Butterfly Wings
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9705210000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🦋 Butterfly Wings (Natural Specimens)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Collection Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Butterfly Wings"?
Butterfly wings, in the context of international trade and customs classification, are not merely decorative items. They are classified under Category 97, which covers Works of Art, Collectors’ Pieces, and Antiques.
Specifically, they fall under Chapter 9705, which includes:
"Collections and collectors’ pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or paleontological interest."
For butterfly wings to be classified here, they must meet specific criteria: 1. Scientific/Curatorial Value: They must be part of a collection, used for educational, scientific, or museum purposes, or be rare specimens of interest to collectors. 2. Preparation: They are typically mounted on cards, in display cases, or prepared for preservation. 3. Not Mass-Produced Craft: They are not simple souvenirs or craft materials (which might fall under Chapter 67 or 96).
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the wings are loose, unprepared, and intended for craft/glue-on jewelry, they may be classified differently (e.g., under Chapter 67 or as prepared feathers).
- If the wings are mounted, labeled, and marketed as scientific specimens or collector’s items, they fall under HS Code 9705.29.00.00 or 9705.21.00.00.
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, the relevant HS Codes are:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Tax Rate (China-US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9705.21.00.00 | Collections and collectors’ pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or paleontological interest: Collections and collectors’ pieces of zoological... interest | Complete zoological collections (e.g., a full set of butterfly species from a specific region, labeled, mounted, and presented as a scientific or collector’s portfolio) | 0.0% |
| 9705.29.00.00 | Collections and collectors’ pieces of zoological... interest: Other | Individual specimens or non-complete sets (e.g., a single mounted butterfly wing, a small group of wings for display, or rare individual pieces not forming a full zoological collection) | 0.0% |
🔍 Important Note:
- The provided data explicitly states: "Tax: Basic Duty 0.0%, Additional Duty 0.0%, Total Tax 0.0%" for both codes.
- 9705.21.00.00 is for collections (plural, systematic).
- 9705.29.00.00 is for other specimens (singular or random samples).
- Most single-piece or small-group butterfly wing shipments will likely fall under 9705.29.00.00.
💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards
🎯 1. 9705.21.00.00 – Zoological Collections
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Applicable (Since duty is 0%, de minimis is irrelevant, but note that Section 321 may still apply for value limits) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9705.21.00.00 → No additional surcharges apply to Category 97 items under current US-China trade terms |
📌 Explanation:
- Items under Chapter 97 (Art, Collectors’ Pieces, Antiques) are exempt from most Section 301 and IEEPA additional tariffs because they are considered non-commercial, cultural, or scientific items rather than mass-produced industrial goods.
- Zero duty makes this category highly favorable for importers.
🎯 2. 9705.29.00.00 – Other Zoological Specimens
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Applicable (Same as above) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9705.29.00.00 → No additional surcharges apply |
📌 Note:
- Even if the wings are CITES-listed species, tariff-wise, they are 0%.
- However, CITES permits are still required for international trade of endangered species.
🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ CITES Permit | ✔️ Critical | If the butterfly species is listed under CITES Appendix I or II, you must have an export permit from the country of origin and an import permit from the US. Without this, the shipment will be seized. |
| ✅ Invoice & Description | ✔️ | Clearly state: "Mount Butterfly Wings (Papilio xanthocles), Specimens for Scientific/Collector Use, HS Code 9705.29.00.00" |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | ✔️ | To prove origin, though duty is 0%, it helps with CITES verification. |
| ✅ CITES Import Permit (US) | ✔️ | For certain species, a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) import permit is required. |
| ✅ Photos of Specimens | ✔️ | To prove they are prepared specimens, not live animals or contraband. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 “CITES First, Specimens Clear, No Live Animals, Duty is Zero!”
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Mounted wings for collection | 9705.29.00.00 + CITES Permit |
Declare as “Craft Materials” → CITES Violation |
| Live butterflies | Prohibited under Chapter 97 | Must use Chapter 01 (Live Animals) + Strict CITES |
| Wings glued onto jewelry | Likely 9705.29.00.00 if sold as art, or 7117.19.00 if jewelry |
Misdeclaration as “Plastic” → Penalty |
| Bulk loose wings for glue | Not 9705 |
Likely 0506.90.00 (Bones/Horns) or 6701 (Feathers) → Higher Duty |
📌 Critical Warning:
- Do NOT declare live insects as specimens. Live butterflies require Chapter 01 classification and strict biosecurity checks.
- Ensure specimens are dried and treated to prevent pest control issues. CBP may inspect for live larvae or mold.
✅ 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| CITES-Listed Species | Must have both export permit (from source country) and US import permit. Failure = Confiscation + Fine. |
| Endangered vs. Common | Common species (e.g., Heliconius) may have relaxed CITES requirements, but still require proper documentation. |
| Value Over $800 | If shipped via UPS/FedEx, duty is 0%, but formal entry may be required if value > $2,500. |
| De Minimis ($800) | If value ≤ $800, Section 321 may allow duty-free entry, but CITES permits are still mandatory regardless of value. |
🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty | CITES Requirement | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 US | 9705.29.00.00 |
0.0% | ✅ Strict | No additional tariffs, but CITES is critical. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 9705.29.00.00 |
0.0% | ✅ Strict | Same as US, CITES permits required. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 9705.29 |
0.0% | ✅ Strict | EU Wildlife Trade Regulations apply. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 9705.29 |
0.0% | ✅ Strict | Post-Brexit CITES rules apply. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 9705.29 |
0.0% | ✅ Strict | CITES permits required for Appendix I/II. |
📌 Conclusion:
- All major markets impose 0% duty on butterfly wing specimens under Chapter 97.
- CITES compliance is the #1 challenge, not tariffs.
- Ensure proper documentation to avoid seizures.
📌 Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring as “Craft Materials” instead of “Specimens”
👉 Consequence: CITES violation → Seizure + Fine.
❌ Mistake 2: Shipping live butterflies as specimens
👉 Consequence: Biosecurity violation → Quarantine + Destruction.
❌ Mistake 3: No CITES permit for endangered species
👉 Consequence: Confiscation + Criminal Charges.
❌ Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like “Butterfly Wings”
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection delay → Storage Fees + Delays.
✅ Correct Practice:
“Dried Butterfly Wings (Papilio xanthocles), Mounted on Cardboard, for Scientific Collection, CITES Permit #XXXX, HS Code 9705.29.00.00”
🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Clear, Compliant, and Duty-Free!
🎯 Remember Mnemonics:
🔹 “CITES First, Specimens Clear, Duty is Zero!”
🔹 “No Live, No Permit, No Entry!”
📌 Tips:
- If your butterfly species is not CITES-listed, documentation is simpler.
- If CITES-listed, apply for permits weeks in advance.
- Use professional couriers familiar with wildlife products.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Customs Broker + Apply for CITES Permits
🚀 Ensure Your Butterfly Wings Clear Smoothly, Legally, and Duty-Free!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Specimen Deserves Proper Documentation!
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.