| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7113195030 | Doc | 43.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7113195090 | Doc | 43.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7115903000 | Doc | 58.9% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7115900530 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9601908000 | Doc | 41.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9601902000 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
14k Gold Earplugs
Material:
14k gold earplugs are primarily constructed from an alloy containing 58.3% pure gold, with the remaining 41.7% composed of other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, or nickel. The '14k' designation refers to karats, a unit of purity. Higher karat gold alloys contain a greater percentage of pure gold, influencing color and malleability. The presence of other metals affects the gold’s hardness, durability, and color – rose gold incorporates more copper, while white gold utilizes metals like nickel or palladium.
Purpose:
These earplugs serve a dual purpose: functional ear protection and aesthetic ornamentation. They are intended to reduce noise levels and provide a degree of hearing safety, while simultaneously functioning as a piece of jewelry. The use of gold elevates the product beyond standard ear protection, appealing to individuals seeking a luxury or fashion-conscious solution.
Function:
The primary function is noise reduction. The solid construction of the earplugs physically blocks sound waves from entering the ear canal. The degree of noise reduction varies based on the design (flush-fit vs. flanged) and how well they seal the ear canal. Gold itself does not inherently contribute to noise-blocking capabilities; the function is derived from the physical barrier created by the earplug's form and fit.
Usage Scenarios:
- Noise Sensitivity: Individuals with hyperacusis or general sensitivity to loud noises.
- Sleeping: Blocking out ambient sounds for improved sleep quality.
- Concerts/Events: Reducing noise exposure at loud events, though the level of protection may not be equivalent to specialized concert earplugs.
- Travel: Minimizing noise during air travel or in noisy environments.
- Fashion/Statement Piece: As a unique jewelry item, worn for aesthetic reasons.
- Water Activities: Some designs are intended for swimming or water-related activities, offering a degree of water resistance (though not necessarily full waterproofing).
Common Types/Designs:
- Stud Earplugs: Small, discrete earplugs resembling studs, often with a flush fit. Provide minimal noise reduction.
- Flanged Earplugs: Feature multiple layers or flanges to create a tighter seal within the ear canal, offering greater noise reduction.
- Custom-Molded Earplugs: Created from impressions of the ear canal for a precise fit and optimal noise isolation. These are typically more expensive.
- Threaded/Screw-In Earplugs: Allow for gradual expansion of the ear canal opening (body modification use). Not primarily for noise reduction.
- Hollow vs. Solid: Hollow earplugs are lighter but may offer less noise reduction than solid designs.
- Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold: Variations in alloy composition affect color and appearance.
14k gold earplugs fall under the category of jewelry articles made of precious metal. The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided information:
- 7113195030: This HS code covers articles of jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; of precious metal whether or not plated or clad with precious metal; of other precious metal, whether or not plated or clad with precious metal; other; other of ISO standard platinum; earrings. Since earplugs are a type of earring, and are made of precious metal (gold), this code is applicable. The first two digits (71) indicate the chapter for precious stones, precious metals, and imitation jewelry. The next four digits (1319) specify jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal. The final digits (5030) further define the specific item as earrings made of ISO standard platinum.
- 7113195090: This HS code also covers articles of jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; of precious metal whether or not plated or clad with precious metal; of other precious metal, whether or not plated or clad with precious metal; other; other. This code is applicable if the earplugs are made of precious metal but do not specifically fall under the ISO standard platinum category. The first two digits (71) indicate the chapter for precious stones, precious metals, and imitation jewelry. The next four digits (1319) specify jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal. The final digits (5090) further define the specific item as other jewelry.
- 7115903000: This HS code covers other articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other; other; of gold, including metal clad with gold. This code is applicable if the earplugs are considered "other articles" of precious metal, specifically made of gold. The first two digits (71) indicate the chapter for precious stones, precious metals, and imitation jewelry. The next four digits (1590) specify other articles of precious metal. The final digits (3000) further define the specific item as articles of gold.
Regarding these HS codes, please note the following tax details:
- 7113195030 & 7113195090: Both have a base tariff of 5.5%, an additional tariff of 7.5%, and an additional tariff of 30% effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 43.0%.
- 7115903000: This code has a base tariff of 3.9%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30% effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.9%.
It is important to determine whether the earplugs meet the criteria for "ISO standard platinum" (7113195030) or fall under the broader category of "other articles" of gold (7115903000) to ensure correct tariff classification.