HS code for balloons
The U.S. HS code for balloons is usually 9503.00.00.13 (latex, ages 3 to 12), with no general duty and an estimated total of 12.5% from China and 12.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 37.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latex, ages 3 to 12 | 9503.00.00.13 | Free | 12.5% |
- 9503.00.00.13: Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons / 3 to 12 years of age
What decides the code
Rubber balloons for children ages 3 to 12 are classified as toys under subheading 9503.00.00.13, the statistical line for inflatable rubber toy balls, balloons and punchballs.
- Material is rubber latex, which places the balloon in the inflatable rubber toy group under heading 9503.
- The balloon is labeled or determined by the importer as intended for use by persons over 3 and up to 12 years of age, which fits the children's product line.
- The item is an inflatable toy balloon rather than a decorative or novelty article, so it stays in heading 9503.
Common mistakes
- Classifying latex balloons under 9505 as festive articles is wrong because heading 9505 covers party goods, not inflatable toys for children.
- Using 4016 for rubber articles is wrong because the balloon is a toy of heading 9503, not a general rubber manufacture.
- Putting the balloon in 4823 or 3926 as paper or plastic goods is wrong when the balloon is made of rubber latex.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 37.5%.
- Vietnam
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9503.00.00.13, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
CPSC eFiling
9503.00.00.13 (CP2) is on CPSC's eFiling HTS list. CPSC certificate related data is required. If balloons is subject to a CPSC rule, file the certificate data at entry through your broker or the CPSC Product Registry.
Check what to file for 9503.00.00.13
CPSC HTS list for eFiling, October 1, 2026. The list is guidance and not exhaustive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for balloons?
The U.S. HTS code for balloons is usually 9503.00.00.13 (latex, ages 3 to 12). The first six digits, 9503.00, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on balloons from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9503.00.00.13 is Free. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 12.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 12.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Does balloons need CPSC eFiling?
HTS 9503.00.00.13 or another code on this page is on CPSC's eFiling HTS list. If the product is subject to a CPSC rule, such as a children's product, the certificate data must be filed at entry. A product that needs no certificate can use a disclaim message.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9503.00.00.13Labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons / 3 to 12 years of age
- Heading 9503Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale ("scale") models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.