HS 950699 Other

HS code 950699 covers 'Other' articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or other sports, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 95. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the US is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU) may enter duty-free under the US-Australia FTA. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin to claim preferential treatment. Always consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USHTS) for the most current rates and specific country provisions.

Classification under 950699 is a residual category, meaning it applies to sports and exercise equipment that does not fit into more specific subheadings within 9506 (e.g., 9506.11 for skis, 9506.29 for swimming equipment, 9506.91 for gym equipment). Common pitfalls include misclassifying items that do have a more specific heading or failing to consider the primary use of the article. For instance, a yoga mat might be classified here if it's not specifically covered elsewhere, but if it's part of a set of exercise equipment, the classification might change. Always refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and the USITC's tariff database for guidance on classification principles.

Standard import documentation for HS code 950699 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, additional documents may be required. For claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice is crucial. Some items may also require safety or compliance certifications, although this is less common for general sports equipment unless they fall under specific safety regulations. Consult with your customs broker and the destination country's customs authority for a comprehensive list.

Let's assume a shipment of assorted, unclassified sports equipment (e.g., resistance bands, agility cones, hand weights not specifically classified elsewhere) is imported into the US. The declared value of the shipment is $10,000 USD. The MFN duty rate for HS 950699 is 2.00% ad valorem. The duty calculation would be: Duty = Declared Value × Duty Rate. Therefore, Duty = $10,000 USD × 0.02 = $200 USD. If this shipment originated from a country with a preferential trade agreement offering duty-free entry (e.g., 0.00% ad valorem), the calculated duty would be $0 USD, provided all origin requirements are met.

Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 950699. In the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) for goods originating from Canada and Mexico, and bilateral FTAs with countries such as Chile (CL), Singapore (SG), and South Korea (KR), often offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union's TARIC system also lists numerous preferential rates under agreements with countries like Switzerland (CH) and various ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) states. Importers should verify the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant preferential tariff schedules, such as the EU TARIC database or the UK Integrated Online Tariff, to determine eligibility and required documentation.