Knee Pad
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6217108500 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021100090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217909095 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6216009000 | 21.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𦡠Knee Pads (Protective Gear)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Knee Pads"?
Knee pads are protective devices worn over the knee, primarily used in sports (volleyball, basketball, skateboarding), industrial construction, and medical rehabilitation. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on their primary function and material composition:
1. Clothing Accessories (Garment Accessories)
If the knee pad is primarily made of textile materials (knitted or crocheted, non-knitted) and designed to be worn as part of apparel or as an accessory to apparel (e.g., sports knee sleeves, decorative pads), they fall under Chapter 61/62 (Apparel & Clothing Accessories).
2. Medical/Orthopedic Appliances
If the knee pad is designed for therapeutic, surgical, or fracture support purposes (e.g., post-surgery braces, rigid orthopedic supports), they fall under Chapter 90 (Medical Instruments & Appliances).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If itβs a soft, textile-based sports brace β Classify under 6217.10 / 6217.90 (Clothing Accessories).
- If itβs a rigid or semi-rigid medical/support device β Classify under 9021.90 / 9021.10 (Orthopedic Appliances).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided , here are the five possible HS Codes for Knee Pads, along with their summaries and tax details.
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary from Data | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
6217.10.85.00 |
Other made-up clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted | Classified as Clothing Accessories/Apparel Accessories. Based on material inference, no conflict. | 24.6% |
9021.90.81.00 |
Parts and accessories for orthopedic appliances | Classified as Orthopedic/Corrective Devices. Falls under limb support/protection category. | 10.0% |
9021.10.00.90 |
Surgical or orthopedic appliances (fracture instruments) | Classified as Surgical/Fracture Support Devices. Auxiliary support devices for orthopedic surgery. | 10.0% |
6217.90.90.95 |
Other made-up clothing accessories, non-knitted/crocheted | Classified as Clothing Accessories/Parts. Fits the definition of other apparel accessories. | 32.1% |
6216.00.90.00 |
Gloves, boxing gloves, and handguards | Classified under Handguards/Protective Gear. Misclassification as handguard category. | 21.3% |
π Key Insight:
- Medical/Orthopedic Knee Pads (9021.90.81.00/9021.10.00.90) enjoy a significantly lower total tax rate of 10.0%.
- Textile/Sports Knee Pads classified as apparel accessories (6217.10.85.00) have a rate of 24.6%.
- Non-knitted textile accessories (6217.90.90.95) incur the highest rate of 32.1% due to higher additional tariffs.
- Misclassification Risk: Classifying knee pads under6216.00.90.00(Handguards) is technically inaccurate but appears in data with a 21.3% rate. This should be avoided if proper documentation supports medical or standard apparel classification.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Based on 2026 tariff structure with Section 301/122 Clause impacts
π― 1. 9021.90.81.00 & 9021.10.00.90 ββ Orthopedic/Medical Knee Pads
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Section 122/301 usually exclude de minimis for China-origin goods) |
| Legal Basis | Section 122: 10% additional tariff on specific Chinese imports |
π Explanation:
- These codes are classified as medical/orthopedic appliances.
- The base tariff is 0%, but a 10% Section 122 tariff applies to China-origin products.
- No Section 301 tariff is applied in this specific data set (unlike some other categories).
- Cost Advantage: This is the most tax-efficient classification if the product qualifies as a medical/orthopedic device.
π― 2. 6217.10.85.00 ββ Knitted/Crocheted Clothing Accessories (Sports Knee Sleeves)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 24.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Section 122: 10% additional tariff + Base Tariff 14.6% |
π Explanation:
- This code covers knitted or crocheted textile accessories.
- The base tariff is 14.6%, plus a 10% Section 122 tariff.
- No Section 301 tariff is listed in this data set for this specific subheading.
- Cost Comparison: 24.6% is higher than medical classification but lower than non-knitted textile accessories.
π― 3. 6217.90.90.95 ββ Non-Knitted/Crocheted Clothing Accessories
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 32.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% + Base Tariff 14.6% |
π Explanation:
- This code covers other made-up clothing accessories (non-knitted).
- Suffers from both Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) tariffs on top of the 14.6% base.
- Highest Tax Burden among the valid apparel accessory classifications.
- Recommendation: Avoid this classification if the product can be argued as knitted (6217.10) or medical (9021).
π― 4. 6216.00.90.00 ββ Handguards/Misclassified Category
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.8% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 21.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% + Base Tariff 3.8% |
π Explanation:
- This code is for gloves, boxing gloves, and handguards.
- While the total tax (21.3%) is lower than apparel accessories, classification is inaccurate.
- Risk: Customs may reclassify upon inspection, leading to penalties, back taxes, and delays.
- Not Recommended for legitimate knee pad imports unless explicitly designed as hand protection.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail material (knitted vs. non-knitted), structure, and intended use (sports vs. medical). |
| Material Composition Statement | βοΈ | Clearly state fabric types (e.g., 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex) to support Chapter 62 classification. |
| Intended Use Declaration | βοΈ | Critical: If claiming medical classification (9021), provide doctorβs prescription or product labeling indicating therapeutic use. |
| Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the entire item, including any rigid supports, hinges, or medical branding. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Knee Pad" and specify HS Code. |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure no mixed shipments that confuse the customs broker. |
β 2. Classification Strategy & Key Mnemonics
π₯ "Medical vs. Textile: Choose Wisely! Medical is 10%, Textile is 25-32%!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Surgery Brace / Rigid Support | 9021.90.81.00 or 9021.10.00.90 |
Legally qualifies as orthopedic appliance. Lowest tax (10%). |
| Soft Knitted Sports Sleeve | 6217.10.85.00 |
Knitted textile accessory. Moderate tax (24.6%). |
| Non-Knitted Sports Pad (e.g., Foam/Plastic cover) | 6217.90.90.95 |
Non-knitted accessory. Highest tax (32.1%). Avoid if possible. |
| Misclassified Handguard | 6216.00.90.00 |
Do Not Use. High risk of audit and penalties. |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Products (Knitted + Rigid Hinges) | If rigid parts are for medical support, argue for 9021. If for sports protection, argue for 6217. Documentation is key. |
| OEM Custom Knee Pads | Provide design drawings and target market (e.g., "For Volleyball Players" vs. "For Post-Op Patients") to support classification. |
| Small Samples (De Minimis) | β Not Eligible. Section 122/301 tariffs typically negate de minimis exemptions for Chinese-origin goods. Full duty must be paid. |
| Reclassification Risk | If customs questions your HS code, be prepared to provide medical certificates or material test reports to justify your classification. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.90.81.00 |
10.0% | Best for medical-grade knee pads. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6217.10.85.00 |
24.6% | Best for knitted sports sleeves. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6217.90.90.95 |
32.1% | Highest tax; avoid if possible. |
| π¨π³ China | 9021.90.81.00 |
0-5% | Low import duty; no Section 122. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9021.90.81.00 |
0% | Free trade under certain agreements. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9021.90.81.00 |
0% | Similar to EU post-Brexit. |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes significant additional tariffs (Section 122/301).
- Medical Classification (9021) is the most cost-effective option for US imports.
- Textile Classification (6217) is subject to higher tariffs, especially for non-knitted items.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Classifying all knee pads as 6217.90.90.95 (Non-knitted)
π Consequence: 32.1% tax rate. If your product is knitted, youβre overpaying by 7.5%.
β Mistake 2: Claiming Medical Classification (9021) for Sports Knee Pads
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalty, and back taxes. Only use if the product is medically certified or intended for therapeutic use.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariffs
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% on all China-origin goods. Must be included in all calculations.
β Mistake 4: Misclassifying as Handguards (6216.00.90.00)
π Consequence: While tax is lower (21.3%), itβs factually incorrect. High risk of seizure or fines.
β Correct Practice:
- Medical Knee Pads: Declare as "Orthopedic Knee Support" +
9021.90.81.00+ Medical Documentation.- Sports Knee Sleeves: Declare as "Knitted Knee Support" +
6217.10.85.00+ Material Composition.- Always Include Section 122 Tariff in Costing.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Medical is 10%, Knitted is 25%, Non-Knitted is 32%!"
πΉ "Section 122 adds 10% on top, always!"
πΉ "Donβt misclassify as handguards, or youβll pay the price!"
π Pro Tip:
If your knee pads have rigid supports but are used for sports, consider if they can be argued as orthopedic supports to qualify for the lower 10% rate. Provide product specs and intended use clearly.
If they are purely textile sports gear, ensure they are knitted to qualify for 6217.10.85.00 (24.6%) rather than non-knitted 6217.90.90.95 (32.1%).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare product specs and material composition.
π₯ If medical, attach medical certification.
π Clear customs smoothly, optimize costs, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters!
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.