Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fender
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016940000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016910000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π’ Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fender (Marine Dock Fenders)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is an "Inflatable Rubber Fender"?
Inflatable sulfurated rubber fenders are critical marine protection devices used to absorb impact energy between ships and docks/terminals. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition and structure.
Key Distinction Points: * Pure Rubber Fenders: If the fender is made primarily of sulfurated rubber (with or without internal air bladder but without significant metal framing), it falls under Chapter 40 (Rubber and Articles Thereof). * Metal-Framed/Hybrid Fenders: If the fender includes a significant structural steel or iron frame, or if it is classified as a "part of a ship" or "dock accessory" made of metal, it may fall under Chapter 73 (Iron or Steel Articles).
β οΈ Critical Classification Trigger:
- No/Light Metal Frame + Rubber Dominant β Chapter 40 (Lower Tax Risk)
- Heavy Steel Frame / Defined as Steel Accessory β Chapter 73 (Higher Tax Risk)
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS codes are extracted strictly from the provided <DATA> set for Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fenders.
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Estimated Total Tax Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.94.00.00 |
Rubber fenders, made of sulfurated rubber, used as fenders. | Primary Classification: Direct match for rubber fenders. Specifically covers "other vulcanized rubber articles" intended for fendering. | 39.2% |
4016.99.60.50 |
Inflated sulfurated rubber pads or fenders, made of sulfurated rubber, classified as other vulcanized rubber articles. | Alternative Rubber Classification: Covers inflatable rubber pads/fenders not specifically listed under 4016.94. Broad category for other vulcanized rubber products. |
37.5% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Rubber fenders, potentially classified as iron/steel articles for ship/dock accessories. | Metal/Steel Classification: Applied if customs authorities deem the fender to be primarily a steel/iron accessory (e.g., heavy steel chain/plate connections dominate the structural identity). | 87.9% |
4016.91.00.00 |
Inflated sulfurated rubber pads, made of sulfurated rubber, meeting the classification requirements for carpets and mats. | Niche Rubber Classification: Used if the fender is technically structured like a "pad" or "mat" rather than a cylindrical fender, though less common for true inflatable fenders. | 37.7% |
π Priority Recommendation:
- Best Rate:4016.99.60.50(37.5%) or4016.91.00.00(37.7%)
- Standard Rate:4016.94.00.00(39.2%)
- Highest Risk:7326.90.86.88(87.9%) β Avoid unless the product is predominantly steel with minimal rubber.
π° Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (Includes Section 301 & Section 122 measures)
π― 1. 4016.94.00.00 ββ Rubber Fenders (Sulfurated Rubber)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Value exceeds $800 threshold; high tariff rate) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4016.94.00.00 β Section 301 (Footnote 9903.88.01) β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the standard classification for dedicated rubber fenders.
- The 39.2% rate is high due to the accumulation of base duties and two layers of punitive tariffs (301 and 122).
π― 2. 4016.99.60.50 ββ Other Inflated Sulfurated Rubber Pads/Fenders
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4016.99.60.50 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Strategy:
- This code offers the lowest total tariff (37.5%) among rubber classifications.
- Suitable if the fender can be described as an "inflated rubber pad" or if the specific sub-heading4016.94is deemed too narrow by customs.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Steel/Iron Fender Accessories
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Aluminum/Steel/Copper Additional | +50.0% (High-risk surcharge for metal products) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
β οΈ Warning:
- This rate is catastrophically high.
- Only apply if the fender is predominantly steel (e.g., a steel cage with rubber lining) and clearly defined as a "steel article."
- Misclassification here leads to massive cost penalties.
π― 4. 4016.91.00.00 ββ Inflated Sulfurated Rubber Pads (Mat-like)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 37.7% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- Similar to4016.99.60.50, but specifically references "carpets and mats."
- Use only if the fenderβs structure is flat or mat-like, not cylindrical/inflatable tube.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail material composition (Rubber vs. Steel ratio), dimensions, and inflation method. |
| β Technical Drawings | βοΈ | Critical to prove the structure is rubber-dominated (to avoid Chapter 73). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: "Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fender, Marine Grade." Avoid vague terms like "Dock Part." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List accessories separately (chains, plates) to ensure the main item is classified as rubber. |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Required for verifying origin (China) to confirm tariff applicability. |
| β Test Reports | βοΈ | ISO or marine standards (e.g., DNV, BV) proving material is "Sulfurated Rubber." |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices (Key Mantras)
π₯ βRubber First, Metal Second; Describe Structure, Avoid Steel.β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Inflatable Fender | 4016.99.60.50 (37.5%) |
"Steel Dock Fender" | 87.9% Tax |
| Rubber Fender with Steel Plates | 4016.94.00.00 (39.2%) |
"Iron Accessory" | 87.9% Tax |
| Pad-like Fender | 4016.91.00.00 (37.7%) |
"Rubber Tube" | Potential reclassification |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Construction (Rubber + Steel Chains/Plates) | Declare the Rubber Fender as the primary good. List steel chains/plates as accessories (if minor) or under separate HS codes if significant, but do not let steel dominate the description. |
| OEM Custom Fenders | Provide customer drawings to prove the design intent is a "rubber fender," not a "steel structure." |
| Used Fenders | Ensure they are cleaned and certified; some countries restrict used rubber products. |
| Valuation | Declare accurate CIF value. High tariffs mean any undervaluation risk is magnified. |
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tax Rate (China Origin) | Key Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.60.50 |
37.5% (Lowest Rubber Option) | None specific | Avoid 7326 codes at all costs. |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.99.60.50 |
~2.5% (Import Tariff) | CE/RoHS (if applicable) | Low entry barrier. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.99 |
~4.2% | CE, MARPOL Compliance | No Section 301/122 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.99 |
~4.2% | UKCA | Post-Brexit standards apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4016.99 |
~5.0% | AS/NZS Standards | Liberal trade agreement with China. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to the 37.5%β87.9% tariff range.
- EU, UK, and Australia offer significantly lower duty burdens (4β5%).
- Strategy: For US shipments, always aim for4016.99.60.50or4016.94.00.00. Never let customs classify it as a steel article.
π Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Describing the product as "Steel Dock Fender" when it is rubber.
π Consequence: Customs applies 7326.90.86.88 β 87.9% Tax + Possible penalties.
β Error 2: Failing to declare the internal inflation mechanism.
π Consequence: Misclassification as solid rubber (4016.92) β Incorrect tax rate, delays.
β Error 3: Including heavy steel chains in the main HS code description.
π Consequence: Risk of being classified as "Iron/Steel Articles" β 87.9% Tax.
π Fix: List chains separately or emphasize the rubber body's structural dominance.
β Error 4: Using vague terms like "Marine Pad".
π Consequence: Ambiguity leads to manual review and potential reclassification.
π Fix: Use specific terms: "Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fender."
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Inflatable Sulfurated Rubber Fender, Marine Grade, Model ABC, 2x1m, Designed for Ship-Dock Impact Absorption, with Steel Lifting Chains (Accessories)."
π― Part VII: Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ βRubber is King: Choose 4016, Avoid 7326.β
πΉ β37.5% is the Goal, 87.9% is the Trap.β
πΉ βDescribe Structure, Not Just Function.β
π Pro Tip:
If your fender is sourced from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for lower or zero tariffs under various FTAs (Free Trade Agreements).
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) before shipment to lock in the 37.5% rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with Technical Drawings
π Specify "Sulfurated Rubber" prominently in the Invoice
π Ensure HS Code4016.99.60.50is pre-approved for your shipment.
β¨ Precise Classification = Maximum Profit!
πΌ Donβt let 50% extra tax eat your margin!
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.