Sports equipment and accessories (HS 9506992800)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506992800 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000073 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Sports Equipment & Accessories (HS Code: 9506.99.28.00)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Lacrosse Sticks"?
Lacrosse sticks are specialized sports equipment used in the fast-paced, high-contact sport of lacrosse β a game requiring precision, strength, and agility. In international trade, they fall under "Other articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis), or outdoor games", specifically classified as lacrosse sticks.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Only lacrosse-specific sticks (with head, shaft, and stringing) are covered here.
- Parts, accessories, or non-lacrosse sports gear (e.g., balls, gloves, nets) are not included in this HS code and must be classified separately.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Matching)
| HS Code | Product Description | Target Use Case | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.28.00 |
Lacrosse sticks (not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 95) | Competitive play, training, recreational use | Wooden, composite, or aluminum shafts; mesh or leather heads; designed for throwing, catching, and shooting |
9506.99.28.00 |
Parts & accessories for lacrosse sticks | Replacement heads, shafts, stringing kits | Must be specifically designed for lacrosse; not generic sports parts |
π Critical Note:
- This code applies only to complete lacrosse sticks and directly compatible parts.
- If the item is a multi-sport stick (e.g., used in field hockey or hockey), it may fall under other HS codes (e.g., 9506.99.20.00).
- Do not use this code for general sports accessories like balls, nets, or protective gear.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff & Duty Breakdown (With Add-Ons & Legal Triggers)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin Country: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onward)
π― 1. 9506.99.28.00 β Lacrosse Sticks
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 7.5% (from U.S. Trade Act Section 301) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products Additional Tariff | 50% (if made from steel, aluminum, or copper) |
| Total Effective Duty | 7.5% (if non-metallic) or 57.5% (if contains steel/aluminum/copper) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ Total Duty Rate |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (no de minimis relief) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β USITC: 9506.99.28.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 |
π Detailed Explanation: - 7.5% is the standard Section 301 tariff on certain Chinese-origin goods under the U.S. Trade Act. - 50% applies only if the lacrosse stick contains steel, aluminum, or copper components (e.g., metal shafts, metal-reinforced heads, or metal fittings). - If the stick is made entirely of wood, plastic, or composite fiber (no metal) β only 7.5% applies. - If the shaft is aluminum or steel β 7.5% + 50% = 57.5% total duty.
π‘ Pro Tip:
- Composite shafts (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass) are not subject to the 50% metal tariff β only if no steel/aluminum is used. - Check material composition carefully before shipment.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Lacrosse Stick, Composite Shaft, for Competitive Use" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include quantity, weight, material type (wood/plastic/composite) |
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Detail shaft material, head type, length, weight |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Prove no steel/aluminum/copper if claiming 7.5% only |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff eligibility (e.g., China, Vietnam, Mexico) |
| β Test Reports (if applicable) | βοΈ | ASTM F1793 (lacrosse equipment safety standard) recommended |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Must match invoice and packing list |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules of Thumb)
π₯ βMaterial Matters, Metal Multiplies, Label Clearly, Avoid 57.5%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood/composite lacrosse stick (no metal) | 9506.99.28.00 |
Misclassify as βtoyβ β 9503.00.00.90 |
Wrong code, 0% duty β but risk of audit & penalties |
| Aluminum shaft lacrosse stick | 9506.99.28.00 + 50% metal tariff |
Claim βno metalβ β audit risk | 57.5% duty, penalties, delays |
| Lacrosse stick + stringing kit | One combined entry | Split into βstickβ + βkitβ | Each may trigger 7.5% or 57.5% β total cost βββ |
| Imported from Vietnam/Mexico | 9506.99.28.00 |
Assume 7.5% | Check IEEPA/Section 301 status β may be exempt |
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Stick made in Vietnam or Mexico | Check if eligible for IEEPA exemption β may qualify for 0% duty |
| Used or vintage lacrosse stick | May be classified under 9506.99.28.00 β but verify with customs |
| Custom or handcrafted stick | Provide photos, material proof, and artisan certificate |
| Lacrosse stick for youth teams | Still falls under same HS code β no age-based exemption |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9506.99.28.00 |
7.5% (no metal) / 57.5% (metal) | ASTM F1793 (recommended) | High risk if metal used |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.28.00 |
5% | CCC (if required) | No Section 301 tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9506.99.28.00 |
0% (if CE compliant) | CE Marking | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9506.99.28.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra charges |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9506.99.28.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional duties |
π Key Insight:
- The U.S. is the only market with a 50% metal tariff on lacrosse sticks β a major cost driver. - Vietnam/Mexico-origin sticks may avoid Section 301 tariffs β consider shifting production.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Pitfalls)
β Mistake 1: Classifying a metal shaft lacrosse stick as βnon-metallicβ
π Result: 57.5% duty + penalties + delays β avoid at all costs
β Mistake 2: Splitting a lacrosse stick + stringing kit into separate entries
π Result: Each item may be taxed at 7.5% or 57.5% β total cost spikes
β Mistake 3: Using βsports equipmentβ as a generic description
π Result: Customs may misclassify β audit, seizure, or rejection
β Mistake 4: Not providing material proof for metal content
π Result: Customs may assume metal is present β 57.5% duty applied
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Lacrosse Stick, 42-inch composite shaft (carbon fiber), synthetic mesh head, for menβs field lacrosse, Model XYZ, no steel/aluminum components, ASTM F1793 certified"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precision Pays Off!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Material Matters, Metal Multiplies, Label Clearly, Avoid 57.5%!"
πΉ "One Code, One Entry, One Duty β Donβt Split, Donβt Lie!"
π Pro Tip:
β Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) from U.S. Customs before shipment β lock in the correct HS code and duty rate.
β Use a licensed customs broker with experience in sports equipment and Section 301 tariffs.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a specialized customs broker
π Submit product photos, material specs, and invoice
π Get HS Code pre-approval and duty estimate β avoid surprises!
β¨ Smart Classification = Smooth Clearance = Profit Protection!
πΌ Your next shipment starts with the right HS code!
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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.