Analysis
HTS 9506.69.40 covers noninflatable hollow balls not over 19 cm in diameter under heading 9506 (articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 4.9%. The costliest confusion would be with 9506.69.20 (baseballs and softballs) at duty-free, a difference of 5.4 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 5.4% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 95 (91st percentile of 84 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $540 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 5.4%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 70%, 13.0 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9506.69.20 | Baseballs and softballs | Free |
| 9506.69.60 | Other: other | 4.9% |