Sulfurized Rubber Inflatable Sofa
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016910000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404210095 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9404902090 | 23.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016950000 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Sulfurized Rubber Inflatable Sofa (η‘«εζ©‘θΆε ζ°ζ²ε)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Sulfurized Rubber Inflatable Sofa"?
This product is a unique hybrid item combining rubber goods and furniture. Understanding its classification is critical because it straddles two different chapters of the Harmonized System (HS): Chapter 40 (Rubber) and Chapter 94 (Furniture).
- Material: Sulfurized Rubber (Vulcanized Rubber). This indicates the material has undergone vulcanization, making it durable, elastic, and resistant to heat/wear.
- Form: Inflatable. The structural integrity relies on air pressure contained within rubber chambers.
- Use: Sofa (Furniture/Seating). It is intended for sitting/relaxing, similar to a cushion or mattress.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If classified as a Rubber Good: It falls under Chapter 40 (Specifically Other Articles of Vulcanized Rubber).
- If classified as Furniture: It falls under Chapter 94 (Mattresses, Seats, etc.).
- Note: Customs authorities often look at the essential character. Is it primarily a rubber product or a piece of furniture? The provided data suggests ambiguity, leading to multiple potential HS codes with vastly different tax implications.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS codes are derived directly from the provided dataset. Each code carries a specific logical basis and tax structure.
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.60.50 |
Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles Logic: Material is vulcanized rubber; form is a "pad/mat" (article). No conflict with motor vehicle parts. |
37.5% | Base: 2.5% Section 301: 25% Section 122: 10% |
4016.91.00.00 |
Rubber Flooring & Mats Logic: Explicitly matches "Vulcanized Rubber" + "Pad/Mat" form. |
37.7% | Base: 2.7% Section 301: 25% Section 122: 10% |
9404.21.00.95 |
Rubber/Plastic Mattresses & Seats Logic: Material inferred as rubber/plastic; form is a "pad/mat" suitable for seating. |
38.0% | Base: 3.0% Section 301: 25% Section 122: 10% |
9404.90.20.90 |
Other Furniture Parts/Accessories Logic: Form is a "pad/cushion" (seat component); material is vulcanized rubber. |
23.5% | Base: 6.0% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
4016.95.00.00 |
Inflatable Rubber Articles Logic: Explicitly matches "Vulcanized Rubber" + "Inflatable" form. |
21.7% | Base: 4.2% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
π Key Insight:
- Lowest Tax Rate:4016.95.00.00(21.7%) β Inflatable Rubber Articles.
- Highest Tax Rate:9404.21.00.95(38.0%) β Rubber/Plastic Mattresses/Seats.
- The difference is 16.3%, which is a significant cost variance.
- Why the split?
- Codes4016.99.60.50and4016.95.00.00treat it as a rubber good.
- Codes9404.21.00.95and9404.90.20.90treat it as furniture/accessories.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (for imports after this date)
π― 1. 4016.95.00.00 β Inflatable Articles of Rubber (LOWEST RATE: 21.7%)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 21.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4016.95.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code is the most advantageous if the product is clearly defined as an inflatable rubber article.
- The "Inflatable" characteristic is the key driver for this classification.
π― 2. 9404.90.20.90 β Other Furniture Parts/Accessories (MID RATE: 23.5%)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 23.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9404.90.20.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- If customs views the sofa as a furniture accessory (e.g., a cushion or pad for a sofa), it falls here.
- Note the higher base rate (6.0% vs 4.2%) compared to the inflatable rubber code.
π― 3. 4016.99.60.50 β Other Rubber Articles (HIGH RATE: 37.5%)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4016.99.60.50 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This is a "catch-all" for rubber articles not specified elsewhere.
- The 25% Section 301 surtax applies here, significantly increasing the cost.
π― 4. 4016.91.00.00 β Rubber Flooring & Mats (HIGH RATE: 37.7%)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 37.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4016.91.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- If customs interprets the "sofa" as a mat or floor covering due to its pad-like form, this code may apply.
- Same high surtax as other Chapter 40 items not specified as inflatable.
π― 5. 9404.21.00.95 β Rubber/Plastic Mattresses/Seats (HIGHEST RATE: 38.0%)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9404.21.00.95 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for mattresses, sleep positions, and seats made of rubber or plastics.
- Since a "sofa" is a seat, this is a strong candidate for classification if the "inflatable" aspect is downplayed.
- Highest total tax burden.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Prepare Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material (Vulcanized Rubber), Form (Inflatable), Use (Sofa/Seating). |
| β Technical Diagrams | βοΈ | Show air chambers, valve type, and construction to prove it is inflatable. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the sofa inflated and deflated. Highlight the "sofa" shape vs. "mat" shape. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Inflatable Rubber Sofa, for Seating". Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Pad". |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Required for origin determination (China = Subject to Surtaxes). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Emphasize Inflatable, Not Just Rubber or Mattress!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Sofa | 4016.95.00.00 (Inflatable Rubber Articles) |
Declaring as 9404.21.00.95 (Mattress/Seat) β 38% tax |
| Inflatable Sofa | 4016.95.00.00 (Inflatable Rubber Articles) |
Declaring as 4016.99.60.50 (Other Rubber) β 37.5% tax |
| Deflated/Packaged | Still declare as Inflatable Sofa | Declaring as "Rubber Mat" β 37.7% tax |
π Why
4016.95.00.00is Preferred:
- The term "Inflatable" is specific and leads to a lower Section 301 surtax (7.5% vs 25%).
- If the product is primarily an inflatable device (like an air mattress or inflatable toy), Chapter 40 is often more appropriate than Chapter 94.
- Action: Ensure your product name and description highlight "Inflatable" prominently.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Sofa | Provide design drawings showing air valves and chambers. |
| Soft vs. Hard Rubber | Specify if it's soft vulcanized rubber (like an air mattress) or hard (like a tire). Softer rubber is more likely to be seen as an inflatable article. |
| Mixed Materials | If the sofa has fabric upholstery on top, clarify if the structural integrity comes from the rubber air chambers. If yes, still likely 4016.95.00.00. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.95.00.00 |
21.7% | FCC (if electronic pump included) | Lowest tax due to inflatable classification. |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.95.00.00 |
~5-10% (Est.) | N/A | Domestic trade rates vary. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.95.00.00 |
~5-8% | CE, REACH | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.95.00.00 |
~5-8% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most sensitive to HS Code classification due to Section 301 and Section 122 taxes.
- Classifying as Inflatable Rubber (4016.95.00.00) saves ~16-16.3% in taxes compared to Furniture/Rubber Pad classifications.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Rubber Mat" or "Cushion"
π Result: Classification 4016.91.00.00 or 4016.99.60.50 β 37.5%+ tax.
π Fix: Emphasize "Inflatable" in the product name.
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Furniture Sofa"
π Result: Classification 9404.21.00.95 β 38.0% tax.
π Fix: If itβs inflatable, itβs first a rubber article, then a sofa. Use 4016.95.00.00.
β Mistake 3: Not providing diagrams of air chambers
π Result: Customs may assume itβs a solid rubber pad β Higher tax.
π Fix: Include clear photos/diagrams of valves and air structure.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Inflatable Sofa, Made of Vulcanized Rubber, for Outdoor Seating, Model XYZ, Includes Repair Kit."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Inflatable Rubber = 4016.95.00.00 (21.7%)"
πΉ "Rubber Mat/Pad = 4016.91/99 (37.5%+)"
πΉ "Furniture Seat = 9404.21 (38%)"
π Tip:
If your inflatable sofa is shipped deflated, still declare it as Inflatable. The physical state at shipment does not change its essential character as an inflatable article.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker to file an Advance Ruling for HS Code
4016.95.00.00.
π Ensure your product description always includes "Inflatable" to secure the lower tax rate.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of Tax Saved is Pure Profit!
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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.