Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, recreation or sports of children or adults, such as toys, chess sets, video game consoles, fitness equipment, fishing and hunting gear, skiing equipment, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include certain specific sports articles, such as sports clothing, helmets, footwear, etc., which are usually classified in Chapters 61, 62, and 65. The classification principles of this chapter are mainly based on the intended use and function of the articles, rather than the material. Heading 9506 covers general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus, including swimming articles, golf equipment, table tennis equipment, tennis equipment, skiing equipment, etc. However, 9506 does not include clothing or footwear specially designed for a particular sport, nor does it include sports gloves (classified in Chapter 42) or sports helmets (classified in Chapter 65). The subheadings under this heading are subdivided by sport type, such as skiing equipment, water sports equipment, etc. Code 950612 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 95 represent Chapter 95 (toys, games and sports equipment). Digits 3-4, 06, represent heading 9506 (general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus). Digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 9506.12, specifically "Snowboard bindings". In the HS classification, snowboard bindings are important accessories for snowboards, used to secure snowboard boots to the snowboard. This subheading specifically covers snowboard bindings, while snowboards themselves are classified in 9506.11, snowboard boots in 6403 or 6404, and ski poles in 9506.19. Snowboard bindings are classified in 9506.12 because they are sports equipment accessories specifically designed for snowboards, meeting the description of heading 9506 "other sports equipment". They are not classified in 9506.11 as snowboards because bindings are components independent of the snowboard; nor in 9506.19 as other skiing equipment because 9506.12 explicitly lists snowboard bindings. In addition, they should not be classified in Chapter 73 as articles of iron or steel or Chapter 83 as articles of base metal, because their dedicated nature determines that they belong to sports equipment.
Chapter
Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, recreation or sports of children or adults, such as toys, chess sets, video game consoles, fitness equipment, fishing and hunting gear, skiing equipment, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include certain specific sports articles, such as sports clothing, helmets, footwear, etc., which are usually classified in Chapters 61, 62, and 65. The classification principles of this chapter are mainly based on the intended use and function of the articles, rather than the material.
Heading
Heading 9506 covers general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus, including swimming articles, golf equipment, table tennis equipment, tennis equipment, skiing equipment, etc. However, 9506 does not include clothing or footwear specially designed for a particular sport, nor does it include sports gloves (classified in Chapter 42) or sports helmets (classified in Chapter 65). The subheadings under this heading are subdivided by sport type, such as skiing equipment, water sports equipment, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 950612 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 95 represent Chapter 95 (toys, games and sports equipment). Digits 3-4, 06, represent heading 9506 (general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus). Digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 9506.12, specifically "Snowboard bindings". In the HS classification, snowboard bindings are important accessories for snowboards, used to secure snowboard boots to the snowboard. This subheading specifically covers snowboard bindings, while snowboards themselves are classified in 9506.11, snowboard boots in 6403 or 6404, and ski poles in 9506.19.
Classification Basis
Snowboard bindings are classified in 9506.12 because they are sports equipment accessories specifically designed for snowboards, meeting the description of heading 9506 "other sports equipment". They are not classified in 9506.11 as snowboards because bindings are components independent of the snowboard; nor in 9506.19 as other skiing equipment because 9506.12 explicitly lists snowboard bindings. In addition, they should not be classified in Chapter 73 as articles of iron or steel or Chapter 83 as articles of base metal, because their dedicated nature determines that they belong to sports equipment.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should be accurately described as "Snowboard bindings". Brand: Fill in the brand of the bindings, such as Burton, Union, Flux, etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model of the bindings, such as Burton Cartel, Union Force, etc., which helps customs identify them. Material: Describe the main material of the bindings, such as aluminum alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. Different materials may affect classification. Use: State that it is used for snowboards to secure snowboard boots, and it must be specified as snowboard bindings. Specifications and Dimensions: Fill in the size of the bindings, such as S, M, L or specific length, for customs inspection. Whether in Set: If it is packaged as a set or imported together with a snowboard, it should be noted; if imported separately, fill in "imported separately". Country of Origin: Fill in the country of origin of the bindings, which affects tariffs and trade policies. Product Name: Snowboard bindings; Brand: Burton; Model: Cartel; Material: Aluminum alloy + plastic; Use: For snowboards, securing snowboard boots; Specifications and Dimensions: Size M; Whether in Set: Imported separately; Country of Origin: United States. Misreporting snowboard bindings as snowboards, leading to classification under 9506.11. Note that bindings are independent components. Ignoring material description. If the bindings contain precious metals or special materials, it may affect classification and requires detailed declaration. Confusing ski bindings with snowboard bindings. Ski bindings are usually classified under 9506.19.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should be accurately described as "Snowboard bindings".
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as "snowboard" or "ski boot bindings", leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the bindings, such as Burton, Union, Flux, etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the bindings, such as Burton Cartel, Union Force, etc., which helps customs identify them.
⚠️ Missing model or filling in a generic number.
Material
Describe the main material of the bindings, such as aluminum alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. Different materials may affect classification.
⚠️ Only filling in "metal" or "plastic", which is too general.
Use
State that it is used for snowboards to secure snowboard boots, and it must be specified as snowboard bindings.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in as "ski bindings", leading to classification errors.
Specifications and Dimensions
Fill in the size of the bindings, such as S, M, L or specific length, for customs inspection.
⚠️ Missing size information or inconsistent with the actual product.
Whether in Set
If it is packaged as a set or imported together with a snowboard, it should be noted; if imported separately, fill in "imported separately".
⚠️ Confusing set with separate, affecting classification.
Country of Origin
Fill in the country of origin of the bindings, which affects tariffs and trade policies.
⚠️ Confusing country of origin with country of shipment.
Example： Product Name: Snowboard bindings; Brand: Burton; Model: Cartel; Material: Aluminum alloy + plastic; Use: For snowboards, securing snowboard boots; Specifications and Dimensions: Size M; Whether in Set: Imported separately; Country of Origin: United States.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting snowboard bindings as snowboards, leading to classification under 9506.11. Note that bindings are independent components.
Ignoring material description. If the bindings contain precious metals or special materials, it may affect classification and requires detailed declaration.
Confusing ski bindings with snowboard bindings. Ski bindings are usually classified under 9506.19.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification lies in the dedicated nature and function of the goods. Snowboard bindings are accessories specifically designed for snowboards, used to secure snowboard boots to the board. According to HS notes, 9506 includes skiing equipment, and 9506.12 explicitly lists snowboard bindings. Therefore, as long as the goods meet the definition of snowboard bindings, they should be classified under 9506.12. If the bindings are imported together with a snowboard and form a complete snowboard set, they may be classified as a snowboard, but when imported separately, the bindings are still classified under 9506.12. 9506.11 Snowboards: Snowboards are complete sports equipment, while bindings are accessories. If bindings are imported as a set with a snowboard, they may be classified as a snowboard, but separately imported bindings are classified under 9506.12. 9506.19 Other skiing equipment: This subheading includes ski poles, ski bindings, etc., but does not include snowboard bindings. Snowboard bindings have a dedicated subheading 9506.12. 6403.19 Snowboard boots: Snowboard boots belong to footwear and are classified in Chapter 64, while bindings are sports equipment classified in Chapter 95. Their functions are different. 7326.90 Other articles of iron or steel: If bindings are considered merely as metal articles, they might be incorrectly classified under this code, but due to their dedicated nature, they should be classified under 9506.12. Confirm whether the goods are snowboard bindings. Confirm whether they are imported separately, not as a set. Check whether the material affects classification. Verify whether the brand and model are fully declared. Confirm the country of origin and trade mode.
Basis
The core basis for classification lies in the dedicated nature and function of the goods. Snowboard bindings are accessories specifically designed for snowboards, used to secure snowboard boots to the board. According to HS notes, 9506 includes skiing equipment, and 9506.12 explicitly lists snowboard bindings. Therefore, as long as the goods meet the definition of snowboard bindings, they should be classified under 9506.12. If the bindings are imported together with a snowboard and form a complete snowboard set, they may be classified as a snowboard, but when imported separately, the bindings are still classified under 9506.12.
Confused Codes：
9506.11 - Snowboards
Snowboards are complete sports equipment, while bindings are accessories. If bindings are imported as a set with a snowboard, they may be classified as a snowboard, but separately imported bindings are classified under 9506.12.
9506.19 - Other skiing equipment
This subheading includes ski poles, ski bindings, etc., but does not include snowboard bindings. Snowboard bindings have a dedicated subheading 9506.12.
6403.19 - Snowboard boots
Snowboard boots belong to footwear and are classified in Chapter 64, while bindings are sports equipment classified in Chapter 95. Their functions are different.
7326.90 - Other articles of iron or steel
If bindings are considered merely as metal articles, they might be incorrectly classified under this code, but due to their dedicated nature, they should be classified under 9506.12.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the goods are snowboard bindings.
✓ Confirm whether they are imported separately, not as a set.
✓ Check whether the material affects classification.
✓ Verify whether the brand and model are fully declared.
✓ Confirm the country of origin and trade mode.
❓ FAQ
How are snowboard bindings classified when imported together with a snowboard? If the bindings are imported together with a snowboard and form a complete snowboard set, they are usually classified as a snowboard under 9506.11. However, if the bindings are imported separately, they are classified under 9506.12. It is recommended to declare according to the actual trade status, and if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification. How to distinguish snowboard bindings from ski bindings? Snowboard bindings are used for snowboards and usually come in pairs (one for each foot), with a structure including base plate, straps, etc.; ski bindings are used for skis, with one binding per ski, and have a different structure. Snowboard bindings are classified under 9506.12, while ski bindings are classified under 9506.19. The main material of snowboard bindings is plastic. Does this affect classification? Material does not affect classification, because classification is based on use and function. As long as the goods are snowboard bindings, regardless of whether the material is plastic, metal or carbon fiber, they are classified under 9506.12. However, the material must be truthfully declared for customs inspection. What declaration elements are required when importing snowboard bindings? It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, material, use, specifications and dimensions, whether in set, country of origin, etc. For details, refer to customs declaration specifications to ensure accurate and complete information and avoid customs clearance delays due to inaccurate declaration. Are snowboard bindings considered sports equipment? Yes, snowboard bindings are accessories for skiing sports equipment and belong to sports equipment, so they are classified in Chapter 95. They are different from general metal or plastic articles and have a dedicated nature. If snowboard bindings contain electronic components, does the classification change? If the bindings only contain simple electronic components (such as LED lights), they are still classified under 9506.12. However, if they have complex electronic functions (such as smart adjustment), other chapters may need to be considered. It is recommended to consult customs or professional classifiers. How to query the HS code for snowboard bindings sold via cross-border e-commerce? You can query through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword "snowboard bindings" to find 9506.12. Note that the first six digits of HS codes may be the same in different countries, but the latter digits may differ. How to query the import tariff rate for snowboard bindings? Tariff rates change. You can query the latest rates through the website of the General Administration of Customs or the Ministry of Commerce. It is necessary to determine whether preferential rates apply based on the country of origin, and pay attention to value-added tax and consumption tax. It is recommended to use official query tools.
Q: How are snowboard bindings classified when imported together with a snowboard?
A: If the bindings are imported together with a snowboard and form a complete snowboard set, they are usually classified as a snowboard under 9506.11. However, if the bindings are imported separately, they are classified under 9506.12. It is recommended to declare according to the actual trade status, and if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: How to distinguish snowboard bindings from ski bindings?
A: Snowboard bindings are used for snowboards and usually come in pairs (one for each foot), with a structure including base plate, straps, etc.; ski bindings are used for skis, with one binding per ski, and have a different structure. Snowboard bindings are classified under 9506.12, while ski bindings are classified under 9506.19.
Q: The main material of snowboard bindings is plastic. Does this affect classification?
A: Material does not affect classification, because classification is based on use and function. As long as the goods are snowboard bindings, regardless of whether the material is plastic, metal or carbon fiber, they are classified under 9506.12. However, the material must be truthfully declared for customs inspection.
Q: What declaration elements are required when importing snowboard bindings?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, material, use, specifications and dimensions, whether in set, country of origin, etc. For details, refer to customs declaration specifications to ensure accurate and complete information and avoid customs clearance delays due to inaccurate declaration.
Q: Are snowboard bindings considered sports equipment?
A: Yes, snowboard bindings are accessories for skiing sports equipment and belong to sports equipment, so they are classified in Chapter 95. They are different from general metal or plastic articles and have a dedicated nature.
Q: If snowboard bindings contain electronic components, does the classification change?
A: If the bindings only contain simple electronic components (such as LED lights), they are still classified under 9506.12. However, if they have complex electronic functions (such as smart adjustment), other chapters may need to be considered. It is recommended to consult customs or professional classifiers.
Q: How to query the HS code for snowboard bindings sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: You can query through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword "snowboard bindings" to find 9506.12. Note that the first six digits of HS codes may be the same in different countries, but the latter digits may differ.
Q: How to query the import tariff rate for snowboard bindings?
A: Tariff rates change. You can query the latest rates through the website of the General Administration of Customs or the Ministry of Commerce. It is necessary to determine whether preferential rates apply based on the country of origin, and pay attention to value-added tax and consumption tax. It is recommended to use official query tools.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.