Knitted Elastic Cord
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5604909000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5604100000 | 41.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§Ά Knitted Elastic Cord (Knitted Elastic Band/Rope)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Levelιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Knitted Elastic Cord"?
Knitted Elastic Cord is a versatile industrial and consumer good, widely used in clothing, furniture, medical devices, and sports equipment. In international trade, it is primarily classified based on its material composition and structural form.
The key distinction lies in whether the elastic core is: 1. Pure Rubber/Elastomer: Covered with textile or bare, falling under Chapter 40. 2. Textile Core with Rubber Coating/Lamination: Falling under Chapter 56. 3. Sporting Goods Application: If specifically designed for fitness, falling under Chapter 95.
β οΈ Key Classification Points:
- If it is a raw elastic strip/band made of vulcanized rubber β Chapter 40.
- If it is a cord/rope where rubber is applied to textile fibers β Chapter 56.
- If it is finished exercise equipment (e.g., resistance bands sold as fitness gear) β Chapter 95.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.60.50 |
Vulcanized or Elastomeric Rubber Articles, Not Elsewhere Specified | General-purpose rubber strips, gaskets, non-specific rubber products | β Vulcanized Rubber/Elastomer |
5604.90.90.00 |
Textile Materials Coated, Covered, or Laminate with Rubber; Elastic Cord/Rope | Elastic cords where rubber covers textile threads; rope-like structure | β Textile core + Rubber coating |
9506.91.00.30 |
General Sporting Goods / Fitness Equipment | Resistance bands, yoga straps, fitness training tools | β Rubber/Plastic; Sporting Use |
5604.10.00.00 |
Rubber and Textile Cord/Rope (Elastic) | Specific elastic cords/ropes combining rubber and textile fibers | β Rubber/Textile Composite; Rope Form |
9506.99.60.80 |
Sports Training Devices; Elastic Materials | Fitness devices using rubber/latex; non-specific sporting accessories | β Elastic Materials (Rubber/Latex) |
π Critical Distinction:
- Chapter 40 (4016): Pure rubber products, not shaped for specific use.
- Chapter 56 (5604): Textile-based products coated with rubber, specifically elastic cords/ropes.
- Chapter 95 (9506): Finished sporting goods. If sold as a "fitness tool," it goes here. If sold as a raw material component, it may go to Ch 40 or 56.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current tariffs apply (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 4016.99.60.50 ββ Vulcanized Rubber Articles (General Rubber Products)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.60.50 β Section 301: 25% β 122 Section: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code covers non-specific vulcanized rubber products.
- The 37.5% total rate is high. It includes the standard base rate, the heavy Section 301 tariff, and the specific 122 Section tariff.
π― 2. 5604.90.90.00 ββ Textile-Covered Rubber Cord/Rope (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5604.90.90.00 β Section 301: 25% β 122 Section: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This applies to elastic cords where the structure is primarily textile-based with rubber coverage.
- Higher base rate (5%) than pure rubber, but same additional tariffs.
π― 3. 9506.91.00.30 ββ General Sporting Goods (Fitness Equipment)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.1% |
| Special Note | Steel, Aluminum, Copper products: +50% (Not applicable here unless metal components dominate) |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.91.00.30 β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Section: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Significant Savings! If the product is marketed and sold as fitness equipment (e.g., resistance bands for home gyms), it may qualify for this lower tariff.
- The Section 301 rate is lower (7.5%) compared to general rubber/textile goods (25%).
π― 4. 5604.10.00.00 ββ Rubber and Textile Cord/Rope (Specific Elastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.3% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5604.10.00.00 β Section 301: 25% β 122 Section: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is for specific elastic cords/ropes made of rubber and textile.
- Highest base rate (6.3%) and high additional tariffs.
π― 5. 9506.99.60.80 ββ Sports Training Devices (Elastic Materials)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 21.5% |
| Special Note | Steel, Aluminum, Copper products: +50% (Not applicable here) |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.99.60.80 β Section 301: 7.5% β 122 Section: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Another low-tariff option if classified as a sports training device made of elastic materials (rubber/latex).
- Total rate 21.5% is significantly lower than industrial rubber cords (37.5%-41.3%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Prepare Documentation Checklist (Missing Items Will Delay Clearance)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include material composition (e.g., % rubber, % cotton/nylon), width, thickness. |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Show texture, cross-section, and labeling. Must clearly distinguish between "raw elastic" and "fitness band." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state the intended use. E.g., "Resistance Bands for Home Fitness" vs. "Elastic Cords for Mattress Ticking." |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | To prove material composition (Vulcanized Rubber vs. Textile-Coated). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, weight, and packaging type. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βSporting Use Saves Money, Raw Material Costs More! Choose Code Wisely!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance Bands (Fitness) | 9506.91.00.30 or 9506.99.60.80 |
21.5% - 22.1% | 4016.99.60.50 |
Pay 37.5% β Overpay by ~16%! |
| Raw Elastic Cord (Industrial) | 4016.99.60.50 |
37.5% | 9506.91.00.30 |
Risk of Audit & Penalty for misclassification. |
| Textile-Coated Elastic Rope | 5604.90.90.00 |
40.0% | 4016.99.60.50 |
Risk of Reclassification & Back Taxes. |
| Specific Rubber/Textile Cord | 5604.10.00.00 |
41.3% | Any other | Highest tax burden. Avoid if possible. |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Fitness Bands | Provide customer contracts showing "Fitness Use." Use terms like "Exercise Equipment" in documentation. |
| Mixed Packaging (Bands + Weights) | If sold as a kit, the primary component determines the code. If bands are main item, consider 9506. |
| Custom Colors/Printing | Does not change HS code. Ensure photos show finished product appearance. |
| Material Composition Change | If >50% textile by weight, lean towards 5604. If >50% rubber, lean towards 4016. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.91.00.30 (if fitness) |
22.1% | None specific | High tariffs on Ch 40/56. Try Ch 95 if applicable. |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.99.60.50 |
5% | None | Lower import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.99 |
4% | REACH + LFGB | No Section 301. Lower overall cost. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.99 |
4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4016.99 |
5-7% | None | Moderate tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to Section 301 and 122 Section tariffs.
- Optimization Tip: If your elastic cord can be legitimately classified as Sporting Goods (Ch 95), you can save ~15-20% in tariffs compared to general rubber/textile codes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Fitness Bands as Raw Rubber (4016)
π Consequence: Pay 37.5% instead of 22.1% β Unnecessary cost increase.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Industrial Elastic as Sporting Goods (9506)
π Consequence: Customs Audit, Penalties, and Delays for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring 122 Section Tariff
π Consequence: Even with low base rate, the +10% adds up. Always calculate total landed cost.
β Correct Approach:
βElastic Resistance Band, 100% Natural Rubber, 10ft Length, For Home Gym Fitness Training, Model XYZβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Maximizing Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βFitness Code Saves Tax, Industrial Code Costs More!β
πΉ βCheck Material, Check Use, Check Code β Donβt Guess!β
π Pro Tip:
If your elastic cord is exported to Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand for assembly, check USMCA/FTZ benefits. Some intermediate goods may have different treatment.
Recommend Advance Ruling if unsure about "Sporting Goods" classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your elastic cord, clear customs smoothly, maximize profit, expand globally!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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.