Find HS Code and trade information for bow beads

Bow Beads

Bow beads are decorative elements traditionally used in equestrianism, specifically for adorning horse braids and tail hair, though their use has expanded to other decorative applications.

Material

Bow beads are typically constructed from a variety of materials, including:

• Plastic: Common and inexpensive, available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Acrylic plastic is frequently used.
• Glass: Offers a more polished and refined appearance, often with iridescent or metallic coatings.
• Wood: Provides a natural aesthetic, often used for a rustic or traditional look.
• Metal: Less common, but can be found in brass, silver, or other alloys for durability and a distinct visual effect.
• Bone/Horn: Traditionally used, offering a unique texture and appearance.

Purpose

The primary purpose of bow beads is decorative. Historically, they served as a means of identifying horses, indicating status, or simply enhancing their appearance for shows or parades. Modern uses are largely aesthetic.

Function

Bow beads are strung together on elastic or cord and tied or woven into the horse's mane braids or tail hair. They do not serve a functional purpose in terms of horse control or performance; their function is purely visual. The beads are designed to be lightweight and flexible to avoid causing discomfort to the horse.

Usage Scenarios

• Horse Shows: Frequently used to create a polished and visually appealing presentation for show horses.
• Equestrian Events: Common at parades, dressage competitions, hunter shows, and other equestrian gatherings.
• Horse Braiding: Used by professional braiders to enhance the look of braided manes and tails.
• Crafting/Decoration: Increasingly used in jewelry making, hair accessories, and other decorative projects unrelated to horses.
• Pet Decoration: Some owners use them to decorate dogs’ hair or tails.

Common Types

• Standard Beads: Small, uniformly shaped beads, typically plastic or glass.
• Iridescent Beads: Glass beads with a rainbow-like sheen.
• Metallic Beads: Coated with a metallic finish (gold, silver, bronze).
• Shaped Beads: Beads in the form of flowers, stars, or other decorative motifs.
• Braiding Bands: Pre-strung bands of beads designed for quick and easy application to braids.
• Elastic Bands: Beads strung on elastic for flexible attachment.
• DIY Kits: Kits containing a variety of beads and elastic for creating custom designs.

Bow beads fall under the classification of beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included.

Here are the relevant HS codes:

• 3926903300: This HS code is for “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included: Handbags”. While this code specifically mentions handbags, it broadly covers beads, bugles and spangles. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 6.5%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, with a total tariff of 36.5%.

• 3926909910: This HS code is for “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other Laboratory ware”. This code is less directly applicable to bow beads, as it pertains to laboratory ware, but falls within the broader category of “Other articles of plastics”. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 5.3%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, with a total tariff of 42.8%.

It is important to note that the applicable tariff for bow beads will depend on the material composition of the beads. If the beads are made of plastic, HS code 3926903300 is the more appropriate choice.