Inflatable Sulfurized Rubber Obstacle
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016950000 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404299095 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016910000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404210095 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Inflatable Sulfurized Rubber Obstacle (Mat/Pad)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Sulfurized Rubber Obstacle"?
Inflatable Sulfurized Rubber Obstacles are typically used in logistics testing, vehicle suspension testing, or industrial safety applications. They are made of vulcanized (sulfurized) rubber and possess an inflatable structure or pad/mat form.
In international trade, the classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Material: "Vulcanized Rubber" (Sulfurized Rubber) β Generally points to Chapter 40. 2. Form/Function: "Inflatable" vs. "Mat/Pad" β Points to Chapter 40 (Other articles) or Chapter 94 (Mattresses/Blanks).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the primary function is structural inflation to act as a temporary barrier or test object, it leans towards "Other inflatable articles" in Chapter 40.
- If it is a static or semi-static pad/mat made of rubber, even if it has some cushioning properties, it leans towards "Rubber mats/pads" in Chapter 40 or "Mattress pads" in Chapter 94.
- Crucial: "Sulfurized Rubber" is synonymous with Vulcanized Rubber.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 matched HS Codes with their specific tax rates and justification:
| HS Code | Product Description | Match Justification (From Data) | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.95.00.00 |
Other inflatable articles | Match: Explicitly contains "Vulcanized Rubber" material and "Inflatable" form. Fits the classification for "Other inflatable articles." | 21.7% |
9404.29.90.95 |
Other mattresses and mattress supports; articles of bedding | Match: Material is vulcanized rubber (fits "other materials"); Form is "Mat/Pad" (fits bedding/mat category); No conflict with "Other" category. | 41.0% |
4016.99.60.50 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Match: Material is "Vulcanized Rubber"; Form is "Pad" (classified as an article); Not a special vehicle part, so falls under "Other." | 37.5% |
4016.91.00.00 |
Floor coverings of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Match Success: Name explicitly contains "Vulcanized Rubber" material and "Pad" form. Fits the classification for rubber floor coverings/mats. | 37.7% |
9404.21.00.95 |
Mattresses and mattress supports: Of cellular rubber | Match: Reasonably inferred material is rubber (plastic/synthetic category); Form is "Mat" (fits bedding/mat characteristics). "Ref" belongs to "Other" fallback category; no material conflict. | 38.0% |
π Key Insight:
- The lowest tax rate (21.7%) applies if classified as an "Inflatable Article" (4016.95.00.00). This is the most favorable classification for "Inflatable" products. - Classifications involving "Mats/Pads" (9404.29,4016.99,4016.91,9404.21) carry significantly higher tariffs (37.5% - 41.0%) due to the additional 25% Section 301 tariffs.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4016.95.00.00 ββ Other Inflatable Articles (Recommended for Low Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 21.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Denied for Section 301/122 goods) |
| Legal Path | USITC:4016.95.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 (7.5%) β IEEPA/Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 4.2%": Standard MFN rate for other inflatable rubber articles. - "Section 301 Surcharge 7.5%": Additional duty under US Trade Act Section 301. - "Section 122 Surcharge 10%": Specific tariff on certain steel/aluminum or related imports (Note: Data indicates 10% applies here, likely due to specific ruling or recent adjustment). - Total 21.7% is the LOWEST among all options. Goal: Classify as "Inflatable Article".
π― 2. 9404.29.90.95 ββ Other Mattress/Pad Articles (High Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 41.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Warning: This is the HIGHEST tax rate. Avoid unless the product is strictly defined as a "Mattress" or "Bedding Pad" with no inflatable structure.
π― 3. 4016.99.60.50 ββ Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles (High Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π― 4. 4016.91.00.00 ββ Floor Coverings of Vulcanized Rubber (High Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 37.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π― 5. 9404.21.00.95 ββ Cellular Rubber Mattress/Pad (High Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 38.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Vulcanized Rubber," "Inflatable Structure," Dimensions, Load Capacity. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Critical: Show the product in INFLATED state. If it looks like a deflated mat, customs may classify it as 9404 (41%) or 4016.99 (37.5%). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Inflatable Vulcanized Rubber Obstacle/Test Mat." Avoid generic terms like "Rubber Pad" without "Inflatable." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include deflated weight vs. inflated dimensions to prove functionality. |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Proof of material composition (100% Sulfurized Rubber). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Inflatable First, Rubber Second; If it Puffs, It's 4016.95!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Product is clearly inflatable (fills with air, acts as barrier) | 4016.95.00.00 (21.7%) |
β Misclassifying as "Rubber Mat" β 37-41% Tax |
| Product is a flat, non-inflatable pad | 4016.91.00.00 or 9404.29.90.95 |
β Must declare as "Mat" or "Pad" |
| Product is partially inflatable/cushioned | Consult Customs Broker | High risk of dispute; may need Pre-Ruling |
| Product contains fabric/plastic mix | Check Composition | If rubber is <50%, may fall under Chapter 39 or 63 |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Obstacles | Provide client order + design specs proving "Inflatable" function. |
| Product Labeling | Ensure labels say "INFLATABLE" and "VULCANIZED RUBBER." |
| Customs Audit | If questioned, provide a video demonstration of inflation. |
| Origin Marking | Must clearly mark "Made in China" to avoid origin disputes. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.95.00.00 |
21.7% | None specific | Lowest tariff if inflatable. High risk if misclassified as mat (41%). |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.95.00.00 |
5% | None | Lower base rate; no Section 301/122 for domestic. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.95.00.00 |
0% (if under quota) | REACH | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.95.00.00 |
0-5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariffs vary; check specific schedule. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4016.95.00.00 |
0-7% | PSE | Generally low tariffs for rubber articles. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with significant Section 301/122 surcharges.
- Classification as4016.95.00.00(Inflatable) saves ~15-20% vs. "Mat" classifications.
- China-origin goods face heavy penalties if misclassified.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Describing the product as "Rubber Mat" on the invoice.
π Consequence: Customs classifies as 9404.29.90.95 β 41.0% Tax.
π‘ Fix: Use "Inflatable Rubber Obstacle."
β Error 2: Shipping deflated product without clear inflatable indication.
π Consequence: Customs assumes it's a static mat β 37-41% Tax.
π‘ Fix: Include photos/video in commercial invoice showing inflation.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Sulfurized Rubber" vs. "Natural Rubber."
π Consequence: "Sulfurized" = Vulcanized. Must be declared as such. Mislabeling can lead to penalties.
π‘ Fix: Use "Vulcanized Rubber" in technical specs.
β Error 4: Attempting De Minimis Exemption.
π Consequence: Section 301 and 122 goods are NOT eligible for de minimis.
π‘ Fix: Plan for full tax payment upfront.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"INFLATABLE VULCANIZED RUBBER OBSTACLE, Model XYZ, Dimensions: 2x1m when inflated, Test Equipment, Made in China."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification = Massive Savings!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Inflatable = 21.7% | Mat = 41% | Difference is Huge!"
πΉ "Show the Inflation, Save the Money, Avoid the Penalty!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, it may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates (0-7.5%).
Recommendation: Apply for a Customs Advance Ruling to lock in the 4016.95.00.00 classification and avoid post-clearance audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide Inflatable Product Photos + Declare "Inflatable Vulcanized Rubber"
π Clear customs efficiently, save up to 20% in taxes, and boost your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tax saved is pure profit!
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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.