小网球 12 个装
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016992000 | 14.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506610000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🎾 Tennis Balls (12-Pack) – HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Guide
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Small Tennis Balls"?
"Small Tennis Balls" (typically 12-pack) refer to pressurized or pressureless rubber spheres used for training, pet toys, or recreational play. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material, intended use, and specifications.
⚠️ Key Classification Points:
- If made of vulcanized rubber and used for sports → Likely 9506.61.00.00
- If made of rubber and used as pet toys → Likely 4016.99.20.00
- If generic rubber articles (no specific toy/sport function) → Likely 4016.99.60.50
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the three possible HS codes and their corresponding tax breakdowns:
| HS Code | Summary & Matching Criteria | Total Tax Rate | Tax Detail Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4016.99.60.50 | Inferred material is rubber; classified as "Other vulcanized rubber articles" | 37.5% | Base: 2.5% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
| 4016.99.20.00 | Matched by rubber material; intended use is sports or pet toys | 14.3% | Base: 4.3% + Section 301: 0.0% + Section 122: 10% |
| 9506.61.00.00 | Product name "tennis ball" directly matches the sports equipment category | 17.5% | Base: 0.0% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
🔍 Key Distinctions:
- 4016.99.60.50: Highest tax (37.5%). Applies if the product is viewed simply as a generic rubber item without specific sporting/toy designation.
- 4016.99.20.00: Lowest tax (14.3%). Applies if clearly marketed as pet toys or sports training aids (non-regulation balls), avoiding the "Section 301" surcharge.
- 9506.61.00.00: Moderate tax (17.5%). Applies if strictly classified as tennis balls for official/recreational sports use, where base duty is 0% but Section 301 applies partially.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Explanation (Including Additional Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 4016.99.60.50 —— Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles (Generic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (High tax rate excludes low-value exemption) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.60.50 → FOOTNOTE:301 → SECTION:122 |
📌 Explanation:
- This code is used when the product is not clearly defined as a toy or specific sports equipment.
- It bears the full 25% Section 301 tariff because it falls under broad rubber articles.
- Total 37.5% makes this the most expensive classification option.
🎯 2. 4016.99.20.00 —— Rubber Articles for Sports or Pet Toys
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.3% |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% (Exempted for certain toy/rubber subcategories) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 14.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (Still subject to Section 122) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.20.00 → SECTION:122 |
📌 Note:
- This is the most cost-effective classification if the product is marketed as pet toys or training aids rather than official "tennis balls."
- No Section 301 surcharge applies, significantly reducing costs.
- Suitable for squeaky balls, durable rubber balls for dogs, or practice balls not meeting ITF standards.
🎯 3. 9506.61.00.00 —— Tennis Balls (Sports Equipment)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9506.61.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:301.75 → SECTION:122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Direct match for "Tennis Balls" in the product name.
- Benefits from 0% base duty for sports equipment.
- However, Section 301 still applies at a reduced rate of 7.5% (not the full 25%).
- Ideal if selling as standard recreational tennis balls.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Clearance)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Clarifies material (rubber type), size, pressure status |
| ✅ Marketing Materials/Packaging Photo | ✔️ | Shows if labeled as "Pet Toy," "Training Aid," or "Tennis Ball" |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must state "12 Pack Tennis Balls" or "Rubber Pet Toys" depending on HS choice |
| ✅ Material Composition Proof | ✔️ | Confirm vulcanized rubber content to support HS 4016 or 9506 |
| ✅ Country of Origin Certificate | ✔️ | For US import, to verify China origin and apply correct Section 301/122 rates |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
🔥 "Use the Right Name, Pick the Right Code!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Selling as standard tennis balls | 9506.61.00.00 |
Direct name match; moderate tax (17.5%) |
| Selling as dog toys or squeaky rubber balls | 4016.99.20.00 |
Lowest tax (14.3%); avoids Section 301 |
| Selling as generic rubber spheres (no clear use) | 4016.99.60.50 |
Highest tax (37.5%); Avoid unless necessary |
📌 Warning:
- If you declare as "Tennis Balls" but the product lacks proper felt covering or pressure, customs may reject9506.61.00.00and reclassify to4016.99.60.50(higher tax).
- If you declare as "Pet Toys" but the product looks exactly like tennis balls, customs may suspect misclassification. Ensure packaging and marketing align with the declared HS code.
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Branded Tennis Balls (e.g., Wilson, Penn) | Must use 9506.61.00.00. Provide brand authorization if requested. |
| Generic Rubber Balls for Dogs | Use 4016.99.20.00. Clearly label as "Dog Chew Toy" or "Pet Toy." |
| Mixed Packs (Tennis + Dog Balls) | Split declaration. Do not mix categories to avoid rejection. |
| Samples for Testing | If value < $800, consider de minimis (but note: Section 122 may still apply). |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 9506.61.00.00 |
17.5% | Best for official tennis balls |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4016.99.20.00 |
14.3% | Best for pet toys/training aids |
| 🇨🇳 China | 9506.61.00.00 |
0% - 5% | Low import duty; no Section 301 |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 9506.61.00.00 |
0% - 4.5% | No Section 122 equivalent |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 9506.61.00.00 |
0% - 4.5% | Post-Brexit, competitive rates |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA imposes significant additional duties via Section 122 (10%) and Section 301 (0%-25%).
- EU/UK do not have equivalent Section 301/122 surcharges, making them more favorable for export.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Tennis Balls" but shipping rubber dog toys
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 4016.99.60.50 (37.5%) → Back taxes + fines!
❌ Mistake 2: Using "Rubber Balls" for official tennis balls
👉 Consequence: Risk of penalty for misdeclaration; potential audit.
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10%)
👉 Consequence: Underpaying duty → Post-entry audits and penalties.
✅ Correct Approach:
- If selling tennis balls: Declare "Tennis Balls, 12-Pack, Rubber/Felt" → HS
9506.61.00.00(17.5%)- If selling pet toys: Declare "Rubber Pet Toy, Squeaky Ball, 12-Pack" → HS
4016.99.20.00(14.3%)
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Key Takeaway:
🔹 "Pet Toy" = 14.3% Tax (Best Savings)
🔹 "Tennis Ball" = 17.5% Tax (Standard)
🔹 "Generic Rubber" = 37.5% Tax (Avoid!)
📌 Pro Tip:
If your product is versatile (can be used for both sports and pets), consider marketing it as a "Pet Training Ball" to qualify for the lower 14.3% rate, provided packaging and description support this use.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult a Customs Broker to confirm the best HS code based on your exact product design.
🚀 Align Packaging & Description with your chosen HS code to avoid clearance delays.
✨ Precise Classification = Lower Costs + Faster Clearance!
💼 Every Percentage Point Counts in International 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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.