HS 950651 Tennis, badminton or similar rackets, whether or not strung
Quick Answer: Tennis, badminton, or similar rackets, whether strung or unstrung, imported under HS 950651 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.70%, and the US at 3.9% under the MFN rate, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification covers sports equipment designed for games like tennis, badminton, squash, and similar racquet sports. Importers and customs brokers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on preferential trade agreements, particularly for US imports. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-specific rates and any applicable trade preferences before shipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9506510000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9506510000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 950651 | — | — | — |
| 9506514000 | 3.9% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9506512000 | 5.3% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9506516000 | 3.1% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
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 9506.51?
Imports of Tennis, badminton or similar rackets, whether or not strung 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 15 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 950651 cover?
This subheading covers tennis, badminton, and similar rackets, whether or not they are strung. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes frames designed for sports such as squash, racquetball, and paddleball. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the frame's design for stringing and use in racket sports, irrespective of whether strings are pre-installed.
What falls outside HS 950651?
The following products are excluded from HS 950651: complete sports equipment not specifically designed as rackets for tennis, badminton, or similar sports, such as table tennis bats (classified under 9506.40), or solid paddles for beach games. Additionally, parts and accessories for these rackets, such as replacement strings or grips not attached to the frame, are classified separately, often under HS 9506.99 or specific accessory codes, as they do not constitute the strung racket itself.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 950651?
A common error is misclassifying rackets based solely on material or brand rather than their intended use and construction as per Section VI, Note 1 to Chapter 95 of the Harmonized System. For instance, mistaking a decorative or novelty item resembling a racket, but not fit for sporting use, for a product under 950651. Another mistake involves classifying unstrung frames under this subheading when they are intended for a different sport or are not designed for stringing, violating General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.
How should importers classify products under HS 950651?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 950651 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and construction. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the item is a frame specifically designed for stringing and use in racket sports like tennis or badminton. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 9506 is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 950651?
A set of 10 "Pro-Series" tennis rackets, each declared at a customs value of $50 USD, for a total declared value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS 9506.51.0000) applied to the total declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 950651?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 950651, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries, such as Vietnam. For USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required; for GSP, a GSP Form A is usually necessary.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 950651 (Tennis, badminton or similar rackets)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 950651 can vary. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general rate is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for countries with trade agreements. For instance, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may have duty-free access. Always consult the latest USITC tariff schedule for the most current rates applicable to your specific import origin.
How is the import duty for HS code 950651 calculated with a concrete example?
The duty for HS code 950651 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of 100 tennis rackets is valued at $20 per racket, the total declared value is $2,000. If the applicable MFN duty rate is 4.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $2,000 (total value) × 0.04 (duty rate) = $80.00. Remember to also account for any other applicable taxes or fees.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 950651?
HS code 950651 covers 'Tennis, badminton or similar rackets, whether or not strung'. The key criteria for classification are the product's intended use and its construction. Rackets designed specifically for sports like tennis, badminton, squash, or similar games fall under this code. This includes rackets made from various materials such as wood, metal, or composite materials. The presence or absence of strings does not affect classification within this specific code.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 950651?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 950651. For imports into the United States, the U.S. has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and others, which may offer reduced or duty-free entry. The European Union's TARIC system also lists preferential rates for goods originating from countries with which the EU has trade agreements. Importers should verify the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm eligibility for preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required for importing rackets under HS code 950651?
When importing rackets classified under HS code 950651, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. For preferential duty claims, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is often necessary to prove the goods originate from a country that is party to a relevant trade agreement. Customs brokers should ensure all documentation accurately reflects the product and its origin to avoid delays or penalties.