Swimming Fins
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506290080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πββοΈ Swimming Fins (Swimming & Water Sports Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Swimming Fins"?
Swimming fins, also known as flippers, are essential equipment for aquatic sports, diving, and swimming training. In international trade, they are primarily classified under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment) rather than plastics, due to their specific functional design for sports.
However, customs authorities may scrutinize the product to ensure it is not miscategorized as a general plastic accessory. The key distinction lies in the primary use and design specificity.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a specialized piece of water-sport equipment (fins, surfboards, etc.) β Classified under 9506.29.00.80.
- If the item is a generic plastic part not specifically designed for sports β May fall under 3926.90.99.89 (Higher Tax Risk).
- β οΈ Note: General exercise equipment (non-water) falls under 9506.91.00.30.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (CN β US) |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.29.00.80 |
Water skis, surf boards, sailboards and other water-sport equipment; parts and accessories thereof: Other | Swimming Fins, Diving Fins, Snorkels, Paddles | 7.5% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other | Misclassified generic plastic fins (if deemed not specific sports equipment) | 12.8% |
9506.91.00.30 |
Articles and equipment for general physical exercise...: Other: Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics or athletics... | Misclassified as "gym equipment" (e.g., resistance bands, non-aquatic gear) | 12.1% |
π Crucial Reminder:
- Swimming Fins are explicitly covered under "Water-sport equipment" in heading 9506.
- Misclassifying them as "Plastic Articles" (3926.90.99.89) results in a higher tax burden (12.8% vs. 7.5%) and potential customs delays due to lack of specificity.
- Do not confuse them with "General Physical Exercise" equipment (9506.91.00.30), which applies to land-based gym gear, not aquatic sports.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Supplementary Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 Current Tariff Regime
π― 1. 9506.29.00.80 ββ Swimming Fins & Water Sports Equipment (Correct Classification)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Supplementary Duty | +7.5% (Applied to goods from China under specific list) |
| Total Duty Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (For commercial shipments) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 9506.29.00.80 β USITC Footnote 301 List |
π Explanation:
- The Base Rate for water-sport equipment like swimming fins is 0%, making it very attractive.
- The 7.5% tax is the Section 301 additional duty imposed on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Cost Impact: You pay 7.5% of the declared CIF value. This is significantly lower than the 12.8% if misclassified as general plastics.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Swimming Fins," material (e.g., TPU, Rubber), size, intended use (recreation/training). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the fin shape, blade design, and strap. Prove it is not a generic plastic part. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as: "Swimming Fins for Water Sports Training" or "Rubber Swimming Fins." Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Parts." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List quantities, weights, and dimensions. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If applicable for other markets, but for US, prove CN origin to confirm the 7.5% rate. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Declare as Water Sports, Not Plastic Parts!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Swimming Fins | 9506.29.00.80 - "Swimming Fins" |
β Use "Plastic Accessories" β 12.8% Tax |
| Fins with Custom Branding | 9506.29.00.80 + Brand Info |
β Hide branding β Customs audit risk |
| Mixed Shipment (Fins + Pool Toys) | Split HS Codes if necessary | β Lump all under "Toys" β Potential misclassification |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Fins | Provide design files to prove they are specialized sports equipment, not generic molds. |
| Childrenβs Swimming Fins | Still classified under 9506.29.00.80 if designed for swimming/sports. If just "play toys," might fall under 9503, but fins are specifically 9506. |
| High-Performance Dive Fins | Ensure description highlights "Aquatic Sport" to maintain 9506 classification. |
π V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9506.29.00.80 |
7.5% | None Specific | Lower tax due to 0% base rate. |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.29.00.80 |
~5-10% | N/A | Import duties vary. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9506.29.00.90 |
~0-6% | CE | Lower tariffs than US. |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 9506.29.00.00 |
~0-6% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is favorable for swimming fins due to the 0% base duty, despite the 7.5% supplementary tax.
- Misclassification as plastic goods (3926.90.99.89) increases costs by 5.3% unnecessarily.
- Always emphasize "Water Sports Equipment" in commercial invoices.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Swimming Fins as "Plastic Parts" (3926.90.99.89)
π Consequence: Pay 12.8% instead of 7.5%. Overpayment of 5.3%.
β Error 2: Vague Description "Plastic Flippers" without context
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify or request additional info, causing clearance delays.
β Error 3: Mixing with "General Exercise Equipment" (9506.91.00.30)
π Consequence: Apply 12.1% tax (due to steel/aluminum surcharges if applicable) and potential rejection for wrong chapter.
β Correct Practice:
"Swimming Fins, Rubber/TPU, Size M, for Recreational Swimming, Model: AquaSpeed 100"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Fins are Sports, Not Plastic; 7.5% is the Key, 12.8% is the Trap!"
πΉ "HS Code 9506.29.00.80 is your friend; avoid 3926 at all costs!"
π Tips:
- If your swimming fins are made of metal-reinforced materials, be careful: some metal parts might trigger additional surcharges under certain HS codes, but 9506.29.00.80 generally treats them as composite sports equipment.
- For high-volume shipments, consider applying for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from US Customs (CBP) to confirm the 9506.29.00.80 classification and 7.5% rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states "Swimming Fins for Water Sports".
π Clear the seas, clear the customs, and maximize your profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your every dollar saved is a dollar earned!
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.