Swimming Hand Paddles and Kickboard
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506995500 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016950000 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506995500 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πββοΈ Swimming Hand Paddles & Kickboards (Swimming Training Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Swimming Gear"?
Swimming hand paddles and kickboards are essential training accessories for competitive and recreational swimmers. They fall under the general category of "Articles and Equipment for General Physical Exercise, Gymnastics, Athletics, and Other Sports." In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition and specific functional design.
Plastic/Silicone Paddles & Kickboards: The most common type, used for resistance training.
Rubber/Elastomeric Gear: Specialized gear made from vulcanized rubber or similar elastic materials, often for durability or specific buoyancy properties.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is primarily plastic/silicone and fits the general description of swimming accessories βε½η±» to 9506.99.55.00
- If the item is specifically a kickboard classified as "equipment for swimming pools/related sports" βε½η±» to 9506.91.00.30
- If the item is made of vulcanized rubber (not inflatable) βε½η±» to 4016.99.60.50
- If the item is inflatable rubber (e.g., inflatable kickboard) βε½η±» to 4016.95.00.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.99.55.00 |
Swimming Training Equipment (General) | Hand paddles, general swimming aids, typically plastic/silicone | β Plastic/Silicone |
9506.91.00.30 |
Swimming Assistive Equipment (Specific) | Kickboards, categorized under "Swimming Pools and Related Sports Equipment" | β Plastic/Composite |
4016.99.60.50 |
Non-Vehicle Rubber Articles | Specialized rubber swimming gear, non-inflatable, elastic material | β Vulcanized Rubber |
4016.95.00.00 |
Inflatable Rubber Articles | Inflatable kickboards or training floats made of rubber/elastomers | β Inflatable Rubber |
π Key Reminder:
- Plastic/Silicone Paddles: Most standard hand paddles fall under 9506.99.55.00.
- Kickboards: Often classified under 9506.91.00.30 if explicitly for pool-related sports, but can fall under 9506.99.55.00 if considered general training aids.
- Rubber Items: If made of rubber, check if itβs inflatable (4016.95.00.00) or solid/elastic (4016.99.60.50). Misclassification here leads to significant tax differences.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025β2026 (Current Import Cycle)
π― 1. 9506.99.55.00 β Swimming Training Equipment (Plastic/Silicone Paddles & General Aids)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (β οΈ Not Applicable if pure plastic/silicone) |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 301 & 122) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.99.55.00 β 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- The 5.3% is the standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate for general sports equipment.
- The 7.5% is the Section 301 surcharge on Chinese goods.
- The 10% is the Section 122 tariff (national security related).
- Total: 22.8%. Note: If any metal components (e.g., metal frames in paddles) are present, the steel/aluminum surcharge may apply, but pure plastic/silicone items are exempt from the 50% surcharge.
π― 2. 9506.91.00.30 β Swimming Assistive Equipment (Kickboards & Pool-Specific Gear)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (β οΈ Not Applicable if pure plastic) |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.91.00.30 β 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Note:
- This rate is slightly lower (22.1%) than general training aids (22.8%) because the base tariff is lower (4.6% vs 5.3%).
- Ideal for kickboards specifically marketed for pool use.
π― 3. 4016.99.60.50 β Vulcanized Rubber Articles (Non-Inflatable Rubber Swimming Gear)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.60.50 β 301 Footnote (25%) β Section 122 |
π Warning:
- Rubber articles are subject to a higher Section 301 surcharge (25%) compared to plastic sports equipment (7.5%).
- Total 37.5% is significantly higher. Avoid this HS code for standard plastic paddles.
π― 4. 4016.95.00.00 β Inflatable Rubber Articles (Inflatable Kickboards/Floats)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 21.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.95.00.00 β 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Note:
- Inflatable rubber items have a moderate rate (21.7%).
- Only applicable if the product is made of rubber AND inflatable. Standard PVC plastic kickboards do not qualify.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (Plastic, Silicone, Rubber?), dimensions, weight |
| β Product Photos (Clear Labels) | βοΈ | Show brand, model, and any material icons (e.g., "Latex-Free") |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Plastic Swimming Hand Paddles" or "PVC Kickboard" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents per box to avoid confusion |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If applicable for preferential treatment in other markets |
| β Test Reports (Optional but Helpful) | βοΈ | Non-toxic material certification (e.g., REACH, FDA) for safety claims |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial Matters, Function Defines, Avoid Rubber Trap, Be Specific!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Paddles | 9506.99.55.00 β "Plastic Swimming Paddles" |
Misclassify as rubber β 37.5% |
| Kickboards | 9506.91.00.30 β "Swimming Kickboard for Pool Use" |
Misclassify as general plastic β 22.8% (slightly higher) |
| Inflatable Rubber Float | 4016.95.00.00 β "Inflatable Rubber Swimming Aid" |
Misclassify as plastic β 22.8% (underpaid, risk of penalty) |
| Solid Rubber Paddle | 4016.99.60.50 β "Vulcanized Rubber Training Gear" |
Misclassify as plastic β 22.8% (underpaid, risk of penalty) |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Materials | If paddles have silicone edges and plastic frames, declare as 9506.99.55.00 (plastic dominant). Provide material breakdown. |
| Metal-Rimmed Paddles | If metal is present, ensure itβs not structural. If significant, check for steel/aluminum surcharge. Usually exempt if <5% by weight. |
| OEM Custom Gear | Provide design specs to prove functional classification (e.g., "Kickboard" vs. "General Float"). |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to tariffs. Declare accurately to avoid delays. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.99.55.00 / 9506.91.00.30 |
22.1% β 22.8% | None specific | High due to Section 301 & 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.99.55.00 |
9.5% β 10% | CCC (if applicable) | No surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.99.55.00 |
0% | CE + REACH | No surtaxes |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.99.55.00 |
0% | UKCA + REACH | Post-Brexit preferential rates |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9506.99.55.00 |
5% | SAA (if applicable) | No surtaxes |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to layered surtaxes (Section 301 + 122).
- EU/UK offer 0% duty but require strict safety/chemical compliance (REACH).
- Material declaration is critical in the US to avoid the 37.5% rubber tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring rubber paddles as "plastic"
π Consequence: Customs audit β Back taxes + Penalties (37.5% vs 22.8%)
β Error 2: Over-generalizing as "Sports Equipment"
π Consequence: Wrong HS code β Delays + Additional Duties
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underpaid tax by 10% β Penalty + Interest
β Error 4: Misclassifying Inflatable Plastic as "Rubber"
π Consequence: Higher duty (22.1% vs 21.7%) β minor but accumulates
β Correct Practice:
"PVC Swimming Kickboard, 60x30cm, Blue, No Metal Components, Model K1"
"Silicone Hand Paddles, Adjustable, for Competitive Swimming, Model P2"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Savings in Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic/Silicone: 9506.99.55 (22.8%) or 9506.91.00.30 (22.1%)"
πΉ "Rubber: Avoid if possible (37.5%)! Unless Inflatable (21.7%)"
πΉ "Be Specific: 'Plastic' not 'Sports Gear'"
π Pro Tip:
- For US imports, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) to avoid Section 301 surcharges (7.5%).
- Apply for Advance Ruling from US CBP if product composition is ambiguous.
π£ Action Now:
π Contact your freight forwarder + Provide material specs + Request HS Code pre-classification
π Clear smoothly, save 15%+ in taxes, and swim to profitability!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in global trade!
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.