π‘ Medium-High |
9404.21.00.95 |
Mattresses & Cushions: Inferred as "Rubber/Plastic" + "Pad" form. Categorized under "Other" bedding/cushion items. | 38.0% | Base: 3.0% + Section 301: 25% + Section 1223: 10% |
π΄ High (Material Conflict Risk) |
9404.90.20.90 |
Other Furnishing Articles: Matches "Pad" form + "Sulfurated Rubber" material. Used for support/cushioning. | 23.5% | Base: 6.0% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 1223: 10% |
π’ Moderate (Lower Tax) |
4016.95.00.00 |
Inflatable Articles: Explicitly matches Inflatable form + Sulfurated Rubber material. | 21.7% | Base: 4.2% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 1223: 10% |
π’ LOWEST TAX |
π Critical Insight:
-4016.95.00.00offers the lowest total tariff (21.7%) because it correctly identifies the product as an Inflatable Article, which enjoys lower base and Section 301 rates compared to generic rubber pads or furniture items. -9404.21.00.95has the highest total tariff (38.0%) and carries a risk of classification error (calling a rubber airbag a "mattress/cushion").
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (US Market)
β Destination: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by "Section 1223" and typical trade context)
β Effective Date: Current applicable rates (Post-2024 Trade Policy)
π― 1. 4016.95.00.00 β Inflatable Rubber Articles (Recommended)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% (List 4b - Specific rubber/inflatable goods) |
| Section 1223 Duty | +10% (New tariff on specific Chinese goods) |
| Total Effective Rate | 21.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301/1223 usually deny de minimis for China) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4016.95.00.00 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:Footnote 9903.88.01 |
π Why this is best:
The product is explicitly "Inflatable." Heading 4016.95 is specifically for "Other inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber." This avoids the high 25% Section 301 rate applied to generic rubber goods (4016.99).
π― 2. 4016.99.60.50 β Other Rubber Articles (Pads)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (High penalty for generic rubber) |
| Section 1223 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4016.99.60.50 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Risk:
If customs officers view the "airbag" as a "rubber pad" rather than an "inflatable device," you face a 15.8% higher tax burden compared to the inflatable classification.
π― 3. 9404.21.00.95 β Mattresses & Cushions
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 1223 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9404.21.00.95 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Warning:
Misclassifying an industrial airbag as a "cushion/mattress" is a high-risk error. It triggers the highest total tax and may lead to seizures if the productβs industrial nature is proven.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Strategy & Best Practices
β 1. Optimal Classification Recommendation
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Use (Suspension, Lifting, Pneumatic Isolator) | 4016.95.00.00 |
21.7% | β BEST OPTION |
| Static Use (Pad, Gasket, Seal) | 4016.99.60.50 |
37.5% | β οΈ Accept higher cost |
| Furniture Use (Cushion, Mattress Core) | 9404.21.00.95 |
38.0% | β Avoid unless truly furniture |
| Vague "Pad" Description | 9404.90.20.90 |
23.5% | π’ Potential Low-Cost Option |
π‘ Strategic Tip:
If the airbag is used for suspension or lifting, strongly emphasize the "Inflatable" function in documentation to justify4016.95.00.00(21.7%). This saves ~15.8% in taxes compared to generic rubber pads.
β 2. Documentation Checklist (Critical for US Customs)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | Must state: "Vulcanized Rubber", "Inflatable", "Max Pressure" | Proves classification under 4016.95 (Inflatable) rather than 4016.99 (Solid Pad). |
| Commercial Invoice | Description: "Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Airbag, for Industrial Use" | Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Pad" which trigger higher Section 301 rates. |
| Packing List | Include air valves, inflation accessories if any | Confirms the product is a complete inflatable unit. |
| Photo/Video | Show the airbag in inflated state | Visual proof of "Inflatable" nature. |
| Intended Use Statement | e.g., "Used for vehicle suspension/isolation" | Prevents misclassification as furniture (9404) or general rubber (4016.99). |
β 3. Common Mistakes & Penalties
β Mistake 1: Labeling as "Rubber Pad" or "Gasket"
π Result: Classified under 4016.99.60.50 β 37.5% Tax.
π‘ Fix: Highlight "Inflatable" in title and description.
β Mistake 2: Calling it "Mattress" or "Cushion"
π Result: Classified under 9404.21.00.95 β 38.0% Tax + Potential seizure for incorrect category.
π‘ Fix: Clarify industrial/pneumatic function.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 1223 & 301
π Result: Underpayment β Penalties + Back Taxes.
π‘ Fix: Always calculate total landed cost including 25% + 10% additional duties.
π V. Global Market Comparison
| Region | Recommended HS | Total Est. Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.95.00.00 |
21.7% | Lowest US rate for this item. |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.95.00.00 |
~5-10% | Import duties lower, but VAT applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.95.00 |
~4% + VAT | No Section 301/1223 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.95.00 |
~4.5% + VAT | Post-Brexit tariff structure. |
π Conclusion:
The USA market requires careful classification due to Section 301 and Section 1223 tariffs. Choosing4016.95.00.00(Inflatable) over4016.99(Other Rubber) is the most cost-effective strategy for sulfurated rubber airbags.
π― VI. Final Advice: Save Money, Clear Fast!
πΉ Key Takeaway:
"Inflatable = 21.7% | Pad = 37.5% | Cushion = 38.0%"
The difference in tax rate is 15.8%. For a $100,000 shipment, thatβs $15,800 saved.
πΉ Action Plan:
1. Update Product Descriptions: Use "Inflatable Rubber Airbag" not "Rubber Pad."
2. Provide Technical Data: Show inflation capability (pressure, volume).
3. Apply for Advance Ruling: If volume is high, request a Binding Ruling from CBP to lock in 4016.95.00.00.
4. Avoid "Pad" Language: Unless itβs purely static, do not use "Pad," "Mat," or "Cushion" unless using 9404.90.20.90 (23.5%).
π£ Pro Tip:
If your airbag is not inflatable but a solid rubber pad, consider
9404.90.20.90(23.5%) as a cheaper alternative to4016.99(37.5%), provided it can be argued as a "furnishing article" or "support pad."
β¨ Precision Classification = Maximum Profit
πΌ Donβt let tariff errors inflate your costs!
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.