Find HS Code and trade information for plastic gaming console

Plastic Gaming Console

A plastic gaming console refers to a handheld or home video game console with a primary enclosure constructed from plastic materials. These consoles encompass a broad range of devices, varying significantly in capabilities and target audiences.

Materials

The predominant material is various types of plastic, including:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Common for its impact resistance, rigidity, and affordability. Often used for the main console body.
• Polycarbonate: Offers higher impact resistance and temperature resistance than ABS, sometimes used for structural components or areas prone to stress.
• Polypropylene: Lightweight and resistant to chemicals, potentially used for internal components or less stressed external parts.
• Other Plastics: May include polystyrene, or blends of plastics to achieve specific properties. Increasingly, recycled plastics are being incorporated into console construction.

Purpose

The primary purpose is to provide a platform for playing video games. This includes:

• Entertainment: Offering interactive gaming experiences for users of all ages.
• Portability (Handheld Consoles): Allowing gaming on-the-go.
• Social Interaction: Many consoles support multiplayer gaming, either locally or online.
• Media Consumption: Some consoles also function as media players, supporting streaming services or physical media.

Function

Core functional components housed within the plastic enclosure include:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes game code and manages system operations.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Renders images and video for display.
• Memory (RAM): Provides temporary storage for game data and system processes.
• Storage (Internal or External): Stores game files, save data, and system software. This can be flash memory, hard drives, or utilize cartridges/game cards.
• Display: Outputs visual information to the user. (Integrated in handhelds, connected externally in home consoles).
• Input Devices: Allow user interaction (buttons, joysticks, touchscreens, motion sensors).
• Power Supply: Provides electrical power to the console.
• Connectivity: Enables communication with external devices (TVs, networks, controllers) via ports like HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

Usage Scenarios

• Home Gaming: Connected to a television or monitor for a larger display and more immersive experience.
• Portable Gaming: Played on-the-go, utilizing a built-in display and battery power.
• Multiplayer Gaming: Connecting to other consoles or online servers for competitive or cooperative gameplay.
• Family Entertainment: Providing a shared gaming experience for multiple users.
• Casual Gaming: Simple, accessible games for a wide audience.

Common Types

• Handheld Consoles: Compact, portable devices with integrated displays and controls (e.g., Nintendo Switch Lite, PlayStation Vita).
• Home Consoles: Larger devices designed to be connected to a television (e.g., PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (docked)).
• Hybrid Consoles: Devices that can be used as both handheld and home consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch).
• Retro Consoles: Consoles designed to emulate or recreate classic gaming experiences. Often feature plastic enclosures reminiscent of older designs.
• Mini Consoles: Compact versions of classic consoles, pre-loaded with a selection of games. (e.g., NES Classic Edition, Sega Genesis Mini).
• Cloud Gaming Consoles: Devices primarily reliant on streaming games from a remote server, with minimal local processing power. Often utilize plastic enclosures.

Plastic Gaming Console Classification

Based on the provided information, classifying a “plastic gaming console” requires careful consideration of its specific characteristics. The following HS codes are potentially relevant:

• 3926901000: This code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Buckets and pails”. While seemingly unrelated, if the console’s construction heavily resembles a bucket or pail in form and function (unlikely, but possible for certain designs), this code could apply. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 3.4%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 40.9%.

• 3926909989: This code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other”. This is a broader category for plastic articles not specifically classified elsewhere. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 5.3%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 42.8%.

• 8517690000: This code covers “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443, 8525, 8527 or 8528; parts thereof: Other apparatus for transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network): Other”. If the console incorporates communication features (e.g., online gaming capabilities, video chat), this code may be applicable. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 8543708800: This code covers “Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions; video game console controllers which use infrared transmissions to operate or access the various functions and capabilities of the console”. This code specifically mentions video game console controllers, and by extension, could apply to the console itself if it utilizes similar technology. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.

• 9504500000: This code covers “Video game consoles and machines, other than those of subheading 9504.30, and parts and accessories thereof”. This is the most direct and likely classification for a plastic gaming console. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.

• 9504904000: This code covers “Other: Game machines, other than those operated by coins, banknotes (paper currency), discs or similar articles; parts and accessories thereof”. This is a broader category for game machines, and could apply if the console doesn't fit the specific criteria of subheading 9504.30. The tariff details are: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.

Important Considerations:

• The final HS code determination depends on the console’s specific features, materials, and functionality.
• If the console incorporates electrical components beyond basic gaming functions, codes within Chapter 85 may be more appropriate.
• Regarding HS code 8543708800, if the console utilizes infrared transmissions, this code should be considered.
• Regarding HS code 9504500000 and 9504904000, the distinction lies in whether the console falls under the specific criteria of subheading 9504.30.