Beads
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903300 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903500 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πΏ Beads (Artificial & Material Specific)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Classification Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: The Ambiguity of "Beads"
"Beads" is a generic term that poses significant classification challenges in international trade. The Harmonized System (HS) does not have a single, universal heading for "beads." Instead, classification is strictly determined by material composition and intended use.
In the provided data analysis, three distinct material categories emerge for imported beads (likely from China to the US, given the "122 Clause" references):
- Plastic Beads: Falls under Chapter 39.
- Wooden Beads: Falls under Chapter 44.
- Imitation Jewelry Beads: Falls under Chapter 71 (if considered costume jewelry components).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the beads are purely decorative components for costume jewelry β 7117.90.90.00
- If the beads are plastic raw materials/parts (not yet assembled into jewelry) β 3926.90.33.00 / 3926.90.35.00
- If the beads are wooden accessories (not jewelry) β 4421.91.98.80 / 4421.99.98.80
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
The following table details the three possible classifications based on the provided data. The total tax burden varies drastically from 16.5% to 38.3%.
| HS Code | Material | Product Description & Rationale | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7117.90.90.00 | Imitation Jewelry | Rationale: Based on morphological features, these are inferred as components or raw materials for imitation jewelry. No material conflict with "other imitation jewelry." Key Feature: Classified under Jewelry/Costume Accessories. |
28.5% |
| 3926.90.33.00 | Plastic | Rationale: The term "beads" fits the morphological description of "beads, cones, and sequins" made of plastic. Key Feature: Plastic articles, other. |
16.5% |
| 3926.90.35.00 | Plastic | Rationale: Matches morphology (beads); Material inferred as plastic by common sense, with no conflicting metal/non-plastic features. Key Feature: Plastic articles, other. |
16.5% |
| 4421.91.98.80 | Wood | Rationale: Product name explicitly states "wooden," fitting HS 4421919880's "wooden" and "bamboo/other" attributes. Morphology falls under "other articles." Key Feature: Wooden articles. |
38.3% |
| 4421.99.98.80 | Wood | Rationale: Material is wood (meets wood product requirements); Morphology is beads (classified as other wooden articles, non-specific doors/pencil boards). Key Feature: Wooden articles, other. |
38.3% |
π Key Insight:
- Plastic beads have the lowest total tax burden (16.5%).
- Wooden beads have the highest total tax burden (38.3%) due to high Section 301/122 tariffs.
- Imitation Jewelry beads sit in the middle (28.5%), but classification is risky if not explicitly for jewelry.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from "122 Clause" and tariff structure)
β Effective Time: Current trade war measures (Section 301, 122)
π― 1. 3926.90.33.00 & 3926.90.35.00 ββ Plastic Beads (Lowest Burden)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Rate | 16.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Likely Not Eligible for Section 301 if value exceeds threshold, but standard de minimis ($800) may still apply if no Section 301 applies. However, the 122 clause suggests targeted duties. |
| Legal Path | USITC:3926.90.33.00 β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Plastic beads enjoy the lowest total duty among all options.
- The "122 Clause" (10%) is a specific punitive tariff applied to certain Chinese goods, but the base rate is low.
- Advantage: Cost-effective for high-volume, low-value plastic bead shipments.
π― 2. 7117.90.90.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry Beads (Middle Burden)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 11.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Rate | 28.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible for Section 301 exemptions. |
| Legal Path | USITC:7117.90.90.00 β Section 301: 7.5% + 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- If customs classifies these as "costume jewelry components," they face a higher base tariff (11%).
- The combination of Section 301 (7.5%) and 122 Clause (10%) creates a significant cost increase compared to plastic beads.
- Risk: Misclassification as jewelry when they are merely raw materials can trigger this higher rate.
π― 3. 4421.91.98.80 & 4421.99.98.80 ββ Wooden Beads (Highest Burden)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10% |
| Total Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible for Section 301 exemptions. |
| Legal Path | USITC:4421.99.98.80 β Section 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Wooden beads are hit hardest by the 25% Section 301 surtax, a legacy tariff on many Chinese goods.
- Despite a low base tariff (3.3%), the total cost is more than double that of plastic beads.
- Warning: High risk of audit due to high duty rate.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Live Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Composition Report | βοΈ | Must explicitly state material: 100% Plastic, 100% Wood, or Mixed. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing morphology (beads, cones, sequins). |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | Crucial: Are these "imitation jewelry components" or "general plastic/wood articles"? |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match HS Code description precisely. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and quantity verification. |
β οΈ Key Tip:
- If declaring as Plastic (3926): Ensure no metal cores or jewelry assembly is present. If they are part of a finished necklace, they may be reclassified as Jewelry (7117).
- If declaring as Wood (4421): Ensure no lacquer/plating that changes the material classification.
β 2. Declaration Strategies (Golden Rules)
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Beads | "Plastic Beads, for crafting" | "Imitation Jewelry Parts" | Saves 12% tax (16.5% vs 28.5%) |
| Wooden Beads | "Wooden Beads, unfinished" | "Wooden Jewelry Accessories" | High risk of 38.3% duty; possible audit |
| Mixed Materials | Separate shipments if possible | Mixed HS Code declaration | Customs may reject, delay, or apply highest rate |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Material First, Then Use. Don't label plastic as jewelry unless it's ready-to-wear!"
- Plastic beads are cheaper to import than wooden or jewelry-classified beads.
- If your beads are plastic, insist on 3926.90.33.00/35.00.
- If your beads are wood, accept the 38.3% cost or redesign material.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Beads with Metal Cores | Likely classified as Jewelry (7117) or Base Metal Articles, not Plastic/Wood. Higher duty. |
| Pre-assembled Jewelry | Must classify as Jewelry (7117), not raw beads. |
| Sample Shipments | Still subject to duties if over $800 de minimis, and Section 301/122 clauses apply. |
| Origin Non-China | If beads are from Vietnam/India, Section 301 may not apply. Check Country of Origin! |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.33.00 |
16.5% | None specific for beads | 122 Clause + 301 Clause apply. Plastic is cheapest. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.39.00 |
Varies (0-5%) | N/A | Low import duty, but focus on US export costs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 |
~0-4% | REACH (if plastic) | No Section 301/122. More stable duties. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.97 |
~0-4% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules, but generally lower than US. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese beads due to 122 Clause and Section 301.
- Plastic beads are the most tariff-efficient option in the US (16.5%).
- Wooden beads are prohibitively expensive (38.3%) in the US.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Plastic Beads as Imitation Jewelry
π Result: Tax jumps from 16.5% to 28.5%. Unnecessary cost!
π Fix: Provide evidence that beads are raw materials, not jewelry components.
β Mistake 2: Declaring Wooden Beads as Plastic
π Result: Customs inspection reveals wood β Misdeclaration penalty + Back Taxes + Interest.
π Fix: Accurate material declaration is mandatory.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring 122 Clause
π Result: Underpayment by 10%. Customs audit later β Large penalty.
π Fix: Include 122 Clause (10%) in cost calculations for all Chinese goods.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) Exemption
π Result: Section 301 and 122 tariffs often override de minimis exemptions for Chinese goods.
π Fix: Assume duties apply regardless of value for Chinese-origin beads.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Beads, Unfinished, for Crafts, HS 3926.90.33.00, China Origin, 16.5% Total Duty"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Plastic Beads = 16.5% (Best)"
πΉ "Jewelry Beads = 28.5% (Medium)"
πΉ "Wooden Beads = 38.3% (Worst)"
πΉ "Don't Guess Material, Customs Will Find Out!"
π Pro Tip:
If your supply chain allows, consider shifting material from wood to plastic for the US market to save 21.8% in duties.
If plastic is not an option, ensure accurate documentation to avoid penalties.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π€ Provide Product Photos + Material Declaration.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if possible.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar in Duty is Worth Saving!
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.