How to Find the Right HS Code for Golf Balls: A Guide for Importers and Exporters

If you are importing or exporting golf balls, you need to know the Harmonized System (HS) code for them. The HS code is a six-digit number that identifies the product category, subcategory and specific product for customs purposes. It helps to determine the applicable tariffs, taxes and regulations for your goods.

What Is The HS Code For Golf Balls

The HS code for golf balls is 9506.32.00. This means that they belong to Chapter 95 (Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof), Heading 9506 (Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports or outdoor games; swimming pools and paddling pools), and Subheading 9506.32 (Golf balls).

However, this is not the end of the story. Depending on the country of origin or destination, you may need to add more digits to the HS code to specify further details about your golf balls. For example, some countries use an eight-digit or a ten-digit code, which are called the Tariff Code or the Schedule B number respectively.

How To Find Out The Exact HS Code

To find out the exact HS code for your golf balls, you can use online tools such as the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System Database or the U.S. International Trade Commission’s Interactive Tariff and Trade DataWeb. You can also consult with your customs broker or freight forwarder, who can help you with the classification process.

By using the correct HS code for your golf balls, you can avoid delays, penalties and extra costs at the border. You can also benefit from preferential trade agreements or duty-free programs that may apply to your products. Moreover, you can gain valuable insights into the global market trends and demand for golf balls by analyzing the trade data based on the HS code.

Global Trends in Golf Ball Industry

The golf ball industry is a lucrative and competitive market that has been influenced by various factors such as consumer preferences, technological innovations, environmental regulations, and trade policies. In this article, we will examine some of the global trends that have shaped the demand and supply of golf balls in recent years.

HS Code for Golf Balls

Golf balls are classified under the Harmonized System (HS) code 9506.32.00, which covers “golf equipment (excl. balls, clubs and parts thereof)”. This code is used for international trade statistics and tariff purposes. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the global trade value of golf balls was $1.2 billion in 2020, down from $1.4 billion in 2019. The top five exporters of golf balls in 2020 were China ($329 million), Thailand ($237 million), Japan ($156 million), South Korea ($131 million), and the United States ($125 million). The top five importers of golf balls in 2020 were the United States ($382 million), Japan ($153 million), Canada ($77 million), Germany ($66 million), and the United Kingdom ($64 million).

Consumer Preferences and Technological Innovations

One of the main drivers of demand for golf balls is consumer preferences, which are influenced by factors such as performance, quality, durability, price, and brand loyalty. Consumers tend to seek golf balls that can enhance their game by providing optimal distance, accuracy, spin, feel, and control. To meet these expectations, golf ball manufacturers have invested in research and development to introduce new products that incorporate advanced materials, designs, and features. For example, some of the recent innovations in golf ball technology include multi-layer construction, dimple patterns, aerodynamics, compression, core materials, cover materials, and coating technologies. These innovations aim to improve the flight characteristics, durability, and performance of golf balls under different conditions.

Environmental Regulations and Trade Policies

Another factor that affects the supply and demand of golf balls is environmental regulations and trade policies. Environmental regulations are intended to protect the natural resources and ecosystems from the potential impacts of golf ball production and consumption. For instance, some of the environmental issues associated with golf balls include water consumption, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, chemical use, and wildlife hazards. To address these issues, golf ball manufacturers have adopted various measures such as water conservation, energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, recycling, biodegradability, and eco-friendly materials. Additionally, some governments and organizations have implemented standards and certifications to ensure the environmental compliance and sustainability of golf ball products.

Trade policies are also important for the golf ball industry as they determine the market access and competitiveness of different countries and regions. Trade policies include tariffs, quotas, subsidies, anti-dumping measures, safeguards, trade agreements, and trade disputes. These policies can affect the price, quantity, quality, and availability of golf balls in different markets. For example, some of the recent trade developments that have affected the golf ball industry include the US-China trade war, the UK-EU Brexit deal, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the WTO dispute settlement cases.

References:

https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/04/26/120285370.pdf

http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/origin-of-golf-terms/golf-ball-feathery-gutty-haskell/

https://www.tariffnumber.com/2023/95063200
https://www.tariffnumber.com/2023/95063990
https://www.datamyne.com/hts/95/9506320000
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/golf-ball-market
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-golf-ball-market

https://www.tariffnumber.com/2023/95063990

https://www.tariffnumber.com/2023/95063200

https://www.datamyne.com/hts/95/9506320000