| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8536694010 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8536694020 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8548000000 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Conversion Plug
A conversion plug, also known as a power plug adapter, is a device used to change the shape of a power plug to fit into a different type of electrical outlet. It does not change the voltage or frequency of the electricity supply; it simply allows a plug from one country to be physically inserted into a receptacle in another country.
Material
Conversion plugs are typically constructed from plastic, often PVC or ABS, for insulation and durability. The conductive pins are generally made of brass, copper, or a similar electrically conductive metal to ensure efficient power transfer. Some higher-quality adapters may incorporate fire-retardant materials.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a conversion plug is to enable the use of electrical appliances designed for one country’s power system in another country with a different outlet configuration. This is crucial for travelers, expatriates, or anyone using appliances imported from different regions.
Function
The function is purely mechanical adaptation. The plug adapter transforms the shape of the appliance's plug to match the receptacle's form. It establishes a physical connection between the appliance plug and the outlet, allowing electricity to flow. Crucially, it does not alter the voltage or frequency. Using an appliance with the wrong voltage can cause damage to the appliance or create a fire hazard.
Usage Scenarios
- International Travel: The most common use case, allowing travelers to use devices like phone chargers, laptops, and hair dryers abroad.
- Relocation/Expatriation: When moving to a country with different outlets, conversion plugs facilitate the use of existing appliances.
- Imported Appliances: Using appliances purchased from overseas that have incompatible plugs.
- Temporary Use: Connecting a device briefly in a country with a different outlet standard.
Common Types
Outlets and plugs vary significantly worldwide. Common types include:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (North America, Japan).
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin (North America, Japan).
- Type C: Two round pins (Europe, Asia, South America). Often compatible with many other types.
- Type D: Three large round pins (India, Nepal).
- Type E: Two round pins with a grounding pin (France, Belgium, Poland).
- Type F: Two round pins with grounding clips on the sides (Germany, Russia). Often compatible with Type C.
- Type G: Three rectangular pins (United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia).
- Type H: Three round pins (Israel).
- Type I: Three flat pins (Australia, New Zealand, China).
- Type J: Three round pins (Switzerland, Liechtenstein).
- Type K: Three round pins (Denmark, Greenland).
- Type L: Three round pins (Italy, Chile).
- Type M: Three round pins (South Africa).
- Type N: Three round pins (Brazil).
Adapters are often designed to convert to a specific type, such as a "Type A to Type C" adapter. Universal adapters combine multiple plug types into one device.
Important Considerations
- Voltage: Conversion plugs do not change voltage. Ensure the appliance's voltage is compatible with the destination country’s power supply. A voltage converter may be required in addition to a conversion plug.
- Frequency: Some appliances are sensitive to frequency (50 Hz vs. 60 Hz). Check the appliance’s specifications.
- Grounding: Ensure the adapter maintains proper grounding if the appliance requires it.
- Safety Certifications: Look for adapters with safety certifications (e.g., CE, UL) to ensure quality and safety.
Conversion plugs fall under the category of electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, specifically lamp-holders, plugs and sockets. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:
- 8536694010: This HS code covers electrical apparatus described as lamp-holders, plugs and sockets, other than those specifically detailed, including coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors. This includes conversion plugs that function as plugs and sockets. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30%. Total tariff: 55.0%.
- 8536694020: This HS code also covers electrical apparatus described as lamp-holders, plugs and sockets, other than those specifically detailed, including cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors. This also includes conversion plugs that function as plugs and sockets. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30%. Total tariff: 55.0%.
It is important to note that both HS codes 8536694010 and 8536694020 have the same tariff structure: a basic tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0% currently, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%. The distinction between these two codes is not explicitly defined within the provided reference material.