HS 401694 Boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable
Quick Answer: Boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable, imported under HS 401694 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.50%, and the US at 4.2% (MFN), with numerous preferential rates available including Free. This classification covers protective devices made of rubber, designed to absorb impact and prevent damage to vessels and docking structures. Importers should be aware of the varying preferential duty rates in the US, which can significantly impact landed costs. According to CustomTariffs data, careful consideration of origin and applicable trade agreements is crucial for optimizing duty payments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4016940000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4016940000 | 2.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4016940000 | 4.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 4016.94?
Imports of Boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 401694 cover?
This subheading covers boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable, that are manufactured from rubber. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these items are designed to absorb impact and protect vessels or structures. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to specialized rubber articles used in marine environments for cushioning and impact absorption, including those that can be inflated for use.
What falls outside HS 401694?
The following products are excluded from HS 401694: general rubber sheeting or tubing not specifically shaped or designed as fenders, inflatable articles of rubber not intended for marine impact absorption (such as balloons or inflatable toys), and fenders made from materials other than rubber, such as plastic or metal. For instance, rigid plastic fenders or rope fenders would be classified under different headings based on their primary material and specific function, not as rubber fenders.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 401694?
A common error is misclassifying inflatable rubber articles that are not specifically designed or marketed as boat or dock fenders. For example, general-purpose inflatable rubber bladders or cushions, even if they could theoretically be used as a fender, would not fall under this heading if their primary design and intended use are different. This often relates to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 401694?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 401694 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and material composition. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the rubber article is specifically manufactured and marketed as a boat or dock fender. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing product literature or manufacturer specifications are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 401694?
A specific inflatable boat fender weighing 5 kg and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 5% of $200 USD = $10.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 4016.94.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 401694?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 401694, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, fenders originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a preferential rate of Free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate declaration is typically required. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in some jurisdictions, preferential rates may also apply, often requiring a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 401694 (Boat or dock fenders)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 401694 is 2.50% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, imports from Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement.
What specific criteria determine if a rubber product falls under HS code 401694 as a boat or dock fender?
HS code 401694 specifically covers 'Boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable.' The key classification criterion is the intended use and design of the rubber article. Products must be designed and manufactured to absorb impact and protect boats or docks from damage during mooring or berthing operations. This includes items like cylindrical fenders, D-shaped fenders, and pneumatic fenders specifically intended for marine applications. General-purpose rubber articles, even if they could theoretically absorb some impact, would not be classified here unless their design and primary function align with that of a marine fender.
How is the import duty for HS code 401694 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 401694 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 2.50% and you import fenders valued at $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Value) × 2.50% (Duty Rate) = $250 USD. Always ensure the declared value is the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value as per customs regulations. If specific trade agreements grant preferential rates, the calculation would use that lower or zero rate.
What documentation is typically required when importing boat or dock fenders under HS code 401694?
Standard import documentation for HS code 401694 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually mandatory. The COO must certify that the goods originate in the partner country of the trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets that confirm the items are indeed boat or dock fenders, especially if customs authorities require further verification of classification.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 401694, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements may offer preferential duty rates, often including duty-free entry, for HS code 401694. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which often have specific provisions for rubber articles. To verify eligibility, importers must: 1. Confirm the country of origin of the fenders. 2. Review the specific text of the relevant trade agreement to ensure HS code 401694 is covered and meets the rules of origin. 3. Obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporter in the originating country, compliant with the agreement's requirements. Consulting the official tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK) will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on preferential rates and requirements.