AirTag保护套
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🛡️ AirTag Protective Cases (Anti-Loss Accessories)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Duty & Tax Analysis | Smart Tracker Accessories Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition: What Exactly is an "AirTag Case"?
An AirTag Protective Case is a silicone, leather, metal, or hybrid accessory designed to house an Apple AirTag (a small Bluetooth/UWB tracking device).
Crucial Classification Distinction: * The Accessory ONLY (Case): If shipped without the AirTag inside, it is treated as a "part of a tracking device" or a "plastic article." It cannot be classified as a tracking device itself because it lacks the electronic chip and battery. * The Complete Set (Case + AirTag): If shipped with the AirTag pre-installed, it may be classified under the tracking device code, changing the duty rate entirely.
⚠️ Critical Warning: * AirTag Case ONLY (No chip) → 3926.90.90.89 (Plastic Parts) or 4205.00.20.40 (Leather). * AirTag + Case (With chip) → 9102.11.00.00 (Wristwatch) OR 8517.62.00.00 (Bluetooth Transceiver) depending on strict interpretation. * Most common scenario for importers: Case ONLY (Sold separately).
📦 2. Detailed HS Code Classification (2026 Customs Tariff)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Basis | Duty Rate (US) | Key Features |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- :--- |
| 3926.90.90.89 | Other articles of plastics: Silicone, TPU, or Plastic cases (No electronics) | Plastic/Silicone/TPU | Base: 4.9%
+ 25% (Section 301)
Total: 29.9% | Most common for Silicone/TPU cases. Includes keychains, straps, and holders. |
| 4205.00.20.40 | Articles of leather, composition leather or patent leather: Leather cases | Leather/PU Leather | Base: 4.9%
+ 25% (Section 301)
Total: 29.9% | Applies to genuine leather or high-end PU cases. |
| 3926.20.00.00 | Gloves, mittens, and mitts of plastics (Rare but possible for fabric cases) | Mixed Materials | Varies | Rare for AirTag cases. |
| 9102.11.00.00 | Wristwatches (If claimed as "Smart Watch" accessories) | Any | 10% | ⚠️ Risk: Customs often rejects this for a simple case. |
| 8517.62.00.00 | Other transmission/reception apparatus for radio telephony (If containing electronics) | Electronics | 7.5% | Only if the case has a built-in battery/antenna (e.g., "AirTag with Case"). |
🔍 Important Note: * Do not classify a simple silicone case as
9114(Parts of clocks). Customs will reclassify it to3926(Plastic), potentially causing delays. * Section 301 Tariffs: Almost all plastic/leather accessories from China are subject to the 25% additional tariff.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Duty & Tax Breakdown (USA Import)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Destination: United States (US)
✅ Effective Date: Current Section 301 & IEEPA rules apply.
🎯 1. Silicone/TPU Plastic Case (3926.90.90.89)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (China-specific "Section 301" List 4A) |
| MEFTA/IEEPA Additional | +10.0% (If applicable under latest 2025-2026 executive orders for consumer electronics accessories) |
| Total Effective Duty | ~39.9% (4.9 + 25 + 10) |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ NO. Even for small value shipments, Section 301 items are generally excluded from the $800 de minimis exemption if the goods are subject to 301 duties. |
| Legal Path | 19 CFR § 1503 → Section 301 List 4A → HTSUS:3926.90.90.89 |
📌 Explanation:
Silicone and TPU are explicitly listed under Section 301 List 4A as "Other articles of plastics." * Risk*: If you try to ship under $800 (de minimis), US Customs (CBP) may seize or demand retroactive payment of the 25-39% duty.
🎯 2. Leather/Polyurethane Case (4205.00.20.40)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 29.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ NO. Same as above; subject to Section 301. |
📌 Note: Leather cases also face the 25% penalty. There is no significant duty advantage over plastic cases unless sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico (which may avoid Section 301).
🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | YES | Must explicitly state: "Material: Silicone/Leather/Plastic. NO Electronic Components." |
| Commercial Invoice | YES | Describe as "AirTag Case Only (No AirTag/Chip Included)." |
| Photos | YES | Show the empty case. Do not show the AirTag inside if shipping separately. |
| Bill of Materials (BOM) | YES | Confirm no batteries, no Bluetooth chips, no wires in the case. |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy & Naming
🔥 Golden Rule: "Empty Case = Plastic/Leather. Full Set = Electronics."
| Scenario | Correct Classification | Wrong Classification | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case ONLY (Shipped separately) | 3926.90.90.89 (Plastic) |
8517.62.00.00 (Electronic) |
Misclassification: Customs fines + Back duties. |
| Case + AirTag (Bundle) | 8517.62.00.00 (Bluetooth) |
3926.90.90.89 (Plastic) |
Under-dutying: 25%+25% vs 7.5%. Risk of audit. |
| Keychain attached to case | 3926.90.90.89 (Accessory) |
7326.90.85 (Metal) |
Metal keychains may trigger higher metal duties; check material mix. |
Correct Description Example:
"Silicone Protective Case for Apple AirTag, Model A1, Empty Case Only, No Electronics, No Battery Included. 100% Silicone."
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Cases | Provide a design drawing showing no circuit board. Label as "Accessory." |
| Case with Metal Ring | If metal ring > 10% weight, ensure the primary material classification is still the plastic body (consult counsel). |
| Shipping from Vietnam/Mexico | Highly Recommended! Cases manufactured in Vietnam or Mexico are exempt from Section 301 25% tariffs. Duty drops to Base Rate (4.9%). |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Section 301 / Additional | Total Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3926.90.90.89 |
4.9% | +25% (China) | ~29.9% - 39.9% |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3926.90.90 |
0% - 6.5% | No Section 301 | Low (Only VAT) |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3926.90.90.89 |
10% (Export) | N/A | N/A |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3926.90.90 |
5% | No Section 301 | Low |
📌 Conclusion:
USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 tariffs on plastic/leather accessories from China. * EU/Australia* are much cheaper (no extra tariffs), but VAT applies (20%+).
📌 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others)
❌ Mistake 1: Calling it "Smart Tracker Case" (Implies electronics)
👉 Result: CBP reclassifies to electronic category, triggers audits.
✅ Fix: Call it "Protective Housing" or "Silicone Case."
❌ Mistake 2: Shipping AirTag + Case together to avoid packaging cost
👉 Result: Duty jumps from 4.9% (Case) to 7.5% (Electronic) + potential Section 301 if not careful.
✅ Fix: Ship separately. Use "Case Only" classification.
❌ Mistake 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies to AirTag cases
👉 Result: CBP seizes shipments under $800 because they are subject to Section 301.
✅ Fix: Pre-pay duties or ship from Vietnam/Mexico.
🎯 7. Conclusion: Strategic Sourcing for 2026
🎯 Key Takeaway:
🔹 "Case Only = Plastic (3926) = 29.9% Duty (China)"
🔹 "Source from Vietnam/Mexico = 4.9% Duty (Savings of 25%!)"
🔹 "Never claim 'Electronics' for a case without a chip!"🔹 "HS Code determines profit margin: A 25% tariff difference can kill your business."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your suppliers are in China, consider Third-Party Warehousing in Vietnam (simple assembly of packaging/cases) to avoid Section 301 duties.
Always request a Pre-Classification Ruling from CBP before large-scale imports.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Customs Broker + Submit "Empty Case" Photos + Verify Origin Country
🚀 Secure your margins, avoid seizures, and streamline your AirTag accessory supply chain!
✨ Precision Classification: The Key to Profitable Trade!
💼 Every percentage point of duty matters.
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.