HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8523510000 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
8523590000 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
3923900080 | Doc | 58.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
USB Flash Drive
A USB flash drive, also known as a thumb drive, pen drive, memory stick, or data stick, is a portable data storage device that uses flash memory to store information. The "32gb" refers to its storage capacity, indicating it can hold approximately 32 gigabytes of data.
Material:
- Housing: Typically constructed from plastic, metal (aluminum alloy is common for durability), or a combination of both.
- Connector: Usually features a USB Type-A connector, though newer models may utilize USB Type-C.
- Memory: Employs NAND flash memory chips.
- Controller: Contains a microcontroller to manage data storage and retrieval.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of a USB flash drive is to easily transfer and store digital data. This includes:
- Data Backup: Creating copies of important files.
- File Transfer: Moving files between computers, or between different devices.
- Portable Application Storage: Running applications directly from the drive.
- Operating System Booting: Installing or running operating systems.
Function:
USB flash drives function by utilizing a USB interface to communicate with a host computer. When connected, the computer recognizes the drive as a removable storage device. Data is then written to and read from the NAND flash memory chips within the drive, controlled by the internal microcontroller. The process is generally non-volatile, meaning the data remains stored even when power is removed.
Usage Scenarios:
- Personal Data Storage: Storing documents, photos, videos, and music.
- Software Installation: Distributing and installing software.
- Bootable Media: Creating a bootable drive for system recovery or operating system installation.
- File Sharing: Easily transferring files between users.
- Data Transport: Carrying data between locations.
- Secure Data Storage: Using encrypted drives for sensitive information.
Common Types:
- USB 2.0: Older standard, slower transfer speeds (up to 480 Mbps).
- USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1: Faster transfer speeds (up to 5 Gbps). Often backwards compatible with USB 2.0.
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 / USB 3.2 Gen 2: Even faster transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps).
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Fastest transfer speeds (up to 20 Gbps) - requires compatible ports and drives.
- USB Type-C: A newer connector type, often associated with faster transfer speeds and reversible design.
- Encrypted USB Drives: Feature hardware or software encryption for enhanced security.
- Rugged USB Drives: Designed to withstand physical damage, water, and dust.
- OTG (On-The-Go) USB Drives: Allow connection to smartphones and tablets with OTG support.
The declared goods, a 32GB USB flash drive, fall under the category of solid-state non-volatile storage devices used for recording data. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are applicable:
- 8523510000: This HS code covers discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, and "smart cards" for recording sound or other phenomena, whether recorded or not, including matrices and masters for disc production. Specifically, it refers to Semiconductor media: Solid-state non-volatile storage devices. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 7.5%. After April 2, 2025, the additional tariff increases to 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 37.5%.
- 8523590000: This HS code also covers discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, and "smart cards" for recording sound or other phenomena, whether recorded or not, including matrices and masters for disc production. However, it applies to Semiconductor media: Other. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the additional tariff increases to 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
It is important to determine whether the USB flash drive is specifically classified as "Semiconductor media" (8523510000) or falls under the broader "Other" category (8523590000) for accurate tariff calculation.