Board Fasteners
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926908500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π¦ Board Fasteners (Plastic Clips & Mechanical Attachments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Board Fasteners"?
In international trade, "Board Fasteners" typically refer to specialized plastic components designed to secure panels, boards, or modules using mechanical attachment methods (such as snap-fits, clips, or brackets). These are distinct from screws, nails, or standard adhesives.
Key Distinction:
These items fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof). Specifically, they are classified as "Articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914." The crucial factor is whether they are fasteners designed for mechanical attaching devices (e.g., clips that snap into a chassis or board).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the item is a plastic clip/fastener suitable for use in a mechanical attaching device (like holding a PCB to a frame or a panel to a wall) β It falls under HS Code 3926.90.85.00.
- If it is a metal screw/bolt, it belongs to Chapter 73.
- If it is a general plastic article not specifically for mechanical attachment, it may fall under other subheads of 3926, but 3926.90.85.00 is the precise fit for "Fasteners, in clips suitable for use in a mechanical attaching device."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.85.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Other: Fasteners, in clips suitable for use in a mechanical attaching device | Plastic clips for mounting PCBs, electrical panels, dashboard boards, or structural panels; snap-fit fasteners | β Plastic (PE, PP, ABS, Nylon, etc.) |
π Key Reminder:
- This code specifically targets plastic fasteners/clips used for mechanical attachment.
- Do not confuse with metal fasteners (HS 7318) or adhesive tapes (HS 3919).
- The term "Board" here refers to electrical boards, circuit boards, dashboard panels, or structural boards, not just simple wooden boards.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clause)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates as per provided data
π― 1. 3926.90.85.00 β Plastic Fasteners/Clims for Mechanical Attachment
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / Trade Remedy) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable for China-origin goods under standard de minimis thresholds if value exceeds $800, but even if eligible, Section 301 tariffs may still apply depending on current enforcement. Note: Standard de minimis ($800) often exempts base duties, but Section 301 tariffs have specific exclusions. Check latest USCBP rules. |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.85.00 β USITC Footnote: Section 301 Add'l Tariff |
π Explanation:
- The Base Tariff (6.5%) is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for other plastic articles.
- The Additional Tariff (7.5%) reflects current trade remedy measures or Section 301 tariffs applied to Chinese-origin plastic articles.
- Total Rate: 14.0%. This is a moderate-to-high tariff for small plastic components, significantly impacting low-margin hardware items.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material (e.g., ABS, Nylon), Function (Clip/Fastener), Mechanical Attachment Purpose |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the clip, any mechanical locking mechanism, and how it attaches to a board/panel |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must read: "Plastic Fasteners/CliPS for Mechanical Attachment, Model XYZ" β Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Parts" |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state 3926.90.85.00 to justify the 14.0% rate vs. potential misclassification |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for determining if Section 301 or other country-specific tariffs apply |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Plastic + Clip + Mechanical = 3926.90.85.00 | Don't Call It 'Screws' or 'Parts'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic clips for PCB mounting | 3926.90.85.00 |
Misclassifying as "Plastic Parts" (3926.90.99) β Higher risk of audit |
| Metal screws for boards | 7318.15.00 (example) |
Misclassifying as plastic fasteners β Penalties for false classification |
| Adhesive-backed pads | 3919.10 |
Misclassifying as mechanical fasteners β Incorrect tariff application |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments (Plastic + Metal) | Declare separately! Plastic clips go to 3926.90.85.00; metal screws to 7318.xxxx. Do not bundle under one HS code. |
| OEM Custom Clips | Provide design drawings or samples to Customs Broker to prove "mechanical attaching device" functionality. |
| Small Quantity Samples | Even for samples, ensure correct HS code. De minimis rules vary; if value < $800, duty may be waived, but tariff rate still applies if taxable. |
| Recycled Plastic | If made from recycled plastic, still falls under 3926.90.85.00 unless specific exemptions apply. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.85.00 |
14.0% (China Origin) | N/A | High tariff due to trade measures; budget accordingly. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.85.00 |
~5-6% (Import) | N/A | Low import tariff; check for domestic VAT. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 (likely) |
~6.5% | CE (if electrical) | EU HS codes differ slightly; verify with local broker. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.90 |
~6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply; similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.90 |
~6.0% | PSE (if electrical) | Low tariff; focus on safety standards. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most costly market due to 14.0% total tariff.
- EU/UK/JP offer lower tariffs (~6-6.5%), but may have additional regulatory hurdles (CE/UKCA).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Calling items "Plastic Parts" or "Hardware"
π Consequence: Customs may classify under a general "Other" heading (3926.90.99) with higher duties or audits.
β
Fix: Always specify "Fasteners/CliPS for Mechanical Attachment".
β Mistake 2: Confusing Plastic Clips with Metal Screws
π Consequence: Wrong HS code (7318 vs. 3926) β Penalties for misdeclaration.
β
Fix: Clearly separate plastic and metal components in packing list.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Mechanical Attaching" Function
π Consequence: If the clip is just for holding, not attaching to a device, it might be classified differently.
β
Fix: Provide evidence (photos/diagrams) showing the clip is designed to attach to a board/panel mechanically.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control!
π― Remember This Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Clip + Mechanical Board Attachment = 3926.90.85.00"
πΉ "14% US Tariff: Budget Early, Declare Accurately, Avoid Delays!"
π Pro Tip:
If your plastic fasteners are used in electrical equipment, ensure they meet UL/CE safety standards. While HS code doesn't change, lack of certification can delay customs clearance.
Recommendation: Apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling if shipping large volumes, to lock in the HS code classification and avoid future disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Your Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Confirm Origin
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Minimize Duties, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Cost, Precisely Calculated!
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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.