Find HS Code and trade information for oblate loose beads

Oblate Loose Beads

Oblate loose beads are a type of small, generally rounded bead characterized by a flattened or oblate (oval-shaped) profile, and sold individually rather than strung or pre-assembled. They are utilized in a diverse range of applications, primarily within jewelry making, crafting, and decorative arts.

Material

These beads are manufactured from a broad spectrum of materials, impacting their appearance, weight, and cost. Common materials include:

• Glass: A frequent choice due to its versatility in color, transparency, and finish (e.g., matte, iridescent, crystal).
• Plastic/Acrylic: Lightweight and economical, often used for children's crafts or large-scale projects.
• Stone: Including semi-precious stones (e.g., agate, jasper, amethyst) and natural stones, offering unique patterns and textures.
• Metal: Typically brass, silver, or gold-plated, providing durability and a more luxurious aesthetic.
• Wood: Lightweight and often used for natural or rustic designs.
• Seed beads: Tiny glass beads, often used for intricate beadwork.

Purpose & Function

The primary function of oblate loose beads is as a component in larger designs. They serve as:

• Decorative Elements: Adding color, texture, and visual interest to jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
• Spacer Beads: Separating larger focal beads or creating patterns.
• Focal Points: Smaller, uniquely colored or patterned beads can function as miniature focal points within a design.
• Weighting: In certain applications, beads can provide weight or balance to a piece.

Usage Scenarios

Oblate loose beads are employed in a wide array of crafting and artistic endeavors:

• Jewelry Making: Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, and rings.
• Beadwork: Intricate patterns and designs woven with thread or wire.
• Embroidery & Appliqué: Adding bead embellishments to fabric.
• Home Décor: Creating beaded curtains, mobiles, or decorative accents.
• Fashion & Clothing: Embellishing garments, bags, or shoes.
• Accessories: Keychains, hair accessories, and other personalized items.

Common Types

Variations in oblate loose beads are categorized by material, size, and finish:

• Czech Glass Beads: Renowned for their consistent quality and wide range of colors and finishes (e.g., fire-polished, faceted).
• Seed Beads: Extremely small beads, used for detailed beadwork. Sizes are denoted by numbers (e.g., 11/0, 15/0) indicating diameter.
• Fire-Polished Beads: Glass beads that have been heated to create a smooth, shiny surface.
• Faceted Beads: Beads with multiple flat surfaces, enhancing light reflection.
• Bugle Beads: Long, cylindrical beads often used in beadwork.
• Tri-Beads: Three-sided beads offering unique geometric shapes.
• Spacer Beads: Smaller beads specifically designed to separate other beads.

Oblate loose beads can be classified under several HS codes based on their material and intended use, as detailed below:

• 3926903300: This code covers “Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included: Handbags”. While primarily for handbags, this code includes loose beads not strung or set. The two-digit sections represent:

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Plastics and articles thereof, other.
  • 90: Other.
  • 33: Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof.
  • The total tax rate is 36.5%.

• 7116203000: This code applies to “Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Of precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Other: Of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Graded semiprecious stones strung temporarily for convenience of transport”. If the beads are semiprecious stones temporarily strung for transport, this code is applicable.

  • 71: Precious stones, precious metals, and related articles.
  • 16: Pearls, precious stones, and related articles.
  • 20: Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones.
  • 30: Of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Graded semiprecious stones strung temporarily for convenience of transport.
  • The total tax rate is 39.6%.

• 7116204000: This code covers “Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Of precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Other: Of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Other”. If the beads are semiprecious stones not temporarily strung, this code applies.

  • 71: Precious stones, precious metals, and related articles.
  • 16: Pearls, precious stones, and related articles.
  • 20: Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones.
  • 40: Of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Other.
  • The total tax rate is 48.0%.

• 9503000090: This code applies to “Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dollsʼ carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale (“scaleˮ) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof Other”. If the beads are components of toys, this code may be applicable.

  • 95: Toys, games and sports equipment.
  • 03: Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dollsʼ carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale (“scaleˮ) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof.
  • 00: Other.
  • 90: Other.
  • The total tax rate is 30.0%.

It is important to determine the material composition of the beads to select the correct HS code. If the beads are made of plastic, 3926903300 is the most likely option. If they are semiprecious stones, either 7116203000 or 7116204000 may be applicable, depending on whether they are temporarily strung for transport.