护垫

🩹 Pads (Protective Mats / Sanitary Pads / Medical Pads)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Pads"?

The term "Pad" is highly ambiguous in international trade, encompassing everything from personal hygiene products to industrial protective mats and medical cushions. The HS Code classification depends entirely on the material, intended use, and physical structure.

Based on the provided data, the potential classifications range from rubber/plastic protective goods to textile furniture accessories and medical supplies.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- Rubber/Plastic Material → Classified under Chapter 40 or Chapter 39 (Protective/Generic items)
- Textile/Knitted Material → Classified under Chapter 63 (Furniture/Household accessories)
- Specific Medical/Transport Use → Classified under Chapter 39 (Non-material-specific functional goods)

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- Do not assume all "pads" are sanitary products (HS 4911 or 3004). The provided data suggests these are protective or functional pads, not personal hygiene items. - Material determines the chapter: Rubber goes to Ch.40, Plastic to Ch.39, Textile to Ch.63.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharge Policies)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Post-2025 (Current Policy Framework)

🎯 1. 4016.99.05.00 —— Rubber/Plastic Protective Goods

📌 Explanation:
- This is a moderate tariff category. The 3.4% base duty applies to specific rubber articles. - The 7.5% Section 301 and 10% Section 122 surcharges are mandatory for Chinese origin goods.

🎯 2. 6304.91.01.70 —— Knitted/Crocheted Household Accessories

📌 Explanation:
- Textile-based pads fall under Section 301 and Section 122 as well. - Higher base duty (5.8%) compared to rubber articles.

🎯 3. 3926.90.99.50 —— Plastic Articles (Medical/Transport Function)

📌 Explanation:
- Plastic goods generally have a base duty of 5.3%. - No higher surcharge applies here compared to other categories, but the 17.5% total surcharge (7.5% + 10%) still applies.

🎯 4. 4016.99.60.50 —— Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles

📌 Critical Alert:
- This is the HIGHEST tax rate category!
- The Section 301 surcharge is 25% (not 7.5%), indicating this specific rubber code is under stricter trade restrictions. - Avoid this code if possible unless the product strictly requires this classification.

🎯 5. 3926.90.99.89 —— Other Plastic Articles (Fallback Category)

📌 Explanation:
- This is a fallback category for plastic goods not specifically listed elsewhere. - Same tax rate as 3926.90.99.50 (22.8%), but used for general plastic pads.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Material Verification is Key (Do Not Guess!)

⚠️ Critical Warning:
- If your "pad" is for personal hygiene (sanitary napkins, baby diapers), NONE of the above codes apply!
- Those fall under Chapter 49 (Paper products) or Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical/Medical), which have different tax structures.
- The provided data is for protective/industrial/household pads, not sanitary products.

✅ 2. Documentation Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 3. Clearance Tips (Golden Rules)

🔥 "Material First, Use Second, Name Third!"

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariffs due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- Avoid 4016.99.60.50 if possible (37.5% total) due to higher Section 301 surcharge.
- Plastic and Textile options are more tax-efficient (20.9%-23.3%).

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Classifying sanitary pads as protective pads
👉 Result: Customs rejection, reclassification to HS 4911/3004, fines, and delays.

❌ Mistake 2: Using 4016.99.60.50 for standard rubber pads
👉 Result: Paying 37.5% tax instead of 20.9%. A 16.6% unnecessary cost!

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring material composition
👉 Result: If you claim "plastic" but it’s "rubber," customs will reclassify to Ch.40 with higher duties.

❌ Mistake 4: Not specifying intended use
👉 Result: Customs may classify under a fallback category with higher tax or stricter inspection.

✅ Correct Approach:

"Vulcanized Rubber Protective Mat, Industrial Use, 5mm Thick, Model XYZ, China Origin"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:

🔹 "Rubber Check Chapter 40, Plastic Check Chapter 39, Textile Check Chapter 63."
🔹 "Avoid 4016.99.60.50 (37.5%) unless absolutely necessary."
🔹 "Sanitary Pads are NOT Protective Pads!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If you can, switch material from rubber to plastic or textile to reduce tariff from 37.5% to 22.8%.
Or, ensure your rubber pad fits under 4016.99.05.00 (20.9%) by verifying it’s a "generic protective item" rather than a "specialized rubber article."

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact your customs broker with the material composition report and product photos.
🚀 Request an Advance Ruling from US Customs if your product is unique.
💡 Verify HS Code accuracy to avoid overpaying 16.6% tax!

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every percent of tax saved is pure profit!