HS Code for Wave pools

Wave pools are classified under HS code 9508.26, a specific category introduced in the 2022 Harmonized System update to better track the trade of water park equipment. This code falls under the broader heading 9508, which covers fairground amusements, traveling circuses, and traveling menageries. Specifically, 9508.26 is dedicated to "water park amusements." A wave pool is considered a complex amusement installation that includes the mechanical wave-generating equipment (such as pneumatic blowers or hydraulic pistons) and the specialized components designed to facilitate wave motion. Under the current Explanatory Notes, water park amusements include items like water slides, wave-making devices, and other specialized aquatic attractions. The classification covers the entire functional unit when imported as a system. This shift to 9508.26 was intended to provide more granular data on the growing water park industry, moving these items away from more general headings like 9506 (sports equipment) or 8413 (pumps). It is important to note that the classification applies to the amusement machinery and specialized liners or forms; it does not include the standard civil engineering works like the concrete basin if constructed on-site using local materials.

Products Included

• Pneumatic wave generators
• Hydraulic wave-making machines
• Artificial surfing wave systems
• Complete wave pool mechanical kits
• Vacuum-based wave generation units
• Water park wave programmers and controllers

Common Misclassification

Before the 2022 update, wave pools were often misclassified under 9506.99 as general exercise or sports equipment. They are also frequently confused with 8413 (pumps) or 8414 (air blowers) if the components are shipped separately. However, as a functional unit for amusement, 9508.26 is the correct specific heading. Small, inflatable plastic pools with no mechanical wave features are classified under 3926 or 9503.

FAQ

What is the HS code for wave pools?

The HS code for wave pools and water park wave-making amusements is 9508.26.

Are the pumps for the pool classified separately?

If the pumps are imported as part of a complete wave-generation system, they are included in 9508.26. If imported individually as general-purpose pumps, they fall under 8413.