Racket Grip Tape
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506594080 | 15.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506598060 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5609004000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΈ Racket Grip Tape (Tennis/Badminton Table Tennis Overgrips)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Grip Tape"?
Racket Grip Tape is a consumable accessory used to enhance the friction, sweat absorption, and comfort of sports rackets (Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis). In international trade, its classification is highly controversial because it can be viewed either as a general plastic product, a sporting equipment accessory, or even a textile/rope product depending on material composition and customs interpretation.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics): It is treated as a general plastic article.
- If classified under Chapter 95 (Sporting Goods): It is treated as an accessory to a racket.
- If classified under Chapter 56 (Wadding/Yarn): It is treated as a textile/rope-like item (higher risk for Chinese origin due to Section 301/IEEPA rates).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2024/2025 Authoritative Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are four potential HS Code classifications. The choice significantly impacts the final landed cost.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Applicable Scenario | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.90.99.89 | Other Plastic Articles: Grip tape classified as a general plastic product, material being plastic or synthetic rubber. | General plastic overgrips, PVC-based tapes without specific sporting function claims. | β οΈ High (High additional tariffs) |
| 9506.59.40.80 | Accessories to Rackets: Grip tape considered as an attachment/accessory for badminton rackets specifically. | Badminton-specific grips, accessories sold with or for badminton gear. | β Low (Best for Badminton) |
| 9506.59.80.60 | Other Racket Parts/Accessories: Grip tape considered a part/accessory for "similar rackets" (general sports rackets). | Tennis, Table Tennis, or general multi-sport grips. | β οΈ Medium (High additional tariffs) |
| 5609.00.40.00 | Yarn/Fiber Articles: Grip tape inferred as yarn or fiberεΆε, form being cords or straps. | Cloth-based, cotton, or fabric-overgrips (non-plastic dominant). | π₯ Critical (Highest Tariff) |
π Key Reminder:
- 9506.59.40.80 is the most favorable option if the product is specifically for badminton. It has 0% additional Section 301 tariff. - 3926.90.99.89 and 9506.59.80.60 carry heavy Section 301 (122 Clause) tariffs. - 5609.00.40.00 attracts the highest penalty rate (25% Section 301 + IEEPA).
π° Part 3: 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Note: Rates reflect current IEEPA and Section 301 (122 Clause) surcharges.
π― 1. 9506.59.40.80 ββ Best Choice for Badminton Grips
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.6% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Exempt from additional 7.5% or 25% in this specific subheading) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Generally not eligible if valued high; standard customs entry required. |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 95 β HTS 9506.59.40.80 β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the only code in the dataset with 0% Section 301 base surcharge. - The 10% IEEPA (122 Clause) still applies. - Strategy: If you are importing badminton grips, insist on this classification to save ~10-24% compared to other codes.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic Articles Classification
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 39 β HTS 3926.90.99.89 β Section 301:7.5% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- Customs may argue that grip tape is a "general plastic good" rather than a sporting good. - Cost Impact: 7.2% higher than the badminton-specific code.
π― 3. 9506.59.80.60 ββ General Racket Parts/Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 21.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 95 β HTS 9506.59.80.60 β Section 301:7.5% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- Used for tennis/table tennis grips where "accessory" status is broad. - Cost Impact: Similar to plastic classification, higher than badminton-specific.
π― 4. 5609.00.40.00 ββ Textile/Fiber/Cord Classification (Avoid!)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Highest Penalty Tier) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 56 β HTS 5609.00.40.00 β Section 301:25% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- If customs determines the grip is primarily "yarn," "cotton," or "rope-like," this code applies. - Cost Impact: HARDEST HIT. 13-23% more expensive than plastic/sport codes. - Warning: Do NOT use cloth overgrips under this code unless absolutely necessary.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail material: PVC/PU/Synthetic Rubber vs. Cotton/Towel. |
| β Material Composition Declaration | βοΈ | Crucial for distinguishing between Ch. 39, 95, and 56. |
| β Product Photos (Close-up) | βοΈ | Show texture, packaging, and any "Badminton/Tennis" branding. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Synthetic Rubber Grip Tape for Badminton Racket" or "Plastic Overgrip". Avoid vague terms like "Strap." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure HS Code matches invoice description. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material Dictates Chapter, Usage Defines Heading, Badminton Saves Money!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton Overgrip (PU/PVC) | 9506.59.40.80 Desc: Badminton Racket Accessory |
Declaring as 5609.00.40.00 β 38.9% Tax |
| Tennis Overgrip (Plastic/Rubber) | 3926.90.99.89 OR 9506.59.80.60 |
Declaring as 9506.59.40.80 (only for badminton) β Misclassification Risk |
| Towel/Cotton Overgrip | 6307.90.98.98 or 5609.00.40.00 |
Declaring as 3926... if >50% cotton β Penalty Risk |
π‘ Pro Tip:
- For Badminton imports: Strongly advocate for 9506.59.40.80. Provide brochures showing the product is used exclusively or primarily for badminton rackets. - For Tennis/Table Tennis: Use 9506.59.80.60 or 3926.90.99.89. The tax difference is minimal (15.6% vs 21.5% vs 22.8%), but consistency is key. - Avoid "Textile" Classification: Even if the grip has a fabric texture, if the core functional layer is synthetic rubber/plastic, argue for Chapter 39 or 95. Do not let customs reclassify it as "rope/cord" (Ch. 56).
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | US Surcharges (China Origin) | Total Est. Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.59.40.80 (Badminton) |
5.6% | +10% (IEEPA) | 15.6% | Lowest Risk/Rate |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
5.3% | +7.5% + 10% | 22.8% | High Cost |
| πΊπΈ USA | 5609.00.40.00 (Textile) |
3.9% | +25% + 10% | 38.9% | Avoid at all costs |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.59.40.80 |
5.6% | 0% | 5.6% | No IEEPA/301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.59.90 |
~4-6% | 0% (Anti-dumping varies) | ~6% | Verify CE/REACH |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.59.90 |
~4-6% | 0% | ~6% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to IEEPA (122 Clause) and Section 301. - Misclassification as Textile (Ch. 56) is the most expensive mistake, costing nearly 2.5x more than the optimal Badminton classification. - China-origin goods face heavy penalties if not carefully classified under specific sporting accessories.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Badminton Grips as 5609.00.40.00 because they look like "tapes."
π Consequence: 38.9% Tax. You lose all profit margins.
β Mistake 2: Declaring Tennis Grips as 9506.59.40.80 (Badminton specific).
π Consequence: Customs audit for Misclassification. Potential fines + retroactive taxes.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description: "Plastic Tape."
π Consequence: Customs may default to Ch. 39 or Ch. 56 based on material testing. Be specific!
β Correct Practice:
"Synthetic Rubber Overgrip for Badminton Rackets, PVC/PU Material, Non-Cotton."
OR
"Tennis Racket Handle Grip Tape, Plastic-Based, Sports Accessory."
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Thousands!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Badminton = 15.6%, Tennis = ~22%, Textile = 39%!"
πΉ "Material Matters, Usage Defines, Don't Get Caught in Ch. 56!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you import mixed boxes (Badminton + Tennis grips), consult a customs broker on split billing or dominant use to minimize tax.
- For high-volume imports, consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in the 9506.59.40.80 classification for badminton grips.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
π Provide Material SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
π Declare "Badminton Accessory" for Badminton Products Only!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar of Duty is Worth Calculating!
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.