4016.94.00.00 - Boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable

HTS code 4016.94.00.00 specifically encompasses boat or dock fenders, regardless of whether they are designed to be inflated. These articles, manufactured from vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, are primarily used for absorbing shock and preventing damage during the docking or mooring of vessels. Their design and function are critical to their classification within this specific subheading.

This subheading is distinct from its siblings in its specialized application. While 4016.91.00.00 covers general floor coverings, and 4016.92.00.00 deals with erasers, and 4016.93.00.00 focuses on various types of gaskets and seals, 4016.94.00.00 is solely dedicated to fenders designed for maritime use. Furthermore, it is differentiated from 4016.95.00.00, which covers a broader range of inflatable articles not specifically designed as boat or dock fenders. The presence of inflatable boat or dock fenders, therefore, falls under this specific category, distinguishing them from other inflatable goods.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories within 4016.94.00.00. The classification is determined by the article's function as a fender for boats or docks and its construction from vulcanized rubber. Items that might share the material but serve different purposes, such as inflatable cushions not intended for marine impact protection, would be classified elsewhere.