A Guide to Importing Swimming Equipment

 

 

With the comprehensive implementation of the National Fitness Strategy, swimming, one of the most popular mass fitness activities, is experiencing vigorous development across China. As an important assurance for water sports, swimming equipment is crucial for both athletic performance and, critically, user health and safety. To assist import enterprises in accurately understanding the supervision requirements for swimming equipment imports, this guide provides an interpretation of key aspects such as commodity classification, declaration specifications, and quality and safety standards.

I. Main Categories of Swimming Equipment

Swimwear

Swimwear serves to protect the skin, ensure modesty, and provide supplementary buoyancy. For outdoor swimmers, swimwear also helps to mitigate skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and offers insulation in cold conditions.

(i) Classification

Pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Duties (2025), men’sknitted or crocheted swimwear of synthetic fibers falls under HS Code 6112.3100, and women’s knitted or crocheted swimwear of synthetic fibers falls under HS Code 6112.4100; Men’s knitted or crocheted swimwear of other textile materials falls under HS Code 6112.3900, and women’s knitted or crocheted swimwear of other textile materials falls under HS Code 6112.4900. Men’s swimwear that is not knitted or crocheted falls under HS Code 6211.1100, and women’s swimwear that is not knitted or crocheted falls under HS Code 6211.1200.

(ii) Standardized Declaration

Declaration particulars for knitted or crocheted swimwear:

1. Manufacturing method (knitted, crocheted).

2. Type (sportswear sets, sportswear, ski suits, swimsuits).

3. Category (men’s, women’s).

4. Composition and content.

5. Brand (Chinese or foreign name).

6. Article number.

7. Set configuration and quantity.

Declaration particulars for non-knitted or non-crocheted swimwear:

1. Manufacturing method (e.g., woven).

2. Type (swimsuits).

3. Category (men’s, women’s, children’s).

4. Composition and content.

5. Brand (Chinese or foreign name).

6. Article number.

7. Indication if part of a set.

8. Set configuration and quantity.

(iii) Relevant Standards for Swimwear

China’s main swimwear standards include FZ/T 73013—2017 "Knitted swimming suits," FZ/T 81021—2014 "Woven swimming wear. " Buoyancy swimwear for children under 14 years old shall also comply with GB/T 40180—2021 "Buoyancy swimwear for infants and children". Among them, the fiber content of swimsuits shall comply with GB/T 29862—2013 "Textiles - Identification of fiber content," which specifies requirements for indicating the names, content, and permissible tolerance ranges of all component fibersthat must be indicated on product labels. In terms of safety, children’s swimwear shall comply with GB 31701—2015 "Safety technical code for infants and children textile products," while adult swimwear shall comply with GB 18401—2010 "National general safety technical code for textile products." Key testing items include: fiber content, colorfastness, tensile elastic elongation, formaldehyde content, pH value, and safety performance.

Swimming Goggles

Swimming goggles serve not only to prevent pool water from contacting the eyes but also provide clear vision, helping swimmers better observe their strokes and the underwater environment.

(i) Classification

Based on their function and intended use, swimming goggles are to be classified under HS Code 9004.9090.

(ii) Standardized Declaration Particulars

1. Intended use.

2. Type (e.g., photochromic).

3. Brand (Chinese or foreign name).

4. Model.

(iii) Relevant Standards for Swimming Goggles

The national standard for swimming goggles, GB/T 44458.3—2024 "Eye and face protection for sports use - Part 3: Requirements and test methods for eyewear intended to be used for surface swimming," officially became effective on January 1, 2025. This standard specifies the technical specifications and testing methods for surface swimming goggles, applicable across various swimming activities. Additionally, swimming goggles intended for children shall also comply with GB/T 45267—2025 "Juvenile products - General technical requirements for swimming accessories." Key testing items include: structural safety, corrosion resistance, lens transmittance, scattered light, refractive power and prismatic power, and anti-fog performance.

Swim Caps

Swim caps offer multiple benefits, including hair protection, maintaining pool hygiene, and reducing hydrodynamic resistance. They also prevent long hair from obstructing a swimmer’s vision, thereby enhancing freedom of movement in the water.

(i) Classification

Pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Duties (2025), there is no distinct tariff heading specifically for swim caps. Their classification is primarily determined by the material and manufacturing methods of the cap. Swim caps made of rubber or plastic shall be classified under HS code 6506.9100. Other caps made of different materials, not elsewhere specified (regardless of whether they are lined or trimmed), shall fall under HS code 6506.9990.

(ii) Standardized Declaration Particulars

1. Material.

2. Brand (Chinese or foreign name).

3. Item number.

(III) Relevant Standards for Swim Caps

The national standards for swim caps primarily include FZ/T 73050—2014 Knitted swimming cap” and GB/T 45267—2025“Juvenile products - General technical requirements for swimming accessories.” The former applies to general requirements for knitted swim caps, while the latter sets stricter technical specifications for swim caps intended for children aged 6 to 14 years. Key testing items include: fiber content, formaldehyde content, pH value, odor, colorfastness, and tensile elastic elongation.

II. Procedures for Importing Swimming Equipment

(I) Declaration Filing

Importers or their agents are required to truthfully declare the actual details of products via the International Trade Single Window. Declaration particulars include, but are not limited to, product name, brand (Chinese or foreign name), material, composition and content, country of origin, and model. Customs will review these declarations in accordance with relevant regulations. During the declaration process, importing enterprises must ensure the accuracy and completeness of all submitted information to prevent any omissions or errors. In situations of uncertainty, prompt communication with Customs is advised to obtain guidance and assistance.

As Customs periodically updates the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Duties and the Standards on Completion of Customs Declaration Forms for Import/Export Goods, enterprises should stay informed of these updates to ensure the timeliness of their declaration particulars.

(II) On-site Inspection and Laboratory Testing

In accordance with supervision and management directives, including inspection instructions from the General Administration of Customs, Customs authorities conduct inspections and risk monitoring of imported goods against relevant standards to effectively safeguard consumer health and safety. Importers or their agents are required to cooperate with Customs in completing document verification, on-site inspections, and laboratory testing, as per these directives.

(III) Conformity Assessment

Imported swimming equipment that passes Customs’ conformity assessment will be cleared for import. If, however, safety, health, hygiene, or environmental protection items are deemed non-compliant during Customs inspection, the importer or agent must destroy or re-export the products as required by Customs.

(IV) Disposal Procedures for Non-compliant Goods

According to the Regulations for the Implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, for goods found to be non-compliant with standards concerning personal and property safety, health, or environmental protection, Customs authorities will issue a Notice of Inspection and Quarantine Treatment. This notice will mandate the responsible party to re-export or destroy the affected merchandise. For goods failing other specified criteria, technical treatment may be performed under Customs’ supervision, after which the products may only be sold or used following successful re-inspection.

III. Tips for Selection and Use

When selecting imported swimming equipment, consumers are advised to meticulously check for a Chinese label and confirm that all label information is complete and legible. Furthermore, attention should be paid to any usage restrictions and the designated age ranges on the label, as gear designed for different age groups may have varying usage conditions. Swimming equipment designed for children requires heightened attention to safety details, such as avoiding neck straps or similar accessories.

 

 

---