pickleball racket
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9506598060 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506594040 | 15.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΈ Pickleball Racket (Pickleball Paddle)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Pickleball Rackets"?
The Pickleball Racket (more commonly known as a Pickleball Paddle) is a solid-faced racket used in the sport of pickleball. In international trade, it is classified under "Tennis, badminton, or similar rackets".
Key Distinction: Unlike tennis or badminton rackets, which are typically strung (with a mesh of strings), pickleball rackets are solid-faced (made of wood, composite materials, or graphite with no strings).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point: - If it is a solid-faced paddle (no strings) β It is generally classified as "Other" under HS Code 9506.59.80.60. - If it is strictly a badminton racket (strung) β It is classified under 9506.59.40.40. - Note: In the provided data, HS Code
9506.59.80.60explicitly covers "Other" rackets, which is the standard classification for solid-faced pickleball paddles. HS Code9506.59.40.40is for Badminton Rackets, which are strung. Therefore, a standard pickleball paddle does not fit here.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Strung? |
|---|---|---|---|
9506.59.80.60 |
Other rackets (including parts/accessories) | Pickleball Paddles (Solid Face) | β No (Solid) |
9506.59.40.40 |
Badminton rackets and parts/accessories | Badminton Rackets (Strung) | β Yes (Strung) |
π Key Reminder: - Pickleball Paddles are solid, not strung. Therefore, they fall under "Other" (
9506.59.80.60). - Do NOT classify as Badminton Rackets (9506.59.40.40) unless the item is actually a badminton racket. Misclassification can lead to customs delays or penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9506.59.80.60 ββ Other Rackets (Pickleball Paddles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if value is under $800, no duty/tax applies; if >$800, standard rules apply but rate is still 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | 9506.59.80.60 β Base: 0.0% + Surtax: 0.0% |
π Explanation: - Base Tariff: 0.0% - Surtax: 0.0% (Note: The data shows "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surtax: 50%" for
9506.59.40.40, but NOT for9506.59.80.60. Pickleball paddles are typically made of composite materials (carbon fiber, graphite, polymer) or wood, not primarily steel/aluminum/copper. Therefore, the 50% surtax does not apply.) - Total Tax: 0.0%. This is a zero-tariff item for US imports from China (as per the provided data).
β Why NOT 9506.59.40.40 (Badminton Rackets)?
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surtax | 50% (If made of these materials) |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% (Base) + 50% (If applicable) |
| Note | This code is for Badminton Rackets (strung). Pickleball paddles are not badminton rackets. |
π Warning: - If you mistakenly classify a pickleball paddle as a badminton racket (
9506.59.40.40), and it contains any steel, aluminum, or copper components (e.g., metal frame edges), you could face a 50% surtax. - Correct Classification: Always use9506.59.80.60for pickleball paddles to avoid this risk.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include material (e.g., carbon fiber, wood, composite), dimensions, weight, brand, model number. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the solid face (no strings) to distinguish from badminton rackets. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Pickleball Paddle" and "Not Strung". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents: paddles, bags, grips, etc. |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Briefly explain why itβs 9506.59.80.60 (solid-faced, not strung). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Solid Face, No Strings, Code 80.60, Zero Duty Wins!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pickleball Paddle | 9506.59.80.60 |
Misclassify as Badminton (9506.59.40.40) |
| Pickleball Paddle + Bag | Declare Paddle under 9506.59.80.60 | Do not split unless bag is separate and high value |
| Badminton Racket | 9506.59.40.40 |
Do not call it "Pickleball" |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Paddle with Metal Frame Edges | Still classify as 9506.59.80.60. The 50% surtax for 9506.59.40.40 does not apply to this code. |
| Custom/Decorative Paddles | If primarily for display/decoration, may be classified under 9506.99.00.00 (Parts/Accessories of other sports goods). However, functional paddles are 9506.59.80.60. |
| Sets (Paddles + Balls + Net) | Declare paddles under 9506.59.80.60. Balls under 9506.62.00.00. Nets under 9506.99.00.00. Do not mix into one line item unless invoiced as a single set with a primary use. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9506.59.80.60 |
0% | None typically required | Zero duty! |
| π¨π³ China | 9506.59.80.60 |
Varies | None typically required | Import duty may apply depending on China's specific schedule |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9506.59 |
0-4.5% | CE (if applicable) | No special surtax |
| π¬π§ UK | 9506.59 |
0-4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9506.59 |
0-5% | None typically required | FTA benefits may apply |
π Conclusion: - The US offers a 0% tariff for pickleball paddles under
9506.59.80.60. - This is a low-risk, low-cost item for importers. - Ensure correct classification to avoid misclassification penalties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying pickleball paddles as badminton rackets (9506.59.40.40)
π Consequence: Potential 50% surtax if materials trigger the steel/aluminum/copper clause. Avoid!
β Mistake 2: Not specifying "Solid Face" or "Not Strung" in description π Consequence: Customs may question the classification, leading to delays or reclassification.
β Mistake 3: Confusing "Pickleball" with "Table Tennis"
π Consequence: Table tennis equipment has different HS codes (e.g., 9506.32.00.00). Pickleball is not table tennis.
β Correct Practice:
"Pickleball Paddle, Solid Face, Carbon Fiber Composite, Model ABC, Not Strung"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Solid Face, No Strings, Code 80.60, Zero Duty!" πΉ "Don't Call it Badminton, or You Might Pay 50%!"
π Pro Tip: - If your paddles are made of carbon fiber, graphite, or wood, they are not steel/aluminum/copper products, so the 50% surtax is irrelevant. - Always provide photos to customs brokers to prove the solid face. - Pre-clearance is recommended if shipping large volumes to ensure smooth entry.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos. π Ensure invoice states "Pickleball Paddle, Solid Face, Not Strung". π Enjoy 0% Duty and Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! πΌ Every Cent Saved 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.