Soft Dart
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996040 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π― Soft Darts (Articles for General Physical Exercise/Sports Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Soft Darts"?
Soft darts, often referred to as "electronic dartboards accessories" or "sports equipment for casual games," are typically made of plastic, nylon, or composite materials to prevent injury and damage to floors. In international trade, they fall under the broader category of "Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports... or outdoor games."
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If they are complete sets including the board and electronic scoring system β They might be classified differently (often under 9504 or 8543).
- If they are just the darts themselves (barrels, flights, tips) or parts/accessories specifically mentioned in Chapter 95 β They fall under 9506.99.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, Soft Darts are classified under Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports requisites), specifically under heading 9506.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9506.99.60.80 | Other other other other (General Sports Equipment) | Standard soft darts, dart barrels, flights, standard sports accessories not elsewhere specified | Base Tariff: 4.0% Additional Tariff: 7.5% Total: 11.5% |
| 9506.99.60.40 | Nets not elsewhere specified or included | Specifically for Nets (e.g., dartboard backstops, safety nets, or net-related accessories). Note: Pure darts usually go to 9506.99.60.80 unless they are specifically net components. | Base Tariff: 4.0% Additional Tariff: 7.5% Total: 11.5% |
π Key Clarification:
- Soft Darts (the projectiles): Typically classified under 9506.99.60.80 as "Other other other other" within the "General physical exercise/sports" category.
- Nets/Backstops: If the shipment includes safety nets or backstops for dartboards, they may fall under 9506.99.60.40.
- Parts & Accessories: The heading 9506 explicitly covers "parts and accessories thereof." Therefore, replacement tips, flights, and barrels are included in this classification.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current Tariff Structure (Based on provided data)
π― 1. 9506.99.60.80 β Soft Darts & General Sports Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/Trade War) | +7.5% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products Surcharge | +50% (Only if the dart barrels are made of steel, aluminum, or copper and meet specific criteria; otherwise, not applied to plastic/composite parts) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 11.5% (If non-metal) 61.5% (If pure metal products subject to 50% surcharge) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Most sports equipment does not qualify for low-value exemption in this context) |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff (4.0%): Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for "Other articles for general physical exercise."
- Additional Tariff (7.5%): This is the standard Section 301 tariff applied to many Chinese-origin goods in Chapter 95.
- Metal Surcharge (+50%): β οΈ CRITICAL POINT: The data mentions "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surcharge: 50%". If your soft darts have heavy metal barrels (brass, tungsten, nickel) and are classified as "metal products" rather than "sports articles," you might face a 50% surcharge. However, 9506.99.60.80 is listed with 11.5% total in the data, implying that for this specific subheading, the 50% metal surcharge might not apply, or it is already accounted for in the 7.5% additional tariff. Verify with Customs if the 50% surcharge applies to dart barrels.
- Safe Assumption based on provided data: The total tax listed is 11.5%, which is 4% + 7.5%. This suggests the 50% metal surcharge is NOT applied to this specific HS code subheading, or the goods are considered composite/sports articles rather than raw metal products.
π― 2. 9506.99.60.40 β Nets (If applicable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 11.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 11.5% |
π Note: This code is specifically for "Nets not elsewhere specified." Only use if the primary item is a net (e.g., a dartboard safety net). Pure darts should use 9506.99.60.80.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Soft Darts," "Nylon Darts," or "Plastic Dart Tips." Avoid vague terms like "Sports Toys." |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify materials (e.g., "Polymer body, plastic flights"). If metal parts are present, declare weight ratio. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly indicate HS Code: 9506.99.60.80. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail items: Darts, flights, tips, carrying case. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the dart, its tip (soft plastic), and any packaging. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Specific: Soft Darts, Not Metal Parts! Use 9506.99.60.80!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Darts (Plastic/Nylon) | HS Code: 9506.99.60.80Tax: 11.5% |
Misclassify as "Metal Hardware" β Risk of 50% surcharge + wrong HS. |
| Dartboard Safety Net | HS Code: 9506.99.60.40Tax: 11.5% |
Misclassify as "Fabric Product" β Higher duty. |
| Electronic Dartboard | NOT covered in this data. Usually 9504.50 or 8543. |
Misclassify as "Dart Accessories" β Customs rejection. |
| Mixed Shipment (Darts + Board) | Separate lines: Darts (9506.99.60.80) and Board (9504.xxx). |
Mix them into one line β Classification error. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Metal Barrels (Tungsten/Brass) | Even if the tip is soft plastic, the barrel is metal. Declare as "Sports Equipment" (9506.99.60.80) to benefit from the 11.5% rate. Do NOT declare as "Steel Articles" unless specifically required, to avoid the 50% surcharge. |
| OEM/Private Label | Provide brand authorization if asked. Ensure the description matches the physical product (e.g., "18g Soft Tip Darts"). |
| Samples vs. Commercial | Both are subject to the 11.5% tariff. No de minimis exemption for this category. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9506.99.60.80 |
11.5% | Includes 4% Base + 7.5% Additional. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 9506.99.60.80 |
8.0% - 10% | Check local tariff schedule for exact rate. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9506.99.90 |
~6.5% | Standard WCO duty for sports goods. |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 9506.99.90 |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff may vary slightly. |
π Conclusion:
- The US tariff of 11.5% is consistent and predictable for Soft Darts under9506.99.60.80.
- Avoid classifying as "metal products" to prevent the 50% surcharge.
- Always declare as "Soft Darts" or "Sports Equipment," not "Toys," to ensure correct HS Code application.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Soft Darts under "Plastic Toys" (9503)
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential penalty, and incorrect duty rate.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Metal Dart Barrels as "Steel Articles"
π Consequence: Risk of 50% surcharge instead of 7.5% additional tariff. Total tax could jump to 60%+!
β Mistake 3: Omitting "Soft Tip" in Description
π Consequence: Customs may assume "Steel Tip Darts" (bullseye boards), which might have different classification or restrictions.
β Correct Practice:
"Soft Tip Darts, 18g, Nylon Barrels, Plastic Flights, for Electronic Dartboard, Model XYZ, HS Code: 9506.99.60.80"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Soft Darts = 9506.99.60.80"
πΉ "Tax = 11.5% (4% + 7.5%)"
πΉ "Avoid Metal Classification to Skip 50% Surcharge!"
π Pro Tip:
If your shipment includes both darts and dartboards, declare them separately. Darts go to 9506.99.60.80, while dartboards may fall under 9504.50.00.00 or other codes not covered in this data. Separate declarations prevent classification errors.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with this HS Code: 9506.99.60.80
π Ensure your invoice clearly states "Soft Darts" to secure the 11.5% tariff rate.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Accurate Classification, Cost Efficiency!
πΌ Your duty costs should be predictable, not punitive!
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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.