HS code for shin guards
The U.S. HS code for shin guards is usually 9506.99.20.00 (soccer), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 9506.99.20.00 | Free | 12.5% |
- 9506.99.20.00: Football, soccer and polo articles and equip- ment, except balls, and parts and accessories thereof
What decides the code
Soccer shin guards are sports equipment classified under heading 9506, specifically 9506.99.20.00 for football and soccer articles and parts and accessories.
- The product is protective gear worn on the shins for soccer, which makes it soccer equipment and parts and accessories under heading 9506.
- The article is designed for a sport, not for general wearing apparel, so it falls in heading 9506 rather than the clothing chapters.
- The shin guard is not a ball, so it takes 9506.99.20.00, the line for football and soccer articles except balls.
Common mistakes
- Classifying shin guards under 9506.99.60.80 as other sports equipment is wrong because the soccer-specific line 9506.99.20.00 covers football and soccer articles.
- Classifying shin guards in Chapter 95 under 9506.91 as general exercise equipment is wrong because shin guards are worn for soccer play, not general physical exercise.
- Classifying shin guards as clothing or clothing accessories in Chapter 61 or 62 is wrong because they are protective sports equipment of heading 9506, not apparel.
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 9506.99.20.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Soccer
- CN 9506 99 90, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for shin guards?
The U.S. HTS code for shin guards is usually 9506.99.20.00 (soccer). The first six digits, 9506.99, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on shin guards from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9506.99.20.00 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.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9506.99.20.00Football, soccer and polo articles and equip- ment, except balls, and parts and accessories thereof
- Heading 9506Articles 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 wading pools; 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.