AirPods Case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926908800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202929400 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202929700 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8518908100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8518904100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§ AirPods Case (Protective Enclosures & Charging Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is an "AirPods Case"?
The term "AirPods Case" in trade usually refers to two distinct types of goods, which determine the HS Code and tax liability significantly:
- Protective Carrying Cases: Soft or hard shells designed specifically to hold and transport AirPods (or the charging case) and their cables. These are considered "containers."
- Parts of Sound Equipment: If the "case" is actually the original hard plastic shell housing the internal electronics of the AirPods themselves, it is classified as a part of the audio device, not a general container.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: - If it is a third-party accessory (bought separately to protect the device) β It is a Container/Case (Heading 4202 or 3926). - If it is the original housing or a part of the headphones/amplifier set β It is a Part (Heading 8518).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, we analyze the most relevant HS Codes for "AirPods Cases" and their associated taxes. Note that the "Parts" category (8518) carries a much higher tax burden due to trade policies, while "Cases" (4202/3926) may benefit from lower or zero tariffs depending on the specific material and design.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
4202.92.94.00 |
Traveling bags, handbags, wallets... of sheeting of plastics or textile materials. Specifically: Cases designed to protect and transport compact disks (CD's), CD Rom disks, CD players, cassette players, and/or cassettes. | Third-party protective cases designed for audio devices (including AirPods) made of plastics/textiles. | 0.0% |
4202.92.97.00 |
Trunks, suitcases... of leather/plastics/textile. Other: With outer surface of sheeting of plastics or textile materials: Other: Other: Other. | Generic protective cases for electronic devices that do not fit the specific "CD/Cassette" description above, or are made of leather/composition leather. | 0.0% |
3926.90.88.00 |
Other articles of plastics... Cases, boxes and similar containers, for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics, not elsewhere specified or included. | Generic plastic packaging or simple rigid cases not meeting the criteria of Heading 4202. | Error (Tax retrieval failed) |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics... Other. | Simple plastic accessories or non-container parts. | 12.8% |
8518.90.81.00 |
Parts of microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, amplifiers. Other. | Original parts of the audio device (e.g., the plastic shell of the earbuds themselves, or internal components). | 25.0% |
8518.90.41.00 |
Parts of line telephone handsets or repeaters. Other. | Unlikely for consumer AirPods, but listed as a "Part" category. | 25.0% |
π Key Insight: - Third-party protective cases (soft bags, hard shell protectors) are typically classified under Heading 4202 (Traveling bags/cases). - The specific subheading
4202.92.94.00explicitly mentions cases for "CD players, cassette players, etc." Customs often interpret this broadly to include protective cases for portable audio players like AirPods. - Parts of the device itself fall under8518.90, which triggers the 25% additional tariff.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 adjustments (Current data reflects existing trade measures)
π― 1. 4202.92.94.00 ββ Protective Cases for Audio Devices (Plastic/Textile)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (No additional surtax for this specific HS code) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligible | β Yes (If value < $800, usually exempt from duties entirely) |
| Legal Basis | Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Chapter 42 |
π Explanation: - This is the ideal HS Code for importing third-party protective cases for AirPods. - The tariff is 0%, making it highly competitive. - The description explicitly covers cases for "CD players, cassette players," which customs often extend to portable digital audio players.
π― 2. 4202.92.97.00 ββ Other Plastic/Textile Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligible | β Yes |
π Note: - If the case is made of leather or does not fit the "CD/player" description, it may fall here. Still 0% tax.
π― 3. 8518.90.81.00 ββ Parts of Audio Equipment (Misclassification Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligible | β No (Subject to scrutiny) |
π Warning: - If you import original spare parts (e.g., replacement plastic housings for AirPods) and declare them as "Parts," you face a 25% tax. - Do not confuse protective cases with parts. A case is for transport/storage; a part is for assembly/function.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the case empty (not inside a phone/airpod). Clearly show material (plastic, leather, fabric). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Protective Carrying Case for Wireless Headphones/AirPods, Plastic/Textile, Not for Use as Packaging for Sale." |
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Confirm it is an accessory, not a component. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify outer surface material (e.g., "Polyester outer, EVA inner") to justify HS 4202. |
| β Packaging List | βοΈ | Indicate quantity and weight. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Case for Transport, Not Part of Device!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party protective case | "Plastic Protective Case for AirPods" | "Part of Headphones" | Avoids 25% tax |
| Case made of leather/textile | "Leather Traveling Case" | "Plastic Container" | Avoids 12.8% tax |
| Original replacement housing | "Plastic Housing Part for Model XYZ" | "Protective Case" | Correctly taxed at 25% |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Containers | If the case contains the AirPods (sold as a set), the entire set is classified under the AirPods (Headset) HS Code, not the case. |
| Custom Printed Cases | Ensure the design is clearly decorative/protective, not functional. |
| Bundles | If selling "AirPods + Case" together, declare the AirPods as the primary item. The case may be considered an accessory with minimal value, but consult customs for bundling rules. |
| Material Ambiguity | If the case is 50% plastic, 50% leather, classify based on the principal material. Leather cases often fall under 4202.92.97.00 (0% tax). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4202.92.94.00 |
0% | None | Best option for protective cases |
| π¨π³ China | 4202.92.94.00 |
5% | None | Lower than US surtax impact |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4202.92.94.00 |
4% | CE (if electronic) | Standard duty |
| π¬π§ UK | 4202.92.94.00 |
4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rates |
π Conclusion: - USA offers 0% duty for protective cases if correctly classified under 4202. - Avoid Classifying as "Parts" (
8518) unless you are importing original spare components, as this triggers a 25% surtax.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from the Field)
β Error 1: Declaring a protective case as a "Part of Headphones" (8518.90)
π Result: Unnecessary 25% tax payment.
β
Fix: Use 4202.92.94.00 for accessories.
β Error 2: Declaring original replacement housings as "Protective Cases" (4202)
π Result: Customs may reject the classification if it's clearly a structural part, leading to audits or back-taxes.
β
Fix: Accurately declare as "Parts" if it's an original component.
β Error 3: Ignoring Material Composition
π Result: Misclassification between 3926 (Plastic) and 4202 (Leather/Textile/Plastic Cases).
β
Fix: Provide detailed material breakdown. Leather/Textile cases (4202) are safer (0%) than generic plastic containers (3926) which may have retrieval errors or higher taxes.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Cases are Containers, Not Parts!"
πΉ "Use 4202 for Protection, 8518 for Parts."
πΉ "0% Duty is Possible if Classified Correctly."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing high-volume protective cases, consider Advance Rulings from US Customs to secure the 4202.92.94.00 classification explicitly for "AirPods Cases" to avoid future disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Material: Is it leather, textile, or plastic?
π Label Correctly: "Protective Carrying Case" β NOT "Part of Electronic Device".
π Maximize Profit: With 0% tariff, your margin increases significantly compared to the 25% parts rate!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance, Starting with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.