HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3212100000 | Doc | 59.7% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
3212900050 | Doc | 58.1% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
3208900000 | Doc | 58.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
3926909989 | Doc | 42.8% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
7326908688 | Doc | 82.9% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |




Okay, let's break down the HS codes and tax implications for your "CAR PAINT PEN" declaration. Here's a structured analysis to help you understand the best classification and potential costs.
Understanding HS Codes: A Quick Primer
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are internationally standardized codes used to classify traded products. The first two digits generally indicate the chapter, the next two the subheading, and further digits provide more specific details. Here's how it applies to your items:
- Chapter 32: Pigments, dyes, and coloring matter.
- Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
- Chapter 73: Iron or steel articles.
Detailed Analysis of Your HS Codes
Let's go through each code you provided:
-
3212.10.00.00: Stamping Foils
- 32: Pigments, dyes, coloring matter.
- 12: Pigments dispersed in nonaqueous media, stamping foils.
- 10.00.00: Specifically for stamping foils.
- Tax: Base Duty: 4.7%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff 30%. Total Tax: 59.7%.
- Suitable for: If your CAR PAINT PEN is specifically a stamping foil type product (like those used for applying designs), this is a good fit.
-
3212.90.00.50: Other Pigments/Coloring Matter
- 32: Pigments, dyes, coloring matter.
- 12: Pigments dispersed in nonaqueous media.
- 90.00.50: "Other" category within pigments.
- Tax: Base Duty: 3.1%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff 30%. Total Tax: 58.1%.
- Suitable for: If your pen contains pigments in a liquid or paste form not specifically a stamping foil, this is a likely classification.
-
3208.90.00.00: Paints & Varnishes (Synthetic Polymers)
- 32: Pigments, dyes, coloring matter.
- 08: Paints and varnishes.
- 90.00.00: "Other" paints based on synthetic polymers.
- Tax: Base Duty: 3.2%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff 30%. Total Tax: 58.2%.
- Suitable for: If your CAR PAINT PEN is formulated as a complete paint or varnish (i.e., a coating ready to apply), this is a strong possibility.
-
3926.90.99.89: Other Plastics Articles
- 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
- 26: Articles of plastics.
- 90.99.89: "Other" plastic articles.
- Tax: Base Duty: 5.3%, Additional Tariff: 7.5%, Post-April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff 30%. Total Tax: 42.8%.
- Suitable for: If the pen casing/body is made of plastic and is the primary component, this could apply. However, the paint inside would still need a separate classification.
-
7326.90.86.88: Other Iron/Steel Articles
- 73: Iron or steel articles.
- 26: Articles of iron or steel.
- 90.86.88: "Other" iron/steel articles.
- Tax: Base Duty: 2.9%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025: Additional Tariff 30% (Steel/Aluminum products have an additional tariff of 25%). Total Tax: 82.9%.
- Suitable for: If the pen casing/body is made of iron or steel. Similar to the plastic casing, the paint itself would need a separate classification.
Recommendations & Key Considerations
- Material Composition is Crucial: The primary material of the pen (plastic, metal, or the paint itself) will dictate the correct HS code.
- Paint Formulation: Is the paint a complete coating ready to apply, or is it a pigment concentrate?
- Pen Function: Is it a stamping foil applicator, or a general-purpose paint pen?
- Single vs. Multiple Codes: If the pen consists of multiple materials (e.g., a plastic body with paint inside), you may need to declare each component separately with its corresponding HS code.
- Post-April 2, 2025 Tariffs: Be aware of the increased additional tariffs coming into effect.
- Certifications: Depending on the paint's composition (e.g., hazardous materials), you may need to provide safety data sheets (SDS) or other certifications.
- Declare the single item: If the pen is a single item, you should declare the single item with the most relevant HS code.
To help me narrow down the best HS code for your "CAR PAINT PEN", could you please provide the following information?
- What is the main material of the pen body (plastic, metal, etc.)?
- Is the paint a complete coating ready to apply, or is it a pigment concentrate?
- What is the primary function of the pen?
- Can you provide a detailed list of the paint's ingredients?
Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and cannot provide definitive customs classification advice. This information is for general guidance only. It is always best to consult with a qualified customs broker or import specialist for accurate classification and compliance.
Customer Reviews
I found the material composition section very helpful. It clarified that I might need to use multiple HS codes if my product has different components.
The 7326.90.86.88 code explanation was spot-on for my metal pen. The tariff rates were clearly listed, and I appreciate the warning about the post-April 2025 tariffs.
The information was helpful, but I wish there was a more straightforward way to determine which HS code applies to my specific product without needing to provide more details.
I found the part about the 3926.90.99.89 code useful for plastic pens. The tax breakdown was clear and easy to understand.
The detailed explanation of the 3208.90.00.00 code made me realize I might have been classifying my product incorrectly. Very informative!