10M LIGHT STRING
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9405310040 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405310010 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926400090 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π‘ 10M Light String (LED Christmas Tree Lights)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "10M Light String"?
A "10M Light String" typically refers to decorative lighting fixtures used primarily for Christmas trees, holiday decor, or indoor/outdoor ambiance. In international trade, these are strictly categorized under Heading 9405 (Lamps and Lighting Fittings).
However, not all light strings are equal. The critical distinction lies in the light source technology and configuration:
- LED String Lights: The modern standard. Low voltage, energy-efficient, durable.
- Miniature Series Wired Sets: Individual bulbs wired in series.
- Other LED Sets: Parallel wiring or other configurations.
- Incandescent/Traditional: Rare now due to efficiency bans, but still exist in specific markets.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the product is specifically designed for Christmas trees AND uses LEDs, it falls under 9405.31.
- If it is a generic indoor string light not for Christmas trees, it might fall under 9405.40.
- Plastic Ornamentals (e.g., plastic snowmen, figures) are NOT light strings and fall under 3926.40.
π¦ δΊγHS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based strictly on the provided <DATA>, here is the precise mapping for a 10M LED Light String for Christmas Trees.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
9405.31.00.10 |
Lighting strings for Christmas trees: Designed for use solely with LEDs: Miniature series wired sets | Series-wired LED bulbs (if one burns out, others may go out) | β Series Wiring |
9405.31.00.40 |
Lighting strings for Christmas trees: Designed for use solely with LEDs: Other | Parallel-wired LEDs, C7/C9 shapes, or non-miniature sets | β Other LED Config |
3926.40.00.10 |
Statuettes & Ornamental Articles (Plastic): Bows, gift-packaging | β Not Applicable | Purely decorative, No Lights |
3926.40.00.90 |
Statuettes & Ornamental Articles (Plastic): Other | β Not Applicable | Purely decorative, No Lights |
π Critical Warning:
- Do NOT classify a light string under 3926.40 just because the wire is plastic or the bulbs are in plastic sockets.
- Function determines Classification: If it emits light, it is 9405. If it is purely plastic decoration (e.g., a plastic bow), it is 3926.
- "10M Light String" implies a functional lighting product, so 9405.31 is the correct heading.
π° δΈγ2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (for imports thereafter)
π― 1. 9405.31.00.10 β Miniature Series LED Christmas Lights
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.0% (MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 33.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 33.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Value > $800 triggers full duty; below $800 still subject to scrutiny for LED lights) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9405.31.00.10 + Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- The 8.0% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty for LED lighting strings for Christmas trees.
- The 25.0% is the punitive tariff imposed on Chinese goods under Section 301.
- Total: 33%. This is a high-cost item for importers.
π― 2. 9405.31.00.40 β Other LED Christmas Lights (Non-Miniature Series)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.0% (MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 33.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 33.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9405.31.00.40 + Section 301 Footnote |
π Note:
- Whether it's a miniature series or "other" LED setup, the tariff rate remains 33% for Chinese-origin products.
- "Other" typically includes C7, C9, or icicle lights that are not tiny mini-lights.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "LED", "For Christmas Trees", "10M Length", "Voltage". |
| β Circuit Diagram/Photo | βοΈ | To prove it is a lighting device (9405), not just plastic ornaments (3926). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "LED Light String for Christmas Tree". Do NOT use vague terms like "Decoration". |
| β FCC Certification | βοΈ | Mandatory for LED lights in the US (interference compliance). |
| β UL/ETL Report | βοΈ | Highly recommended for safety compliance; customs may request it. |
| β Country of Origin Label | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Made in China". |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βLED + Christmas = 9405.31 | Plastic Ornaments = 3926.40β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED String for Tree | 9405.31.00.10 or .40 |
3926.40.00.90 |
Penalty: Misclassification, 33% vs 5.3% difference + fines. |
| Plastic Snowman (No Light) | 3926.40.00.90 |
9405.31.00.10 |
Penalty: Overpayment of duty (33% instead of 5.3%). |
| Mixed Package (Lights + Plastic Bows) | Split Declaration | Single HS Code | Risk: Customs may seize or delay if not separated. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment | If you ship LED Lights (9405.31) AND Plastic Bows (3926.40) in the same container, you MUST declare them separately on the B/L. Do not blend them. |
| "Smart" LED Strings | If the string has WiFi/App control, it is still 9405.31 (Lighting Function dominates). |
| Voltage Difference | US Standard is 120V. If shipping 220V units, declare correctly. Mismatched voltage can lead to rejection. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9405.31.00.10 / .40 |
33% (8% + 25%) | High duty for China origin. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9405.42.00 |
0% | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9405.42.00 |
0% (If CUSMA compliant) | Check origin rules. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9405.42.00 |
4% | Post-Brexit tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese LED Christmas lights due to the 25% additional tariff.
- EU and Canada are more favorable, but ensure proper origin documentation.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying LED Lights under 3926.40 (Plastics)
π Result: Underpaying duty (5.3% vs 33%). Customs will assess 33% + penalties + interest.
β Error 2: Vague Description "Light String"
π Result: Customs may classify as 9405.40 (Other lamps) or demand further testing. Always specify "For Christmas Trees" and "LED".
β Error 3: Ignoring FCC Certification
π Result: Detention at port. LED lights emit RF noise. Without FCC ID, they are illegal to import.
β Correct Description Example:
"LED Light String for Christmas Tree, 10M Length, 100 LEDs, Miniature Series, 120V, Plug-in, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember:
πΉ "LED + Tree = 33% Duty (China)"
πΉ "Plastic Ornament = 5.3% Duty"
πΉ "Don't Mix Them!"
π Tip:
If you are shipping to the US, consider third-country assembly (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) to potentially avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff. However, ensure substantial transformation occurs there. For pure China-origin goods, the 33% rate is unavoidable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify FCC Certification before shipment.
π¦ Separate LED Lights from Plastic Ornaments in packaging.
π Declare as9405.31.00.10or9405.31.00.40accurately.
β¨ Precision in Classification Saves 27.7% in Duties!
πΌ Avoid the 33% Trap β Declare Correctly!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.