Find HS Code and trade information for earplug headphones

Earplug Headphones

Earplug headphones, also known as in-ear monitors (IEMs) or earbuds, are small, portable headphones designed to fit directly into the ear canal. They deliver audio directly to the eardrum, offering a degree of noise isolation and a personal listening experience.

Material

• Housing: Typically constructed from plastic (polycarbonate, ABS), metal (aluminum, stainless steel), or silicone. Metal housings generally offer greater durability and can improve sound quality due to reduced vibration.
• Drivers: The component responsible for producing sound. Common driver types include:
  • Dynamic Drivers: Most common type, utilizing a coil, magnet, and diaphragm to create sound waves. Known for strong bass response.
  • Balanced Armature Drivers: Smaller and more efficient than dynamic drivers, often used in higher-end IEMs for detailed sound and accuracy. Multiple drivers can be used in a single IEM (multi-driver IEMs) to cover different frequency ranges.
  • Planar Magnetic Drivers: Utilize a thin diaphragm with embedded magnets. Offer excellent detail and clarity, but typically require more power.
• Cable: Often made of copper or silver-plated copper for conductivity. Cables can be detachable, allowing for replacement or upgrades. Materials like Kevlar or braided nylon are used for durability.
• Eartips: Silicone, foam, or custom-molded options. Eartips create a seal within the ear canal, influencing sound isolation and comfort.

Purpose

• Personal Audio: Listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content.
• Noise Isolation: Blocking out ambient noise for focused listening or in noisy environments.
• Communication: Used with smartphones for calls and voice assistants.
• Professional Audio (IEMs): Monitoring audio during live performances, recording sessions, or mixing.

Function

Earplug headphones convert electrical signals into sound waves. The audio source (smartphone, computer, etc.) sends an electrical signal through the cable to the drivers within the headphones. The drivers vibrate, creating sound waves that travel through the ear canal to the eardrum.

Usage Scenarios

• Commuting: Listening to audio while traveling on public transportation or walking.
• Exercise: Providing music during workouts, often with sweat-resistant designs.
• Travel: Blocking out engine noise on airplanes or trains.
• Work/Study: Focusing on audio content in noisy environments.
• Live Music/Performance (IEMs): Providing clear audio monitoring for musicians and audio engineers.

Common Types

• Wired Earbuds: Connect directly to an audio source via a 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C connector.
• True Wireless Earbuds (TWS): Completely wireless, connecting via Bluetooth. Typically include a charging case.
• Neckband Earbuds: Connected by a wire or band that rests around the neck.
• Gaming Earbuds: Designed for gaming, often with low latency and built-in microphones.
• Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Utilize active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce ambient noise.
• In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): High-fidelity earbuds often used by musicians and audio professionals. These frequently feature multiple drivers and custom-fit options.

Commodity Classification and Tariff Information for Earplug Headphones

Based on the provided information, the classification of “earplug headphones” involves considerations of both headphone and earplug characteristics. The following HS codes are relevant:

• 8518302000: This code covers Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers: Other. This is a broad category encompassing many types of headphones and earphones.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image reproducing apparatus, and parts thereof.
  • 18: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
  • 30: Headphones, earphones and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers.
  • 20: Other (headphones and earphones not specifically classified elsewhere).
  • Tax Rate: Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Post April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%. Total tariff: 30.0%.

• 3924905610: This code covers Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Other: Other. While not a direct match, the reference notes that "earplugs" could be considered a confining element for the ear, and this code includes "other" within "other".

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 24: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics.
  • 90: Other.
  • 56: Other.
  • 10: Other.
  • Tax Rate: Base tariff: 3.4%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Post April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%. Total tariff: 40.9%.

• 3924905650: This code covers Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Other: Other. Similar to the above, the reference notes that "earplugs" could be considered a confining element for the ear, and this code includes "other" within "other".

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 24: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics.
  • 90: Other.
  • 56: Other.
  • 50: Other.
  • Tax Rate: Base tariff: 3.4%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Post April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%. Total tariff: 40.9%.

Important Note: The reference material suggests that "earplugs" could potentially fall under the 39249056 codes, but this is based on interpretation. The 8518302000 code is the more direct classification for headphones.

Declaration Precautions: When declaring goods under code 8518302000, please be aware that the additional tariff will increase to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.