Shoulder Support
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9021100050 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021100090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217909085 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217909095 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π₯ Shoulder Support (Medical Orthopedic Device)
π HS Code Classification & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Shoulder Support"?
A Shoulder Support is a medical or orthopedic accessory designed to stabilize, fixate, or support the shoulder joint. It is typically used in two main contexts: 1. Medical/Orthopedic Use: Post-surgery recovery, fracture stabilization, sprain support, or chronic pain management. 2. Daily/Protective Use: Preventing injuries during sports or daily activities.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
The classification depends heavily on its primary purpose and material composition: - If it is designed as a medical device to fixate or support bones/joints β Falls under Chapter 90 (Medical Instruments). - If it is considered a textile accessory or clothing part β Falls under Chapter 62 (Apparel Accessories). - If it is made of plastic/synthetic materials for general support β Falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
9021.10.00.50 |
Orthopedic appliances; fracture or splint appliances | Medical shoulder support belts for fractures/dislocations | π©Ί Medical Purpose: Classified as "fracture appliances" or orthopedic aids. |
9021.10.00.90 |
Other orthopedic appliances (e.g., braces, corsets) | General orthopedic shoulder braces for stability | 𦴠Orthopedic Purpose: Fits "other orthopedic appliances" for bone/joint support. |
6217.90.90.85 |
Other made-up clothing accessories; parts | Textile-based shoulder supports (e.g., cloth straps, non-medical) | π Textile Accessory: Classified as "other clothing accessories" if not strictly medical. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics; other | Plastic/composite shoulder supports (non-medical, non-textile) | 𧴠Plastic Article: Made of synthetic/plastic materials, not primarily for medical fixation. |
6217.90.90.95 |
Other parts/accessories of apparel; other | Generic support bands/straps (textile or mixed material) | 𧡠Apparel Part: Non-specific textile support items, no clear medical classification. |
π Key Reminder:
- Medical-grade shoulder supports (intended for injury recovery/fracture) must be classified under 9021.10. This is the most common and often most favorable category for health-related products. - Non-medical supports (e.g., sports compression sleeves, fashion accessories) may fall under 6217.90 or 3926.90, depending on material. - Misclassification Risk: Declaring a medical device as a "textile accessory" can lead to customs audits, penalties, or product seizure.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (for all subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9021.10.00.50 & 9021.10.00.90 ββ Orthopedic Appliances (Medical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0% (No additional duty under Section 301 for this category) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% (Surtax on Chinese-origin goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Deny de_minimis for Section 122 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9021.10.00.50/90 β FOOTNOTE:Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Although the basic tariff is 0%, the Section 122 tariff of 10% applies to all Chinese-origin goods entering the US, including medical devices like shoulder supports. - No Section 301 (25%) surcharge applies to medical orthopedic devices under HS 9021. - Total effective rate: 10%. This is significantly lower than textile or plastic alternatives.
π― 2. 6217.90.90.85 & 6217.90.90.95 ββ Textile Clothing Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 14.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Partial surcharge on textile accessories) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% (Surtax on Chinese-origin goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 32.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Deny de_minimis for Section 122 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:6217.90.90.85/95 β FOOTNOTE:Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- High tariff burden: Textile accessories face a 14.6% base rate + 7.5% Section 301 + 10% Section 122. - Total: 32.1%. This is 3.2 times higher than the medical device rate. - Strategic Implication: If your product is medical, do not classify it as a textile accessory to avoid excessive costs.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% (Surtax on Chinese-origin goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Deny de_minimis for Section 122 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3926.90.99.89 β FOOTNOTE:Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic-based supports incur a 5.3% base rate + 7.5% Section 301 + 10% Section 122. - Total: 22.8%. This is more than double the medical device rate. - Note: If the plastic product is used for medical purposes, re-evaluate classification under 9021 to reduce costs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Required for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Details: Material, intended use (medical vs. non-medical), size, adjustability. |
| β Intended Use Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state if the product is for "orthopedic fixation" or "fracture support." |
| β Product Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Clear images showing structure, branding, and any medical labels/certifications. |
| β Third-Party Certification | βοΈ | FDA 510(k) clearance, CE Mark, or ISO 13485 (if claiming medical device status). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Orthopedic Shoulder Support, Medical Device, HS Code 9021.10.00.50." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List all components (straps, pads, buckles) to avoid "accessory" misclassification. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Principles)
π₯ βMedical Purpose, Medical Code! Donβt Let Textile Rates Bite You!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Classification | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder support for fracture/surgery recovery | 9021.10.00.50 / 9021.10.00.90 |
6217.90.90.85 |
β οΈ Overpayment: 10% vs. 32.1% β High risk of audit |
| Sports compression sleeve (no medical claim) | 6217.90.90.85 |
9021.10.00.50 |
β οΈ Misdeclaration: Customs may reject non-medical as medical device |
| Plastic brace (non-medical, general support) | 3926.90.99.89 |
9021.10.00.50 |
β οΈ Penalty: Incorrect medical claim β Fines & delays |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dual-Purpose Product (e.g., sports + injury support) | Declare based on primary intended use. If marketed for injury, use 9021. Provide marketing materials as proof. |
| OEM/White Label | Ensure your supplier provides medical device certifications if claiming HS 9021. Without them, customs may downgrade to textile/plastic. |
| Packaging Includes Instructions | Include patient instructions highlighting orthopedic benefits (e.g., "supports shoulder joint post-injury") to justify medical classification. |
| Material Composition | If made of elastic fabric + plastic buckles, emphasize medical function over material to stay in 9021. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.10.00.50 |
10% (Section 122) | FDA/CE | Lowest duty for medical use. Textile alternative: 32.1%. |
| π¨π³ China | 9021.10.00.50 |
5% | NMPA (China Medical Device) | No additional surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9021.10 |
0% (Most Favored Nation) | CE Mark + MDR | Very low duty. Easy clearance with CE. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9021.10.00.50 |
5% | TGA Registration | Low duty. Medical device registration required. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9021.10.00.50 |
0% | PMDA Approval | Duty-free for medical devices. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most critical market due to the 10% Section 122 tariff. However, it is still significantly cheaper than textile (32.1%) or plastic (22.8%) classifications. - EU, Japan, and Australia offer 0-5% duties for medical devices, making them easier markets for clearance. - Avoid misclassifying medical shoulder supports as textiles or plastics in the US to save 22%+ in tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a medical shoulder brace as a "clothing accessory" (6217.90)
π Consequence: Pay 32.1% instead of 10%. Overpayment of $22,100 per $100,000 shipment!
β Error 2: No medical certification provided for 9021 classification
π Consequence: Customs downgrades to 3926 or 6217. Unexpected high tariffs + delays.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 in US imports
π Consequence: Even with 0% base rate, 10% surcharge still applies. Do not assume duty-free!
β Error 4: Vague product description ("Shoulder Strap")
π Consequence: Customs inspector may misclassify. Always specify "Orthopedic Support" or "Medical Brace."
β Correct Approach:
βMedical Orthopedic Shoulder Support Belt, Adjustable, for Post-Surgery Recovery, HS Code: 9021.10.00.50, Made in Chinaβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Key Rule:
πΉ βIf itβs for injury/fixation β HS 9021 (10%). If itβs for fashion/sports β HS 6217 (32.1%).β
πΉ βDonβt let material trick you! Function determines duty!β
π Pro Tip:
If your shoulder support is originated from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower tariffs.
π Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling (US CBP) before shipping to confirm HS Code and tariff liability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, minimize tariffs, and maximize profit for your Shoulder Support products!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved on duty is pure profit!
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.