Thumb Protector
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9021100090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9021908100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115999000 | 27.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6115298040 | 26.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π€ Thumb Protector (Medical/Orthopedic & Sports Gear)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π One: Product Definition: What is a "Thumb Protector"?
A Thumb Protector is a versatile protective device designed to shield, support, or correct the anatomy of the thumb. Its classification in international trade depends heavily on two factors: 1. Material: Is it made of textile/knitted fabric, silicone, or plastic? 2. Function: Is it a medical orthopedic device (for injury/defect correction) or a general consumer good (sports/general protection)?
In customs classification, ambiguity here leads to significant tariff differences. Below is the breakdown based on the provided data.
π¦ Two: HS Code Classification Matrix (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Matching Criteria | Material Inference |
|---|---|---|---|
9021.10.00.90 |
Accessories to Orthopedic Appliances | Classified under surgical/fracture appliances. Fits "Others" category. Used for protection/correction of thumb defects. | Silicone, Fabric, or Medical-grade materials. No conflict with orthopedic accessories. |
9021.90.81.00 |
Other Orthopedic/Prosthetic Appliances | Matches "Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery Appliances" category. Used for protecting/compensating for foot/thumb defects. | Silicone or Soft Fabric. Consistent with auxiliary medical devices. |
6115.99.90.00 |
Other Knitted Hosiery/Stockings | Classified under "Other Knitted Goods/Hosiery." Fits the form factor if it resembles a toe/thumb sock. | Textile/Knitted fabric. Reasonable inference for non-medical protective covers. |
6115.29.80.40 |
Other Knitted Hosiery (Non-Cotton/Wool) | Classified under "Hosiery/Protective Gear." Fits the form factor. | Non-cotton, non-wool materials (e.g., synthetic fibers). Fits "Other Materials" fallback definition. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other Articles of Plastic | Classified under "Plastic Articles." Based on common sense, many protectors are silicone/plastic. | Silicone or Plastic (Chapters 3901-3914). Fits "Plastic Other Articles." |
π° Three: 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 10, 2025 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9021.10.00.90 & 9021.90.81.00 ββ Orthopedic/Medical Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Note: Section 122 typically applies to specific freight, but in this data context, it contributes to the total tax rate provided). |
| Legal Basis | Based on provided summary: "Base 0%, Add-on 0%, Sec 122 10%." |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification for medical-grade thumb protectors. - The "Section 122 Tariff" (10%) appears to be a specific surcharge applicable in this dataset context. - Cost Advantage: Significantly lower than textile or plastic classifications.
π― 2. 6115.99.90.00 & 6115.29.80.40 ββ Textile/Knitted Hosiery Type
A. 6115.99.90.00 (Other Knitted Items)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.9% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 27.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.4% |
B. 6115.29.80.40 (Other Hosiery)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 16.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 26.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 26.0% |
π Explanation:
- If the product is deemed a "sock" or "stocking" (knitted textile), it incurs 26%-27.4% in total duties. - High base tariffs (9.9% - 16.0%) make this expensive compared to medical codes.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic/Silicone Type
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
π Explanation:
- If classified as a generic "plastic article," the total tax is 22.8%. - Moderate cost, but higher than the medical orthopedic classification.
π οΈ Four: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Material Declaration Strategy
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Use (Sprain, Bunion, Fracture Recovery) |
9021.10.00.90 |
Lowest tax (10%). Clearly state "Orthopedic Accessory" or "Medical Support." |
| Silicone/Plastic Body (Non-medical, generic protection) |
3926.90.99.89 |
Tax 22.8%. Declare material as "Silicone" or "Plastic" clearly. |
| Knitted/Fabric Sleeve (Sports, general wear) |
6115.99.90.00 |
Tax 27.4%. Declare as "Knitted Textile." Highest risk of high duty. |
β οΈ Critical Tip:
- Do NOT declare medical silicone protectors as "Textile Socks" (6115.xxxx) to save money if the material is clearly silicone, as this is misclassification. - DO emphasize the medical function (e.g., "for correction of thumb deviation") to support9021classification, which has the lowest tax burden (10%).
β 2. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ Must include material composition (e.g., "100% Silicone," "Medical-grade"). | Prevents misclassification as textile or generic plastic. |
| Intended Use Statement | βοΈ "For medical orthopedic support" vs. "For sports protection." | Determines if it falls under Chapter 90 (Medical) or 61/39 (Consumer). |
| Product Photos | βοΈ Clear view of structure, closures, and labeling. | Helps customs verify if it's an accessory or a main appliance. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Accurate description: "Orthopedic Thumb Splint" or "Silicone Thumb Protector." | Avoids vague terms like "Part" or "Accessory" which may trigger higher scrutiny. |
β 3. Common Errors & Solutions
β Error 1: Declaring a medical silicone thumb brace as "Plastic Part" (3926).
π Result: Tax jumps from 10% to 22.8%.
β
Fix: Declare as "Orthopedic Appliance Accessory" under 9021.
β Error 2: Declaring a knitted fabric thumb sleeve as "Medical Device."
π Result: Customs may reject medical classification due to lack of medical certification, forcing it into 6115 (27.4%).
β
Fix: If it lacks medical certification, declare accurately as "Knitted Textile Guard" under 6115.
β Error 3: Vague description "Thumb Protector."
π Result: Customs ambiguity β Delayed clearance or arbitrary classification.
β
Fix: Use specific descriptions: "Medical-Grade Silicone Thumb Splint for Hallux Valgus Correction."
π Five: Global Market Comparison (Simplified)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Duty (China Origin) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9021.10.00.90 |
10% | Best option. Low base + Sec 122. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6115.99.90.00 |
27.4% | Highest duty. Avoid if possible. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 9021.10.00.90 |
Varies | Check local FTAs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9021.10.00 |
0-4% | Often lower base duties, no Section 122 equivalent. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market heavily penalizes textile and plastic imports due to Section 301 + 122 tariffs. - Medical orthopedic items (9021) are the most cost-effective to import into the US, with a total tariff of only 10%.
π Six: Summary & Action Plan
π― Key Takeaway:
Classify as Medical Orthopedic (
9021) whenever possible. - Tax: 10% (Lowest) - Reason: Base 0% + Sec 122 10%.If Medical Classification is Not Possible: - Silicone/Plastic: Classify under
3926.90.99.89β 22.8% Total. - Textile/Knitted: Classify under6115.99.90.00β 27.4% Total.
β Immediate Actions for Importers:
- Verify Material: Confirm if the thumb protector is Silicone, Plastic, or Textile.
- Define Use: Is it for medical correction or general protection?
- Select HS Code:
- Medical + Silicone/Fabric β
9021.10.00.90(10%) π - Non-Medical + Silicone β
3926.90.99.89(22.8%) - Non-Medical + Textile β
6115.99.90.00(27.4%)
- Medical + Silicone/Fabric β
- Prepare Documents: Ensure spec sheets explicitly state "Orthopedic" or "Medical" if aiming for
9021.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Save 15-17% in duties by choosing the correct HS Code!
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.