Sports Knee Pads
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6217909095 | 32.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6217108500 | 24.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021100090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πββοΈ Sports Knee Pads (ζ€θ)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Sports Knee Pads"?
Sports Knee Pads are protective gear designed to shield the knee joint during physical activities. In international trade, their classification is critical because they sit at the intersection of apparel accessories and medical/orthopedic devices. The correct HS Code depends on the primary function: - Apparel Accessory: If designed for general sports protection (compression, warmth, minor impact), they fall under textile/apparel chapters. - Orthopedic/Medical Device: If designed for medical support, injury rehabilitation, or structural stabilization, they fall under Chapter 90 (Medical Instruments).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is primarily a textile product used for comfort or minor support β Chapter 62 (Apparel Accessories).
- If the product includes rigid supports, hinges, or medical-grade materials for joint stabilization β Chapter 90 (Orthopedic Appliances).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, there are four potential HS Codes for Sports Knee Pads. Each carries a different tax implication.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6217.90.90.95 | Other Made-up Clothing Accessories Classified as apparel accessories/components. Fits the "catch-all" category for other clothing accessories. |
32.1% | Base: 14.6% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
| 6217.10.85.00 | Other Accessories of Garments Classified as garment accessories. Based on material inference, it conflicts with no items in "Other Garment Accessories." |
24.6% | Base: 14.6% Section 301: 0.0% Section 122: 10% |
| 9021.90.81.00 | Other Orthopedic/Appliance Instruments Classified under limb support/protection scope in orthopedic instruments. Fits the usage logic of other devices. |
10.0% | Base: 0.0% Section 301: 0.0% Section 122: 10% |
| 9021.10.00.90 | Other Orthopedic/Fracture Appliances Classified under orthopedic surgery or fracture appliances. Considered other auxiliary support appliances. |
10.0% | Base: 0.0% Section 301: 0.0% Section 122: 10% |
π Critical Insight:
- Apparel Codes (6217.xx): Higher total tax due to Base Tariff (14.6%).
- Medical Codes (9021.xx): Significantly lower tax because Base Tariff is 0%.
- Section 122 Tariff (10%): Applies to ALL four classifications. This is a mandatory surcharge.
- Section 301 Tariff: Only applies to the first apparel code (7.5%), not the others.
π° 3. Tariff Rate Details & Policy Add-ons
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: Likely China (Given the "Section 122" and "Section 301" references)
β Effective Time: 2026 Current Rates
π― 1. 6217.90.90.95 β Other Made-up Clothing Accessories
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (Additional tariff on Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Additional tariff on specific imports) |
| Total Effective Rate | 32.1% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 32.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (De minimis does not apply to Section 122 or 301 duties) |
π Explanation:
- This code treats knee pads as textile/apparel items.
- The 14.6% base is standard for apparel accessories.
- The 7.5% Section 301 is a penalty on Chinese-origin goods.
- The 10% Section 122 is an additional national security/economic tariff.
- Result: High tax burden. Only choose this if customs insists it's not a medical device.
π― 2. 6217.10.85.00 β Other Garment Accessories
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.6% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% (Note: Data shows 0.0% for this specific sub-code, possibly due to different HTS sub-division rules) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 24.6% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
π Note:
- This code still carries the 14.6% base tariff.
- It avoids the 7.5% Section 301 (unlike the 6217.90 code), resulting in a 7.5% savings compared to the first code.
- Still, 24.6% is significantly higher than medical codes.
π― 3. 9021.90.81.00 β Orthopedic/Limb Support Devices
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Section 122 still applies) |
π Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective option if the product qualifies as a medical/orthopedic device.
- Base tariff is 0%, saving 14.6% immediately.
- Section 301 is 0%, saving another 7.5% (if applicable to Chinese goods).
- Only the 10% Section 122 remains.
- Requirement: Must prove the product is for medical support, injury prevention, or rehabilitation, not just general sports comfort.
π― 4. 9021.10.00.90 β Orthopedic/Fracture Appliances
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
π Note:
- Identical tax rate to9021.90.81.00.
- This code is for fracture appliances or orthopedic surgery supports.
- If your knee pads have rigid braces, hinges, or metal/plastic supports, this is a strong candidate.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential for Medical Classification)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must highlight medical/orthopedic features (e.g., "stabilizes joint," "prevents ligament strain"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show any rigid supports, hinges, or medical-grade materials. Avoid photos showing only soft fabric. |
| β Certificate of Medical Device Registration | βοΈ | If available, include FDA clearance or CE Mark (Class I/II). |
| β User Manual | βοΈ | Instructions should mention therapeutic use, injury support, or medical supervision. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Orthopedic Knee Support" or "Medical Knee Brace," NOT just "Sports Pad." |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Medical Features First, Textile Second!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, fabric-only, general use | 6217.10.85.00 or 6217.90.90.95 |
Lacks medical components. Higher tax (24.6%β32.1%). |
| Has hinges, rigid bars, or compression therapy | 9021.10.00.90 |
Qualifies as orthopedic appliance. Lower tax (10%). |
| Used for injury rehabilitation | 9021.90.81.00 |
Classified as limb support. Lower tax (10%). |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT describe products as "Sports Padding" if they have medical features.
- Do NOT declare medical devices as "Textile Accessories" to avoid scrutiny, as this is misdeclaration.
- Section 122 (10%) applies to all codes, so the saving comes from avoiding the Base (14.6%) and Section 301 (7.5%).
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Medical Braces | Provide clientβs FDA registration or medical certification. |
| Combined Packaging (Pad + Bag) | Declare the main function item (the pad) as the primary good. |
| Unclear Medical vs. Sport | Choose 9021.xx if you can provide medical documentation. If not, use 6217.xx to avoid fraud penalties. |
| US Origin Goods | Section 301 may not apply, but Section 122 still applies. Check specific origin rules. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.10.00.90 or 9021.90.81.00 |
10% | Best if medically certified. Avoids 14.6% base. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 6217.10.85.00 |
~6-14% | Depends on FTAs. Medical devices may have different rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9021.10 or 9021.90 |
0% | Generally low duty for medical devices. CE Mark required. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9021.10 |
0% | Post-Brexit, medical devices often duty-free. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Highest potential savings by classifying as Medical/Orthopedic (9021.xx) due to 0% base tariff.
- EU/UK: Also favor medical classification for lower duties.
- Textile Classification (6217.xx) leads to 24.6%β32.1% in the US, which is not cost-effective.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Medical Knee Brace" as "Sports Accessory"
π Consequence: Overpaying taxes by 14.6%β22.1%.
π Fix: Provide medical certification to claim 9021 code.
β Error 2: Declaring "Fabric Knee Pad" as "Medical Device"
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalty, or seizure for misdeclaration.
π Fix: Use 6217 code if no medical features exist.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10%)
π Consequence: Underestimating total landed cost.
π Fix: Include 10% in all cost calculations, regardless of HS Code.
β Error 4: Using "Knee Pad" in Description Without Detail
π Consequence: Customs ambiguity, possible reclassification.
π Fix: Use "Orthopedic Knee Support" or "Compression Knee Sleeve" with material/function details.
β Correct Description Example:
"Orthopedic Knee Brace with Hinge Support, Medical Grade Neoprene, For Ligament Stabilization, Model XYZ, CE/FDA Certified"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Maximum Savings!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Medical = 0% Base, Textile = 14.6% Base!"
πΉ "Section 122 = 10% Always!"
πΉ "Choose9021if you can prove medical use, save ~14-22%!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your knee pads have any rigid support, hinge, or therapeutic claim, declare as 9021.
- If they are pure fabric, declare as 6217.10.85.00 (24.6%) to avoid Section 301 (7.5%).
- Always include "Section 122: 10%" in your landed cost calculation.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with your customs broker to confirm if your product qualifies as an orthopedic appliance.
π Prepare medical documentation to support9021classification.
π Optimize your tariff rate from 32.1% down to 10%!
β¨ Professional Customs, Start with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Saves You Money!
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.