Swimming Vest
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6112410010 | 42.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6112310010 | 35.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6211111010 | 37.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6211121010 | 21.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926907500 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πββοΈ Swimming Vests & Swimwear (The Ultimate Guide to Correct HS Classification)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy π 1. Product Definition: What is a "Swimming Vest"?
In international trade, the term "Swimming Vest" is ambiguous. It can refer to two completely different categories with vastly different tariff implications:
- Performance Swimwear (Swimsuits): Tight-fitting, synthetic fabric garments designed for athletic swimming or leisure. These are classified under Chapter 61 (Knitted) or Chapter 62 (Non-Knitted).
- Inflatable/Pneumatic Devices: Devices that use air pressure to keep the wearer afloat (e.g., inflatable armbands, inflatable vests for beginners, or safety inflatables). These are classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is a fabric garment (even if lined with foam) β Chapter 61/62 (Tariff: 0.0%)
- If it is an inflatable plastic article β Chapter 39 (Tariff: 4.2% or 12.8%)
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise classification for "Swimming Vest" scenarios:
A. If Classified as "Knitted/Crocheted Swimwear" (Chapter 61)
Most common for professional swim vests or tight-fitting suits.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
6112.41.00.10 |
Women's/Girls' Swimwear (Knitted/Crocheted) Of synthetic fibers, containing β₯5% elastomeric yarn/rubber thread. |
Tight fit, stretchy, synthetic material (Nylon/Spandex). | 0.0% |
6112.31.00.10 |
Men's/Boys' Swimwear (Knitted/Crocheted) Of synthetic fibers. |
Briefs, trunks, or tight swim shirts. | 0.0% |
B. If Classified as "Non-Knitted Swimwear" (Chapter 62)
Common for looser swim vests, cotton-blend swim shirts, or non-stretch designs.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
6211.12.10.10 |
Women's/Girls' Swimwear (Non-Knitted) Of man-made fibers. |
Woven fabric, non-stretch, or loosely fitted. | 0.0% |
6211.11.10.10 |
Men's/Boys' Swimwear (Non-Knitted) Of man-made fibers. |
Woven fabric, non-stretch, or loosely fitted. | 0.0% |
C. If Classified as "Plastic/Inflatable Articles" (Chapter 39)
Common for inflatable safety vests, armbands, or PVC swim aids.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.75.00 |
Pneumatic Mattresses & Other Inflatable Articles Not elsewhere specified or included. |
Air-filled, PVC/Plastic construction, buoyancy devices. | 4.2% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other Articles of Plastics Other Other. |
Non-inflatable plastic swim aids (e.g., rigid foam floats wrapped in plastic). | 12.8% |
π ιηΉζι (Key Reminder):
- Fabric Swimwear (HS 61/62): Tariff is 0.0%. This is the most common classification for standard swimwear.
- Inflatable Plastic Vests (HS 3926.90.75): Tariff is 4.2%. Only use this if the product is air-filled and made of plastic.
- Rigid Plastic/Other Plastics (HS 3926.90.99): Tariff is 12.8%. Avoid this code if possible; it applies to miscellaneous plastic items not specified elsewhere.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6112.41.00.10 / 6112.31.00.10 / 6211.12.10.10 / 6211.11.10.10 ββ Fabric Swimwear (Knitted/Non-Knitted)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Applicable (For shipments under $800, though 0% tax means it doesn't matter) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 6112.41.00.10, 6112.31.00.10, 6211.12.10.10, 6211.11.10.10 |
π Explanation:
- These items fall under "Track suits, ski-suits and swimwear."
- Zero Duty: There are no base tariffs or additional Section 301/IEEPA tariffs for these specific HS codes.
- Cost Advantage: This is the most cost-effective classification for swimwear.
π― 2. 3926.90.75.00 ββ Inflatable Plastic Articles (e.g., Inflatable Vests)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 4.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 4.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High tariff items often exempt from de minimis, but check specific CBP rulings) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3926.90.75.00 |
π Explanation:
- If your "swimming vest" is an air-filled plastic device, it falls here.
- 4.2% Duty: A moderate tariff. No additional Section 301 tariff is applied to this specific subheading.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles (Non-Inflatable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301) | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3926.90.99.89 |
π Explanation:
- This is a "catch-all" for plastic articles.
- 12.8% Duty: Significantly higher due to the combination of base tariff and additional tariffs.
- Risk: Misclassifying a fabric swimwear as "other plastic article" can lead to severe penalties.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Do Not Miss)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Swimwear" or "Inflatable Device," material (Nylon/Spandex vs. PVC), and whether it is knitted/woven. |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | % of Elastomeric yarn (for 6112.41) vs. % of Plastic/PVC. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the item being worn or inflated. Distinguish between tight-fit fabric and loose inflatable. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code exactly. Use "Swimwear" for fabric, "Inflatable Device" for plastic. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff verification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Fabric is Swimwear (0%), Plastic is Inflatable (4-12%), Don't Mix Them!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tight-fitting swim vest (Nylon/Spandex) | 6112.41.00.10 (F) or 6112.31.00.10 (M) |
Declare as "Plastic Vest" | Underpayment of Tax β Fine + Back Duties |
| Loose fabric swim shirt | 6211.12.10.10 (F) or 6211.11.10.10 (M) |
Declare as "Plastic Vest" | Underpayment of Tax β Fine + Back Duties |
| Air-filled PVC swim aid | 3926.90.75.00 |
Declare as "Swimwear" | Overpayment of Tax (Lost Profit) or Misclassification if it's actually inflatable |
| Rigid plastic float toy | 3926.90.99.89 |
Declare as "Swimwear" | Underpayment of Tax β Fine + Back Duties (12.8% vs 0%) |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Swimwear | Provide design sketches showing fabric type. If it contains β₯5% elastomeric yarn, use 6112.41.00.10 for women's. |
| Inflatable Vests with Fabric Covers | If the core buoyancy is provided by an air chamber, classify as 3926.90.75.00. The fabric cover is accessory. |
| Swimwear with Foam Lining | If it is not inflatable (no air valve), classify as Swimwear (61/62). The foam is part of the garment. Tariff: 0.0%. |
| Children's Swim Trainers | If they are fabric vests β 6112.41.00.10 (0%). If they are inflatable β 3926.90.75.00 (4.2%). |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6112.41.00.10 (Fabric) |
0.0% | CPSIA (if <12yo), ASTM F2878 | Best Option |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.75.00 (Inflatable) |
4.2% | ASTM F2970 | Moderate Duty |
| π¨π³ China | 6112.41.00.10 (Fabric) |
0.0% | CCC (if applicable) | No Extra Tax |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6112.41.00.10 (Fabric) |
0.0% | CE, REACH | No Extra Tax |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6112.41.00.10 (Fabric) |
0.0% | AS/NZS | No Extra Tax |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% tariff for fabric swimwear, making it highly competitive.
- Inflatable plastic swim aids incur 4.2% duty in the USA.
- Avoid3926.90.99.89(12.8%) unless the product is definitively a non-inflatable, unspecified plastic article.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Tears Experience)
β Mistake 1: Calling an inflatable PVC vest a "Swimwear" to get 0% tax.
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify it as 3926.90.75.00 or worse, leading to back taxes + penalties.
β Mistake 2: Classifying a tight-fitting fabric suit as "Other Plastic Articles."
π Consequence: You pay 12.8% tax instead of 0%. Unnecessary cost increase!
β Mistake 3: Using "Swimming Aid" as a generic description without specifying material.
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or apply the highest default tariff.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring the "β₯5% Elastomeric Yarn" requirement for 6112.41.00.10.
π Consequence: If the garment has <5% elastomeric yarn, it may fall under a different subheading with potentially different duty rates (check local HTSUS details).
β Correct Approach:
For Fabric: "Women's Knitted Swim Vest, 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex, Elasticized."
For Inflatable: "PVC Inflatable Swimming Vest, Air-Filled, with Safety Label."
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Save Time!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Fabric is Swimwear (0%), Plastic Inflatable is 4.2%, Rigid Plastic is 12.8%!"
πΉ "Material is King! Check the tag! Don't guess the code!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a hybrid (e.g., a fabric vest with air chambers), provide detailed diagrams to Customs Broker to argue for the correct classification (usually the essential character determines the HS Code). For most swim vests, if it's wearable fabric, aim for 0.0% under Chapter 61/62.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a Licensed Customs Broker
π Provide Material Composition Details
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Maximize Profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Duty Counts!
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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.