Soft Darts
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 (Electronic Dart Boards & Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Soft Darts"?
Soft Darts refer to dart games that use plastic or nylon-tipped darts rather than traditional steel-tipped darts. These are primarily designed for use with electronic dart boards, which automatically score points, preventing damage to walls and allowing for various game modes.
In international trade, they fall under Chapter 95: Toys, games, and sports equipment. Specifically, they are classified as articles for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Soft Darts (Nylon/Plastic tips): Regarded as specialized sports equipment for electronic boards β 9506.99
- Steel Darts: Often classified differently (sometimes under 9504 or 9506 depending on specifics), but this analysis focuses strictly on Soft Darts as per the provided data.
- Accessories: Nets, bags, or unmounted tips may have different sub-codes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided dataset, Soft Darts and their related sports equipment accessories are classified under HS Code 9506.99. Here is the detailed breakdown:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.60.80 |
Other: Other: Other: Other Other | General soft darts, electronic dart boards, standard sports darts not elsewhere specified. | Base: 4.0%, Additional: 7.5% |
9506.99.60.40 |
Other: Other: Other: Nets not elsewhere specified | Dart board nets, protective nets for dart games, or specific net accessories. | Base: 4.0%, Additional: 7.5% |
π Critical Note:
- Both codes fall under "Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games".
- Soft darts are considered "Other" sports equipment not specifically listed elsewhere (like basketballs or tennis rackets).
- If your product includes protective nets (e.g., for electronic dart boards to catch stray darts), it may fall under9506.99.60.40. Otherwise, standard darts/boards go to9506.99.60.80.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current Rates Applied
π― 1. 9506.99.60.80 ββ Soft Darts / General Sports Equipment (Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Add-on | 50% (Applicable only if the product contains significant steel/aluminum/copper components as defined by specific rulings; Note: Standard plastic/nylon soft darts typically do NOT trigger this 50% metal surcharge unless specifically classified as metal products) |
| Total Effective Rate | 11.5% (Standard for non-metal soft darts) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 11.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Imports >$800 may qualify, but commercial shipments do not) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9506.99.60.80 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- The 4.0% is the standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty for general sports equipment.
- The 7.5% is the additional duty under U.S. Trade Act Section 301 for Chinese-origin goods.
- Important: The note in the data mentions "Steel, aluminum, copper products additional tariff: 50%". If your "Soft Darts" have metal shafts or weighted metal tips, customs might scrutinize them. However, standard soft darts are plastic/nylon. If classified as "metal products," the rate could jump to 61.5% (4% + 7.5% + 50%). Assumption: Standard soft darts are non-metal, so 11.5% is the primary rate.
π― 2. 9506.99.60.40 ββ Nets (Dart Board Nets)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Effective Rate | 11.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 11.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Note: Nets are treated as "Other" sports accessories. The rate is identical to general soft dart equipment.
π οΈ IV. Practical Clearance Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (Plastic/Nylon tips, ABS board), Usage (Electronic Dart Board), Origin. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Soft Darts for Electronic Dart Board" or "Dart Game Nets". Avoid vague terms like "Games". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantities, weights, and packaging materials. |
| β Material Composition Statement | βοΈ | CRITICAL: Confirm if any part contains steel/aluminum/copper. If YES, declare accordingly to avoid 50% metal surcharge penalties. |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Show the darts, tips, and board. Prove they are "soft" (nylon/plastic) not steel. |
β 2. Classification Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Soft Tips = 9506, Steel Tips = Check Again! Plastic/ Nylon = 11.5%, Metal = 61.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Soft Darts (Plastic/Nylon tips) | 9506.99.60.80 |
Classified as "Other" sports equipment. |
| Dart Board Nets | 9506.99.60.40 |
Specifically listed as "Nets not elsewhere specified". |
| Electronic Dart Board Only | 9506.99.60.80 |
Falls under "Other" sports equipment. |
| Soft Darts with Metal Shaft | Caution! | May be reclassified as "Metal Products" β 50% Surcharge Applies. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT classify soft darts under 9503.00 (Toys) unless they are explicitly marketed as children's toys and are small, non-sporting. Most soft dart sets for adults are considered sports equipment (9506).
- Misclassification can lead to underpayment penalties or overpayment (if you pay 50% metal tax unnecessarily).
β 3. Special Handling Scenarios
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Darts | Provide design drawings to prove material composition (e.g., plastic tips). |
| Mixed Shipments (Darts + Nets + Boards) | Declare separately if possible. Nets go to ...60.40, Darts/Boards to ...60.80. Both have 11.5% rate, so total cost impact is same, but compliance is better. |
| "Steel" Darts Imported by Mistake | If steel-tipped darts are mislabeled as "Soft Darts", customs may reclassify them and apply 50% metal tariff. Declare accurately! |
| Gift Sets | If sold as a "Game Set" (Darts + Board + Nets), declare the main component (usually the board or darts) under 9506.99.60.80. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.60.80 |
11.5% (4% Base + 7.5% Section 301) | Watch out for 50% metal surcharge if metal components exist. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.60.80 |
5% | Import duty for sports equipment is lower. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.60 |
4.5% | Standard duty for toys/sports goods. No Section 301. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.60 |
4.5% | Post-Brexit, aligned with EU mostly. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9506.99.60 |
5% | AFTA or general rate may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market has the highest effective duty (11.5%) for soft darts due to Section 301 tariffs.
- EU and UK are more favorable (4.5%).
- Always verify material composition to avoid the 50% metal surcharge in the US.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying Soft Darts as Toys (9503)
π Consequence: If deemed sports equipment, penalty for misdeclaration. Also, toy duties may differ.
β
Fix: Declare as "Sports Equipment for Dart Game" under 9506.
β Error 2: Ignoring Metal Components
π Consequence: If darts have steel shafts, customs may apply 50% additional tariff.
β
Fix: Clearly state "Plastic/Nylon Tips, Aluminum/Brass Shaft" in description. If metal content is high, declare as metal product.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Dart Game"
π Consequence: Customs holds shipment for classification review.
β
Fix: Use specific terms: "Electronic Dart Board with Soft Darts (Nylon Tips)" or "Nylon Soft Darts for Sports".
β Error 4: Mixing Nets and Darts in One Line Item Without Detail
π Consequence: Customs may apply the wrong sub-code.
β
Fix: Separate line items:
- Line 1: Darts β 9506.99.60.80
- Line 2: Nets β 9506.99.60.40
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Soft Darts = 9506.99, Rate is 11.5%, Check for Metal, Avoid 50% Hit!"
πΉ "Nets = ...60.40, Same Rate, But Separate Line!"
π Pro Tip:
If your soft darts contain minimal metal (e.g., small brass weights), ensure they are not classified as "Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products" under the 50% surcharge rule. Provide a material breakdown to customs brokers to confirm the 11.5% rate is applicable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product photos + Declare HS Code 9506.99.60.80 for darts/boards and 9506.99.60.40 for nets.
π Let your soft darts clear smoothly, avoid penalties, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent in duty is worth calculating precisely!
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.