Find HS Code and trade information for iron on patches

Iron-On Patches

Iron-on patches, also known as heat-transfer patches, are decorative or functional appliqués applied to fabric using heat. They offer a convenient method for embellishing, repairing, or customizing clothing, bags, and other textile items.

Material

Patches are constructed from a variety of materials, influencing their appearance, durability, and application suitability:

• Embroidery: Commonly used for detailed designs and a textured appearance. Typically polyester or cotton thread on a polyester or cotton base.
• Woven: Created by weaving threads together, resulting in a smooth, durable surface. Often used for logos and intricate patterns.
• Printed: Designs are printed onto a fabric base, often polyester or a polyester blend. Suitable for complex, multi-colored images.
• PVC/Vinyl: Made from plastic materials, offering a waterproof and highly durable finish. Frequently used for custom designs and promotional items.
• Leather/Suede: Provide a unique aesthetic and are used for a more premium look.

The backing adhesive is typically a thermoplastic polymer activated by heat.

Purpose

• Decoration: Adding aesthetic appeal to clothing, bags, hats, and other fabric items.
• Repair: Covering holes or tears in fabric, extending the life of garments.
• Customization: Personalizing items with logos, names, or unique designs.
• Identification: Used by organizations (e.g., military, schools, clubs) to identify members or rank.
• Promotional Items: Branding clothing or merchandise with logos or slogans.

Function

Iron-on patches adhere to fabric through a heat-activated adhesive layer. The heat melts the adhesive, bonding the patch to the textile fibers. The strength of the bond depends on the fabric type, heat application, and adhesive quality. While "iron-on," most patches benefit from additional stitching for long-term durability, especially on frequently washed items.

Usage Scenarios

• Clothing: Jackets, jeans, t-shirts, shirts, dresses, pants, skirts.
• Accessories: Backpacks, hats, bags, shoes.
• Home Decor: Pillows, curtains, tablecloths (use with caution, may not be suitable for all fabrics).
• Craft Projects: Scrapbooking, quilting, DIY fashion.

Common Types

• Embroidered Patches: Highly detailed, textured, and durable. Popular for jackets, uniforms, and custom designs.
• Woven Patches: Smooth, durable, and ideal for logos and intricate patterns. Often used for professional branding.
• Printed Patches: Allow for complex, multi-colored designs and photographic images.
• PVC/Vinyl Patches: Waterproof, highly durable, and suitable for outdoor use. Often used for custom designs and promotional items.
• Sublimated Patches: Designs are dyed into the fabric, resulting in a soft, vibrant, and durable finish.
• Glitter Patches: Feature glitter embedded in the design for a sparkly effect.
• Chenille Patches: Made with chenille yarn, providing a soft, plush texture. Commonly used for letterman jackets.

Iron on patches fall under several potential classifications based on material and specific composition, as detailed below.

• 3926903300: This HS code covers “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 primarily referencing handbags, this code includes “articles thereof”, which could encompass iron-on patches if constructed from plastic materials. The base tariff is 6.5%, with a 0.0% additional tariff and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 36.5%.

• 3926903500: This HS code also falls under “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: Other”. This is a broader category and could apply to iron-on patches not specifically classified as handbags. The base tariff is 6.5%, with an additional tariff of 7.5% and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 44.0%.

• 5907000500: This HS code covers “Textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered; painted canvas being theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like: Laminated fabrics; fabrics specified in note 9 to section XI: Of man-made fibers: Theatrical, ballet, and operatic scenery and properties, including sets”. If the iron-on patch is constructed from man-made fibers and laminated, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 5907006000: This HS code covers “Textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered; painted canvas being theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like: Other: Of man-made fibers”. If the iron-on patch is constructed from man-made fibers and is not specifically for theatrical purposes, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 3919905060: This HS code covers “Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Other Other”. If the iron-on patch utilizes a self-adhesive backing, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 5.8%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.8%.

• 3919901000: This HS code covers “Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Having a light-reflecting surface produced in whole or in part by glass grains (ballotini)”. If the iron-on patch has a light-reflecting surface created with glass grains, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 6.5%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% and a 30.0% tariff effective April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 61.5%.

It is important to note that the final classification will depend on the specific materials used and the intended function of the iron-on patch.