| HS Code | Product Description | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818500080 | Articles of apparel and clothing accessories --> Other | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 6307909891 | Other made up articles, including dress patterns: --> Other: --> Other: --> Other | Doc | 37.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Okay, let's break down the HS codes and potential import considerations for your "CHRISTMAS SOCKS" declaration. Here's a structured analysis, aiming for clarity and actionable advice:
Understanding HS Codes – A Quick Primer
The Harmonized System (HS) code is a globally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. It's crucial for determining tariffs, regulations, and statistical tracking. The first 6 digits are generally standardized, while the last digits can vary by country.
Analysis of Your Provided HS Codes
Here's a breakdown of each code, potential issues, and recommendations:
1. 4818.50.00.80 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories --> Other
- Breakdown:
- 48: Chapter 48 – Textiles and Made-up Textile Articles
- 4818: T-shirts, singlets, tank tops and similar garments, knitted or crocheted.
- 4818.50: Other
- 4818.50.00.80: Specific sub-heading (likely for other knitted or crocheted garments)
- Potential Issues: This code seems a bit broad for socks. While socks are textile articles, a more specific code is usually preferred. It's possible this was used as a default.
- Tax Implications:
- Basic Duty: 0.0%
- Additional Tariff: 25.0% (currently)
- Additional Tariff (post April 2, 2025): 30.0%
- Total Tax: 55.0%
- Recommendation: Double-check if this is the most accurate code. Consider code 6115 (see below) as a more specific option.
2. 6115.94.00 – Panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including graduated compression hosiery (for example, stockings for varicose veins) and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted: --> Other: --> Of wool or fine animal hair (432)
- Breakdown:
- 61: Chapter 61 – Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted.
- 6115: Panty hose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery.
- 6115.94: Other socks
- 6115.94.00: Specific sub-heading.
- Potential Issues: The tax information retrieval failed. This is a critical issue. You must determine the correct tax rate before importing. The "Of wool or fine animal hair (432)" part suggests this code is for socks made of those materials. If your socks are not wool or fine animal hair, this code is incorrect.
- Tax Implications: Tax information unavailable – do not proceed without this information.
- Recommendation: Immediately investigate the tax rate for 6115.94.00 based on the material composition of your socks. If not wool/fine animal hair, find the correct sub-heading within 6115 based on the fiber content (cotton, synthetic, etc.).
3. 6307.90.98.91 – Other made up articles, including dress patterns: --> Other: --> Other: --> Other
- Breakdown:
- 63: Chapter 63 – Other made up textile articles; sets of textile articles.
- 6307: Other made up articles.
- 6307.90: Other
- 6307.90.98.91: Specific sub-heading.
- Potential Issues: This code is very broad and generally used for miscellaneous textile articles. It's unlikely to be the most accurate for Christmas socks.
- Tax Implications:
- Basic Duty: 7.0%
- Additional Tariff: 0.0% (currently)
- Additional Tariff (post April 2, 2025): 30.0%
- Total Tax: 37.0%
- Recommendation: This code is likely incorrect. Focus on codes within Chapter 61 (knitted/crocheted apparel) or potentially 62 (non-knitted apparel) if applicable.
4. 9505.10.60.00 – Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, including magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof: --> Other: --> Other
- Breakdown:
- 95: Chapter 95 – Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof.
- 9505: Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles.
- 9505.10: Other
- 9505.10.60.00: Specific sub-heading.
- Potential Issues: This code is for novelty items. If your Christmas socks are purely functional (worn for warmth/comfort), this code is incorrect. If they have significant decorative elements and are clearly intended as a festive item, it might be appropriate. Tax information retrieval failed.
- Tax Implications: Tax information unavailable – do not proceed without this information.
- Recommendation: Determine if the socks are primarily functional or novelty items. If functional, focus on Chapter 61/62. If novelty, investigate the tax rate for 9505.10.60.00.
Key Recommendations & Next Steps:
- Material Composition: Crucially, determine the exact fiber content of your socks (cotton, wool, synthetic, blends). This will be the biggest factor in determining the correct HS code.
- Function vs. Novelty: Are the socks primarily for warmth/comfort, or are they decorative/festive items?
- Consult a Customs Broker: I highly recommend consulting a licensed customs broker in China. They can provide definitive HS code classification and ensure compliance with all import regulations.
- Tax Rate Verification: Do not rely on the tax information provided if it shows "Error." You must verify the correct tax rates before importing.
- Certifications: Depending on the material and intended use, you may need certifications (e.g., for textile content, safety standards). A customs broker can advise on this.
- Invoice Details: Ensure your commercial invoice accurately describes the goods, including material composition, function, and value.
Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and cannot provide definitive legal or customs advice. This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific import requirements.