Softball Gloves (Children)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4015900050 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015195100 | 49.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506991500 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205001000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205008000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧀠Softball Gloves (Children)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What a "Softball Glove" Is?
A softball glove, specifically designed for children, is a piece of athletic equipment used to catch and field a softball. In international trade, it is not classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber) or Chapter 42 (Leather) as a generic accessory, but rather under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment) because it is "equipment for ... other sports."
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a finished glove specifically shaped for catching a ball (softball/baseball) β It falls under 9506.99.15.00.
- If it is merely a leather blank or raw material not yet shaped into a specific sports article β It might fall under 4205.00.10.00 or 4205.00.80.00, but this is rare for "gloves" meant for use.
- If it is a vulcanized rubber glove (e.g., for washing, not sports) β It would be 4015.90.00.50, but this does not apply to sports gloves.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here is the precise classification for Softball Gloves (Children):
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability to Softball Gloves | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.15.00 |
Baseball articles and equipment, except balls, and parts and accessories thereof | β CORRECT. Softball gloves are considered "baseball articles and equipment" under HS Note 95.06. This includes gloves, bats, and protective gear for baseball/softball. | 0.0% |
4205.00.10.00 |
Articles of leather... used in machinery... or for other technical uses | β INCORRECT. Unless the glove is a specialized industrial leather part for machinery, this does not apply to sports gloves. | 25.0% |
4205.00.80.00 |
Other articles of leather or of composition leather | β INCORRECT. This is a residual category for leather goods not elsewhere specified. Sports gloves have a specific chapter (95). | 25.0% |
4015.90.00.50 |
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories... of vulcanized rubber | β INCORRECT. Softball gloves are typically leather or synthetic leather, not vulcanized rubber apparel. | 29.0% |
4015.19.51.00 |
Gloves, mittens and mitts... of vulcanized rubber | β INCORRECT. Again, this refers to rubber gloves (like medical or cleaning gloves), not sports equipment. | 39.0% |
π Critical Note:
- Softball gloves are explicitly included in the subheading 9506.99.15.00 ("Baseball articles and equipment...").
- Do NOT classify as "Leather Gloves" (4205) or "Rubber Gloves" (4015) unless they are non-sports industrial/rubber gloves.
- The size ("Children") does not change the HS code; it is still a sports article.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detail (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: As per provided data (current tariff structure)
π― 1. 9506.99.15.00 ββ Baseball/Softball Articles and Equipment
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | 0.0% (No steel/aluminum/copper surcharge applies) |
| China Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Based on the provided <DATA>, this specific HS code has no 25% surcharge listed) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Since total tax is 0%, even shipments below $800 may be exempt from formal entry, but formal entry is recommended for bulk) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9506.99.15.00 |
π Explanation:
- According to the provided data, Softball Gloves fall under9506.99.15.00, which has a 0% total tax rate.
- This is a huge advantage compared to leather goods (25%) or rubber gloves (29-39%).
- Do not misclassify as leather (4205) or rubber (4015) to avoid unnecessary 25-39% tariffs!
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Softball Gloves, Children's Size, Sports Equipment, HS Code 9506.99.15.00" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantities, weights, and dimensions. |
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (e.g., synthetic leather, genuine leather), size (Child S/M/L), intended use (Sports). |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the glove, showing its shape (catching mitt, not a hand glove). |
| β Labeling | βοΈ | If sold in US, must have "Made in China" and care labels. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Sports Gear, Chapter 95; Leather or Rubber, Chapter 42/40! Wrong Chapter = High Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softball Glove | 9506.99.15.00 |
4205.00.80.00 (Leather) |
Pay 25% extra tax unnecessarily. |
| Softball Glove | 9506.99.15.00 |
4015.19.51.00 (Rubber) |
Pay 39% extra tax unnecessarily. |
| Baseball Bat | 9506.99.15.00 |
9506.99.90.00 (Other sports) |
May face higher scrutiny, but usually 0%. Stick to 15.00 for precision. |
β 3. Special Handling for Children's Products
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| CPSIA Compliance | If marketed as toys for children under 12, ensure compliance with Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). While HS 9506 is sports equipment, if it's small enough to be a choking hazard or marketed as a toy, it may trigger additional CPSC requirements. |
| Material Declaration | Clearly state if the glove contains latex or chemical coatings that may require REACH (EU) or Prop 65 (California) compliance, even if US tariff is 0%. |
| OEM/Branded Gloves | Provide authorization letters if using brand logos (e.g., Rawlings, Wilson) to avoid IP seizure at customs. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.15.00 |
0.0% | CPSIA (if toy-like), Prop 65 | Zero tariff! Best market for cost. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.15.00 |
~8-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Standard import duties. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.90 |
2.7% | CE (if toy), REACH | Moderate duty, strict chemical rules. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.90 |
2.7% | UKCA | Post-Brexit standards apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most tariff-friendly market for softball gloves (0%).
- Ensure you use HS 9506.99.15.00 to claim this 0% rate. Misclassification leads to 25-39% penalties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Softball Gloves under 4205.00.80.00 (Leather Articles)
π Consequence: Pay 25% additional tariff.
π‘ Fix: Sports gloves are Chapter 95, not Chapter 42.
β Mistake 2: Using vague descriptions like "Leather Handwear"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 4205 or 4203 (Clothing accessories) and apply 25-39% tax.
π‘ Fix: Use precise description: "Children's Softball Glove, Sports Equipment, HS 9506.99.15.00".
β Mistake 3: Ignoring CPSIA/CPSC for "Children's" products
π Consequence: Goods detained or rejected by CBP for safety compliance.
π‘ Fix: Ensure product meets 16 CFR Part 1500 (Toys) or 16 CFR Part 1100 (Sports Equipment) if applicable.
β Correct Practice:
"Softball Glove, Left-Handed, Youth Size, Synthetic Leather, Model YG-200, HS Code: 9506.99.15.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Zero Tax, High Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Sports Gloves, Chapter 95, 0% Tax! Leather Gloves, Chapter 42, 25% Tax! Don't Mix Them!"
πΉ "Softball = Baseball Equipment = 9506.99.15.00 = FREE"
π Pro Tip:
- If your gloves are made in Vietnam or Indonesia, they still fall under 9506.99.15.00 and enjoy 0% tariff under USMCA (if eligible) or MFN rates.
- Always request a Pre-Ruling from CBP if you are unsure about the material (e.g., synthetic vs. genuine leather) to avoid disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm material specs + β Use HS Code 9506.99.15.00 + π Declare as "Softball Gloves, Sports Equipment"
π° Save 25-39% in tariffs by using the correct HS Code!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on This 8-Digit Code!
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.