How to Find the Right Sport Equipment HS Code for Your Business

If you are importing or exporting sport equipment, you need to know the HS code for your products. HS stands for Harmonized System, and it is a standardized classification system for goods traded internationally. The HS code consists of six digits, and it identifies the product category, subcategory, and specific item. By using the correct HS code, you can avoid delays, fees, and penalties at customs, as well as comply with trade regulations and agreements.

In this article, we will explain what sport equipment HS code is, how to find it, and why it is important for your business. We will also provide some examples of common sport equipment HS codes and their descriptions.

What is Sport Equipment HS Code?

Sport equipment HS code is a specific type of HS code that applies to products related to sports and physical activities. These include items such as balls, rackets, bats, gloves, helmets, skis, skates, bicycles, fitness machines, and more.

Sport equipment HS code falls under the broader category of Chapter 95 of the HS code system, which covers toys, games, and sports requisites. Within this chapter, there are several subcategories that correspond to different types of sport equipment. For example:

9506: Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games
9507: Fishing rods, fish-hooks and other line fishing tackle; fish landing nets
9508: Roundabouts, swings, shooting galleries and other fairground amusements
9509: Articles for funfair, table or parlor games

Each subcategory is further divided into more specific items by adding two more digits to the HS code. For example:

950611: Snow-skis
950699: Other articles and equipment for general physical exercise
950710: Fishing rods
950790: Other fishing tackle

How to Find the Right Sport Equipment HS Code for Your Product?

To find the right sport equipment HS code for your product, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the main category of your product. Is it a toy, a game, or a sport equipment?
Identify the subcategory of your product. What type of sport or activity does it belong to?
Identify the specific item of your product. What are its features and characteristics?
Use a reliable online tool or database to search for the corresponding HS code. You can use websites such as https://www.trade.gov/harmonized-system-hs-codes or https://www.tariffnumber.com/ to look up the HS code by keyword or description.
Verify the accuracy of the HS code by checking the official customs website of your destination country. Different countries may have different rules and requirements for importing or exporting certain products.
Label your product with the correct HS code and include it in your shipping documents.

Why is Sport Equipment HS Code Important for Your Business?

Using the right sport equipment HS code for your product is important for several reasons:

It helps you comply with customs regulations and avoid delays, fees, and penalties.
It helps you benefit from preferential tariffs and trade agreements that may apply to your product.
It helps you protect your intellectual property rights and prevent counterfeiting or piracy.
It helps you collect accurate data and statistics on your trade activities and market trends.

Examples of Sport Equipment HS Codes and Their Descriptions

Here are some examples of sport equipment HS codes and their descriptions:

95061100: Snow-skis
95062900: Snow-ski-fastenings (ski-bindings)
95063100: Golf clubs
95063200: Golf balls
95063900: Other golf equipment
95065100: Lawn-tennis rackets
95065900: Other tennis rackets
95066100: Table tennis balls
95066200: Inflatable balls
95066900: Other balls
95069100: Gymnasium or athletics articles and equipment
95069910: Roller skates
95069990: Other articles and equipment for general physical exercise

Global Trends in Sport Equipment Industry

The sport equipment industry is a dynamic and competitive sector that produces a wide range of products for various sports and physical activities. According to the HS Code 9506, the sport equipment industry includes articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and paddling pools. Some examples of sport equipment are snow-skis, water-skis, surf-boards, golf clubs, tennis rackets, balls, ice skates, roller skates, exercising apparatus, etc.

The global market for sport equipment was valued at USD 89.22 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2020 to 2027. The increasing popularity of sports and fitness activities, especially among the young and urban population, is driving the demand for sport equipment worldwide. Moreover, the rising awareness about the health benefits of physical exercise, the growing disposable income of consumers, the technological innovations in product design and quality, and the expansion of online retail channels are some of the key factors that are contributing to the growth of the sport equipment industry.

Regional Analysis of Sport Equipment Industry

The global sport equipment industry is segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. Among these regions, North America accounted for the largest share of the market in 2019, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high penetration of sport equipment in North America can be attributed to the strong presence of leading manufacturers, such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Callaway Golf, etc., as well as the high participation rate of consumers in various sports and fitness activities. The US is the largest market for sport equipment in North America, with a revenue of USD 31.44 billion in 2019.

Europe is the second-largest market for sport equipment, with a revenue of USD 28.07 billion in 2019. The region has a well-established sport culture and a high demand for premium and innovative products. Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Spain are some of the major markets for sport equipment in Europe. The region is also home to some of the prominent players in the industry, such as Decathlon, Puma, Amer Sports, etc.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for sport equipment, with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2020 to 2027. The region is witnessing a rapid urbanization and a growing middle-class population that are increasing their spending on sport and leisure activities. China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea are some of the key markets for sport equipment in Asia Pacific. The region also offers significant opportunities for new entrants and local players to tap into the untapped potential of emerging markets.

Latin America and Middle East and Africa are expected to witness moderate growth in the sport equipment industry during the forecast period. The regions are characterized by low penetration of sport equipment and limited availability of quality products. However, the improving economic conditions, the rising disposable income of consumers, the growing awareness about health and fitness benefits of sports activities, and the increasing influence of social media and celebrities are some of the factors that are expected to boost the demand for sport equipment in these regions.

References:

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaa3141

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/about-us/wco-members/membership.aspx

https://www.tariffnumber.com/2023/95069990
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sports-equipment-market