Belt with metal buckle
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308906000 | 13.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606220000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606104000 | 38.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΌοΈ Belt with Metal Buckle (Metal Buckles & Fasteners)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Decoding the "Metal Buckle"
A "Belt with Metal Buckle" is often misunderstood as a single finished good (Article 42: Leather goods). However, in international trade and customs classification, metal buckles, hooks, eyes, and fasteners are frequently classified separately as Articles of base metal or Other articles of base metal, depending on their specific form and function.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is a finished belt (leather/fabric + buckle assembled), it may fall under Chapter 42.
- If the item is only the metal hardware (the buckle itself, or loose buckles/hooks) intended for assembly, it falls under Chapter 73 (Iron/Steel) or Chapter 83 (Other Base Metal Articles).
- The Data Provided focuses on the Metal Components/Hardware itself. Therefore, we classify based on the metal buckle/fastener attributes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for metal buckles, hooks, and fasteners, along with their tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Category | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.19.00.80 |
Other articles of iron or steel | Iron/Steel Articles | Generic metal products; fits steel material requirements for specific forms. |
8308.90.60.00 |
Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, etc. | Base Metal Fasteners | Specific metal clasps/fasteners; fits "other" category for parts/accessories. |
8308.10.00.00 |
Hooks, eyes, eyelets | Base Metal Fasteners | Hooks/eyes/eyelets; metal material and form are consistent. |
9606.22.00.00 |
Button, snap fasteners, etc. | Artificial Parts | Metal press-studs/fasteners; metal material fits common button/fastener attributes. |
9606.10.40.00 |
Snap fasteners and parts thereof | Artificial Parts | Snap buttons/poppers; metal material fits common fastener attributes. |
π Key Insight:
-8308&8306series: Generally applies to base metal (non-precious) buckles and fasteners.
-7326: Applies if the buckle is classified as a generic iron/steel article not specifically listed elsewhere.
-9606: Specifically for press-studs (snap fasteners). If your "buckle" is a popper/snap, this is the correct chapter, not8308.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade Policies)
π― 1. 7326.19.00.80 β Other Articles of Iron or Steel
Applicable to generic steel buckles/fasteners not covered by more specific headings.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| Section 232 Additional Duty | +10.0% (Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products) |
| Total Effective Rate | ~87.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7326.19.00.80 + Section 232 + Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- This is a high-duty category. The 10% Section 232 duty applies to steel products, and 25% Section 301 applies to Chinese goods.
- Risk: High compliance scrutiny for steel origin and content.
π― 2. 8308.90.60.00 β Clasps, Buckles (Other)
Applicable to standard metal belt buckles, frame buckles, etc.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +0.0% (Note: Some 8308 items may be excluded or lower, but data shows 0%) |
| Section 232 Additional Duty | Not explicitly listed in data (Assume 0% or excluded if non-steel/primary) |
| Total Effective Rate | 13.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.9% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:8308.90.60.00 |
π Explanation:
- Much more favorable rate. This is a specific heading for "clasps, frames with clasps, buckles."
- Ensure the product is clearly defined as a "buckle" and not a generic "article."
- Recommendation: Use this code if possible for standard belt buckles.
π― 3. 8308.10.00.00 β Hooks, Eyes, Eyelets
Applicable to small metal fasteners like hooks, eyelets, or ring buckles.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.1Β’/kg + 2.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Additional Duty | +10.0% (If classified as steel/aluminum product) |
| Total Effective Rate | 1.1Β’/kg + 35.0% (approx.) |
| Calculation | (Weight Γ 1.1Β’) + (CIF Value Γ 35.0%) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:8308.10.00.00 + Section 232 + Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Includes a specific duty (per kg) plus ad valorem.
- High total percentage (35%) due to Section 232 (10%) and Section 301 (25%).
- Weight matters: Light items may have low specific duty, but the percentage rate is steep.
π― 4. 9606.22.00.00 β Press-Studs (Snap Fasteners)
Applicable ONLY if the "buckle" is a snap fastener (popper), NOT a traditional belt buckle.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9606.22.00.00 + Section 232 + Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Zero base tariff, but significant add-ons.
- Critical: Only use if the item is a snap fastener. A traditional buckle is NOT a snap fastener. Misclassification here can lead to penalties.
π― 5. 9606.10.40.00 β Snap Fastener Parts
Applicable to parts of snap fasteners (e.g., male/female components).
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.5% |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9606.10.40.00 + Section 232 + Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Similar to9606.22, but for parts.
- Ensure you are importing parts, not the assembled fastener.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Material & Form Declaration (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Material Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Must specify % of Iron, Steel, Zinc, Copper, etc. Critical for Section 232 vs 8308. |
| β Product Photos (Detailed) | βοΈ | Show the buckle mechanism, clasp type, and any packaging. |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Explain why it fits 8308 (specific fastener) vs 7326 (general article). |
| β Bill of Lading / Packing List | βοΈ | Accurate weight and quantity for specific duty calculations (if applicable). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Specificity Rules All: Fastener > General Steel!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Belt Buckle (Frame, Prong, Pin) | 8308.90.60.00 |
Specific heading for buckles; lowest duty (13.9%). |
| Metal Hooks/Eyelets | 8308.10.00.00 |
Specific heading for hooks/eyes. |
| Snap Fasteners (Poppers) | 9606.22.00.00 |
Specific heading for press-studs. |
| Generic Metal Plate/Bracket (Not a buckle) | 7326.19.00.80 |
Falls back to general steel articles; high duty (87.9%). |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT classify a standard belt buckle as7326if it fits8308. The duty difference is massive (87.9% vs 13.9%).
- Do NOT classify a standard buckle as9606unless it is a snap fastener.
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Plastic Buckle with Metal Insert | If >50% by weight/value is plastic, consider Chapter 39. If metal is primary, use 8308. |
| Luxury Metal Buckle (Silver/Gold Plated) | If precious metal content is significant, check Chapter 71. However, most fashion buckles remain 8308. |
| Section 232 Steel Duty | Ensure the steel content is declared. If exempted (e.g., certain alloys), provide proof. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8308.90.60.00 |
13.9% | Best for standard buckles. Avoid 7326. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.19.00.80 |
87.9% | Only if misclassified or generic steel article. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7326.90 / 8308.90 |
~0-4.7% | Lower duties; focus on material declaration. |
| π¨π³ China | 7326.90 / 8308.90 |
~0-5% | Standard import duties for hardware. |
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Learn from Mistakes)
β Error 1: Classifying a standard belt buckle as 7326.19.00.80
π Result: Paying 87.9% instead of 13.9%.
β
Fix: Use 8308.90.60.00 for "Buckles."
β Error 2: Calling a snap fastener a "buckle"
π Result: Classification under 8308 might be challenged; or 9606 might be correct but declared wrong.
β
Fix: Use 9606.22.00.00 for press-studs/snaps.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 232 Steel Duties
π Result: If the buckle is steel and declared as 7326, the 10% steel duty adds up.
β
Fix: Verify if 8308 is eligible for exclusion from Section 232 (often yes for specific articles).
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Standard Metal Belt Buckle β Use
8308.90.60.00β 13.9% Total Duty.
πΉ Generic Steel Article β Use7326.19.00.80β 87.9% Total Duty.
πΉ Snap Fasteners β Use9606.22.00.00β 35.0% Total Duty.
π Pro Tip:
Always provide detailed product specifications and photos to your customs broker. Argue for 8308 (specific fastener) over 7326 (general steel) to save ~74% in duties.
β¨ Professional Customs Compliance, Starting with Precision Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Duties is Profit Earned!
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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.