bowling set
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000073 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996040 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π³ Bowling Sets (Toys & Sporting Goods)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Bowling Set"?
A Bowling Set is a versatile product that bridges the gap between recreational toys and sporting equipment. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its intended use, construction materials, and target audience (children vs. adults/professionals).
It generally falls into two main categories: 1. Toy/Recreational Sets: Plastic or wooden mini-sets, often for children, classified under Chapter 95 (Toys). 2. Sporting Equipment Sets: Professional or semi-professional kits with regulation-weight pins, balls, and lane accessories, classified under Chapter 96 (Sports Goods).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the set is lightweight, made of plastic/wood, and marketed primarily as a toy or game for home entertainment β Chapter 95 (Toys).
- If the set is heavy, made of professional materials, and marketed as sports equipment for athletic use β Chapter 96 (Sports Goods).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to Bowling Sets, categorized by their nature:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Logic |
|--------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| 9503.00.00.73 | Toy Category: Bowling sets as complete consumer toys. | Plastic mini-sets, childrenβs playsets, party games. | Classified under "Dolls, other toys, stuffed animals, models." |
| 9503.00.00.90 | Other Toys: Bowling sets as unlisted sports toys/games. | Non-specified toy bowling sets not covered by 9503.73. | Classified under "Other toys, modeling sets, unfinished products." |
| 9506.99.60.40 | Sporting Goods: Other sports equipment (general). | General sporting bowling kits, recreational sports gear. | Classified under "Equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or other sports." |
| 9506.99.60.80 | Sporting Goods: Other sports equipment (catch-all). | Broad category for sports equipment not explicitly listed elsewhere. | Classified under "Equipment for general physical exercise... catch-all category." |
| 9505.90.60.00 | Festive/Entertainment Items: Refers to balloon sets, but potentially applicable if viewed as general entertainment props. | Niche use: Entertainment props not strictly toys or sports gear. | Classified under "Festive, carnival, or other entertainment articles." |
π Key Reminder:
- Toy Sets (9503) are generally for leisure and play.
- Sporting Sets (9506) are for physical activity and competition.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a heavy, professional set as a "toy" (9503) may lead to underpayment of duties. Conversely, declaring a lightweight plastic toy as "sporting goods" (9506) may incur unnecessary higher base tariffs.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current regulations (including Section 301 & 122 Tariffs)
π― 1. Toy Category: 9503.00.00.73 & 9503.00.00.90
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| Trade War Tariff (Section 301) | 0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific duty on certain goods from China) |
| Total Duty Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Usually subject to scrutiny if high value) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9503.00.00.73/90 β Section 122: 10% surcharge |
π Explanation:
- These codes benefit from a 0% base duty.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is the primary cost driver.
- No additional Steel/Aluminum/Copper tariffs apply here, as these are primarily plastic/wood/resin toys.
π― 2. Sporting Goods Category: 9506.99.60.40
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.0% |
| Trade War Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 21.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 21.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9506.99.60.40 β Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Higher base duty (4%) because it is classified as sports equipment.
- Subject to both Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges.
π― 3. Sporting Goods (Catch-All) & Material-Specific: 9506.99.60.80
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.0% |
| Trade War Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Additional Steel/Al/Cu Tariff | +50% (IF the product contains significant steel, aluminum, or copper components) |
| Total Duty Rate | 21.5% (Standard) OR 71.5% (If Metal Components > Threshold) |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ (21.5% OR 71.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9506.99.60.80 β Section 301 + Section 122 + Section 232/Steel Tariffs |
π Critical Warning:
- If your bowling pins or balls contain steel, aluminum, or copper (e.g., weighted metal cores), you may face an additional 50% tariff on top of the 21.5%.
- Total can reach 71.5%. This makes metal-core professional sets very expensive to import.
π― 4. Festive/Entertainment Item: 9505.90.60.00
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| Trade War Tariff (Section 301) | 0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| Note | Rarely used for bowling sets unless marketed as "Carnival Games" or "Party Props." |
π Explanation:
- Similar tax treatment to toys (10%).
- However, classification is risky unless the product is clearly not a toy and not standard sports gear.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail materials (Plastic, Wood, Metal, Rubber), weight, dimensions. |
| β Photos (Front/Side/Back) | βοΈ | Show if itβs a toy (colorful, small) or sports gear (regulated size, professional look). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Bowling Set" and specify "Toy" or "Sports Equipment." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List all components (pins, balls, lane markers) to avoid partial shipment issues. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Crucial for 9506.99.60.80. Confirm if pins/balls contain steel/aluminum. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | For determining eligibility for any potential exemptions (if applicable). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βToy is 10%, Sport is 21.5%, Metal is 71.5%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Childrenβs Plastic Mini-Set | 9503.00.00.73 |
Declared as 9506 (Sports) |
Overpaying 11.5% duties. |
| Adult Recreational Kit (Plastic) | 9503.00.00.90 |
Declared as 9506 |
Overpaying 11.5% duties. |
| Professional Set (Wood/Resin Pins) | 9506.99.60.40 |
Declared as 9503 (Toy) |
Underpayment! Risk of penalty + back taxes. |
| Set with Metal-Core Pins | 9506.99.60.80 |
Omitting metal content | 71.5% Tariff! Massive unexpected cost. |
| Party Game Prop (Non-Toy) | 9505.90.60.00 |
Declared as Toy | Minor risk, but 10% tax is similar. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Rubber Balls, Plastic Pins) | If >50% value is rubber/plastic, consider 9503 (Toy) if intended for play. |
| Metal Core Pins | Must declare as 9506.99.60.80 with material note. Budget for 71.5% total duty. |
| Import from Non-China Origin | Section 122 and 301 tariffs may not apply. Check free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA). |
| Sample/Small Quantity | Still subject to duties. De Minimis ($800) may apply if shipped via postal service, but customs may still assess taxes if flagged. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9503.00.00.73 (Toy) |
10.0% | Low cost for toys. Avoid 9506 if possible. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9503.00 |
0% | No Section 122/301 equivalents. Low duty for toys. |
| π¨π³ China | 9503.00 |
5% - 8% | Import duty only. No trade war surcharges. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9503.00 |
8% | Moderate duty. No additional surcharges. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9503.00 |
0% - 12% | Post-Brexit rules. Generally low for toys. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 122 and potential metal tariffs.
- Toy classification (9503) is significantly cheaper (10%) than Sports classification (9506at 21.5% or 71.5%).
- Strategy: If your product is borderline (e.g., a lightweight plastic bowling set for adults), consider classifying as a Toy (9503) to save 11.5%+ in duties, provided it meets the legal definition of a toy (primarily for play).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a professional bowling set (heavy pins) as a Toy.
π Result: Customs may reclassify it as 9506, assess back duties (11.5% difference) + penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring metal content in pins/balls.
π Result: If pins have steel cores, the 50% steel tariff applies. Total duty jumps from 21.5% to 71.5%.
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Game Set."
π Result: Customs may choose the highest applicable rate. Always specify "Bowling Set for Toys" or "Bowling Equipment for Sports."
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Bowling Set, Plastic, 10 Pins, 1 Ball, for Indoor Play, Classify as Toy (9503.00.00.73)"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember This:
πΉ "Toys: 10%. Sports: 21.5%. Metal: 71.5%!"
πΉ "Classify as Toy if possible to save 11.5%. Declare metal content to avoid 50% surprise!"
πΉ "Documentation is key. Photos and specs prevent reclassification."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is borderline (e.g., a high-end plastic set for adults), consult a customs broker for an Advance Ruling. This provides legal certainty and protects against future audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
πΈ Provide Product Photos & Material Specs
π Apply for Pre-Classification if High Value
π Optimize Your Duty Cost & Ensure Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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.