5m Charging Relay Kit
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8544300000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8544429090 | 87.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8507904000 | 38.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8507908000 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π 5m Charging Relay Kit: Ultimate HS Code & Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Matching & Tax Strategy | Full Breakdown for "Relay Kit" Imports
π Product Profile: A 5-meter Charging Relay Kit typically consists of a relay module, heavy-duty cables, connectors, and wiring harnesses designed to extend or control electrical charging circuits (often for EVs, industrial machinery, or high-power appliances).
β οΈ The Critical Dilemma:
Is this a wire harness (8544/8544.30)? A relay device (8536)? Or a battery accessory (8507)?
The answer depends on the primary function and physical composition as per the dataset provided.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification & Tax Analysis (Based on Provided Data)
Below is the detailed breakdown of the 5 specific HS Codes matched to your "5m Charging Relay Kit," including the logic for classification and the total tax burden (Base + Section 232/301/122).
π― 1. HS Code: 8544.42.90.90
Classification Logic: Electrical Conductors with Connectors
- Why? The name includes "Kit" (implying a bundle) and "Charging" (function). It is treated as an electrical conductor assembly with connectors. - Condition: Classified under "Other" as a fallback if no specific material conflict exists.
Tax Component Rate Description Base Duty 2.6% Standard MFN Rate Add'l Tariff (Sec 301) 25.0% Section 232/301 China Tariffs Section 122 Duty 10% Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products surcharge TOTAL TAX 87.6% π¨ Extremely High! π‘ Insight: This is the highest tax bracket due to the inclusion of copper/aluminum/steel components triggering the Section 122 "Raw Material" surcharge. Avoid this classification if possible unless the kit is purely copper/aluminum based.
π― 2. HS Code: 8544.30.00.00
Classification Logic: Wire Harnesses / Cables
- Why? Interpreted as a "Relay Kit" being a component of a vehicle/equipment harness. It includes wires and connectors for charging. - Condition: No material conflict; treated as a "Harness."
Tax Component Rate Description Base Duty 5.0% Standard MFN Rate Add'l Tariff (Sec 301) 25.0% Section 232/301 China Tariffs Section 122 Duty 10% Standard Steel/Aluminum surcharge TOTAL TAX 40.0% β οΈ Moderate-High π‘ Insight: A safer bet than
8544.42, assuming the primary function is conductive wiring rather than the switching mechanism.
π― 3. HS Code: 8536.41.00.60
Classification Logic: Relays (Low Voltage)
- Why? Matches the core keyword "Relay". The "Kit" is treated as an accessory for this electrical device. - Condition: Assumed Low Voltage application (common for charging kits). No material conflict.
Tax Component Rate Description Base Duty 2.7% Standard MFN Rate Add'l Tariff (Sec 301) 25.0% Section 232/301 China Tariffs Section 122 Duty 10% Standard Steel/Aluminum surcharge TOTAL TAX 37.7% β Most Efficient for "Relay" Focus π‘ Insight: Best Option if the product is primarily a switching device (the relay itself) rather than just the wire. Lowest total tax among the three main options.
π― 4. HS Code: 8536.49.00.80
Classification Logic: Relays (Other / Not Specified)
- Why? "Relay" core function matches. "Kit" implies a generic assembly falling under "Other" electrical apparatus. - Condition: No material conflict.
Tax Component Rate Description Base Duty 2.7% Standard MFN Rate Add'l Tariff (Sec 301) 25.0% Section 232/301 China Tariffs Section 122 Duty 10% Standard Steel/Aluminum surcharge TOTAL TAX 37.7% β Same as 8536.41 π‘ Insight: Essentially identical tax burden to
8536.41. Use this if the relay does not fit into the specific "Low Voltage" sub-category of8536.41.
π― 5. HS Code: 8507.90.80.00
Classification Logic: Parts of Electric Storage Batteries
- Why? "Relay Kit" viewed as an electrical accessory/component for a battery system. - Condition: Treated as a "Part" or "Other" accessory.
Tax Component Rate Description Base Duty 3.4% Standard MFN Rate Add'l Tariff (Sec 301) 25.0% Section 232/301 China Tariffs Section 122 Duty 10% Standard Steel/Aluminum surcharge TOTAL TAX 38.4% β οΈ High π‘ Insight: Only use if the product is explicitly marketed as a battery part. Slightly higher tax than the
8536series and less accurate if the relay is the main function.
π οΈ III. Customs Clearance Strategy & Action Plan
π Top Recommendation: 8536.41.00.60 or 8536.49.00.80
- Why? These offer the lowest tax rate (37.7%) and accurately reflect the primary function (Relay/Switch) rather than just the wire or battery part.
- Tax Detail: Base (2.7%) + Sec 301 (25.0%) + Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge (10%).
- Avoid:
8544.42.90.90(87.6%) unless the product is 100% wire with no relay switching logic, as the 10% material surcharge kills profitability.
β 1. Required Documentation for Clearance
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed Spec Sheet | Must state: Voltage, Amperage, Relay Type (SPDT/DPDT), Wire Gauge | Proves "Relay" function vs. "Wire" function. |
| Assembly Diagram | Show Relay + Wire + Connectors as a single unit | Prevents "Kit" from being split into separate taxable items. |
| Material Declaration | Explicitly list Copper, Steel, Aluminum content | Determines if Section 122 (10%) applies. |
| Commercial Invoice | Description: "Relay Kit, 5m Length, Charging Application" | Must match HS Code description ("Relay"). |
| FCC/UL Certs | If applicable | Ensures electrical safety compliance. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Secret Sauce")
π₯ Rule of Thumb: "Function Over Form"
- DO: Describe the item as a "Relay Assembly for Charging" (matches 8536). - DON'T: Describe it as "Charging Cable Kit" (matches 8544, potentially 87.6% tax). - DON'T: Describe it as "Battery Part" (matches 8507, 38.4% tax, less accurate).
Sample Declaration Text:
"Electrical Relay Kit, Model XYZ, 5m Cable Length, 12V/24V/48V Application, includes Relay Switch, Heavy Gauge Wires, and Connectors. Not a standalone cable harness."
β οΈ 3. Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- The "Kit" Trap: If you declare it as a "Wire Harness" (8544), customs may apply the 87.6% tax if they detect copper/steel content. Always argue for the Relay classification.
- Voltage Ambiguity: If the voltage is not clearly defined as "Low Voltage," customs might default to a higher duty rate. Specify Voltage on the invoice.
- Section 122 Surcharge: The 10% steel/aluminum/copper tax is automatic for many of these codes. If the kit contains zero of these materials (e.g., 100% plastic housing, copper-free), you might contest the 10%, but it's risky.
π IV. Global Market Context (2026)
| Destination | Recommended HS Code | Total Est. Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8536.41.00.60 |
37.7% | High risk of Section 301 + 122. Pre-clearance is vital. |
| π¨π³ China | 8536.41.00.60 |
~13-15% | Standard import duty + VAT. No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8536.41.00.60 |
~2-4% | Low base duty, no Section 301. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8536.41.00.60 |
~4% | Post-Brexit rates apply, but no Section 301. |
π― V. Final Verdict
For a "5m Charging Relay Kit":
1. Target HS Code: 8536.41.00.60 (Relays, Low Voltage).
2. Total Tax: 37.7% (Base 2.7% + 25% Sec 301 + 10% Material Surcharge).
3. Avoid: 8544.42.90.90 (87.6% tax) unless you are 100% sure it's a wire-only component.
π Action Item:
Immediately update your product description to emphasize "Relay Switching Function" over "Cable Length."
Request a Pre-Ruling from Customs if the product is complex, to lock in the 37.7% rate and avoid an 87.6% surprise audit.
Disclaimer: Tax rates and HS Codes are subject to change. Always consult a licensed customs broker before finalizing declarations.
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.