Card Holder
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π³ Card Holder (Credit Card, ID, & Wallet Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Guide | 2026 Tariff Full Breakdown | Smart Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What a "Card Holder" Is?
A Card Holder is a small accessory used to organize, protect, and carry payment cards (credit/debit), ID cards, business cards, or keys. In international trade, it is not classified as a "wallet" (which contains cash/pockets) but rather as an accessory or a specific container depending on its material and design.
Key Classification Distinction: * Leather/Fabric Card Holder (No Money Pocket): Designed solely to hold cards, often with slots or a flip cover. β Heading 4205 or 4202 (Leather) / 6307 (Textile). * Metal/Rubber Card Holder: Often branded "money clip" or "card wallet" style. β Heading 8301 or 8308. * Card Holder + Money Pocket: If it holds cash/coins significantly, it may be classified as a Wallet (Heading 4202).
β οΈ Critical Red Flag: - If the item is leather-based with slots for cards β 4205.00. - If the item is plastic/rubber (e.g., RFID-blocking sleeves) β 3926.90 or 8308. - DO NOT declare a "Card Holder" as a "Wallet" if it has no cash compartment, or vice versa. Misclassification leads to 40%+ duty spikes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Material | Contains Cash? |
|---|---|---|---|
4205.00.40.00 |
Other articles of leather or composition leather (e.g., Card Holder, Key Holder) | Leather, PU Leather, Synthetic Leather | β No (Slots only) |
4202.22.00.00 |
Wallets, purses, cash holders, cardholders, etc., of plastics | Hard Plastic, PVC, TPU (e.g., RFID sleeves) | β/β Depends |
4202.32.00.00 |
Cardholders, coin purses, etc., of textiles | Fabric, Canvas, Nylon, Microfiber | β No (Sleeves/Pouches) |
8301.40.00.00 |
Locks (including keyless) and locks and keys of metals | Metal Card Cases, Metal Wallets | β No (Functional Lock) |
9006.99.00.00 |
Parts of cameras (e.g., Card Memory Storage Cases) | Niche (Not standard) | N/A |
3926.90.90.00 |
Other articles of plastics (General) | Generic Plastic Card Cases | β No |
π Focus Point: - Most Common: Leather Card Holders fall under 4205.00.40.00 (US) or 4205.00 (Global). - Textile/Card Sleeves: Fall under 4202.32.00.00 or 6307.90 if simple fabric. - Metal Cardholders: Fall under 8301 if they have locking mechanisms, or 7326 (Other articles of iron/steel).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (USA + China Origin)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Nov 10, 2025 (Latest Trade War Update)
π― Scenario A: Leather Card Holder (4205.00.40.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% (Standard MFN) |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25% (Specific Footnote for Leather Goods) |
| IEEPA (China Specific) | +10% (Effective 2025-11-10) |
| Total Tariff | 41% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO (Deny: >$800 threshold applies to Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 4205.00.40.00 β 301: Footnote 9903.88 β IEEPA: 9903.01 |
π Explanation: - Leather goods are heavily targeted in trade wars. - Total 41% means a $50 card holder pays $20.50 in tax. - This often kills profit margins for low-cost leather accessories.
π― Scenario B: Plastic/Rubber Card Holder (4202.22.00.00 or 3926.90)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% - 3.0% |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25% |
| IEEPA (China Specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% - 38% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO (If declared as "Plastic Products" from China) |
β οΈ Note: Even "simple" plastic card sleeves from China are subject to high duties if not classified under specific textile exemptions (which are rare for molded plastic).
π― Scenario C: Textile/Fabric Card Holder (4202.32.00.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.5% |
| Section 301 (USITC) | +25% |
| IEEPA (China Specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 43.5% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Proves "100% Leather" vs "PU Leather" vs "Plastic". Critical for HS Code. |
| Product Photos (Open & Closed) | βοΈ | Must clearly show no cash pocket (if claiming Card Holder, not Wallet). |
| RFID Technology Proof | βοΈ | If marketed as "RFID Blocking", provide test reports to avoid "Security Device" classification. |
| Packaging Label | βοΈ | Must state "Made in [Country]". Hidden origin = Seizure. |
| Invoice Description | βοΈ | DO NOT use "Wallet". Use "Leather Card Holder", "Plastic Card Sleeve", etc. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, Origin is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather Card Holder | 4205.00.40.00 - Leather Card Holder |
4202.21.00.00 (Wallet) |
Risk of 41% vs 10% (if misclassified). |
| Plastic RFID Sleeve | 4202.22.00.00 - Plastic Card Holder |
3926.90 (Misc Plastic) |
Risk of 35% vs 0% (if textile). |
| Textile Card Pouch | 4202.32.00.00 - Textile Card Holder |
6307.90 (Textile Accessories) |
Risk of 43.5% vs 8.5%. |
| OEM Custom Card Holder | Include Brand Name & Model | Generic "Card Holder" | Risk of Seizure for IP Violation. |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Strategy |
|---|---|
| OEM Branding (Nike, Apple, etc.) | Ensure you have the Brand Authorization Letter. Otherwise, treated as "Counterfeit" or "Unauthorized". |
| "Money Clip" Style Card Holder | If it clips to bills, declare as "Money Clip" (4202.22) not "Card Holder". |
| Bundled Sets (Key + Card) | Declare as "Set" if sold together. If separate, declare separately to avoid complex classification. |
| Vietnam/Mexico Origin | Apply for IEEPA Exemption! Tariff drops to 0-5% if certificate of origin is valid. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4205.00.40.00 (Leather) |
41% | FDA (if leather treated), FTC Labeling | High Section 301 duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 4205.00.40.00 |
6% | CCC (if electrical) | No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4205.00 |
6% + Anti-Dumping | CE (if electronic), REACH (Leather) | Strict leather chemicals rules. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 4205.00.00 |
6% | No special tax | Friendly trade terms. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4205.00.00 |
5% | None | Easy clearance. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the hardest market for leather/textile card holders due to Section 301 + IEEPA. - China, Canada, Australia are low-cost hubs for duty. - Vietnam/Mexico is the strategic loophole for US market entry (lower duties).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling a "Wallet" a "Card Holder" to avoid duty.
π Consequence: If it has a cash pocket, it must be 4202 (Wallet), not 4205. Customs will reclassify and charge higher duties + fines.
β Mistake 2: Declaring "Plastic Card Holder" as "Textile Accessory".
π Consequence: If material is plastic but declared as textile, risk of fraud investigation and 89.5% penalty.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring "RFID" marketing claims without proof.
π Consequence: If you claim "RFID Blocking" but no test report, Customs may treat it as a "Security Device" (higher tariff) or seize for misleading labeling.
β Correct Action:
"Leather Card Holder, 6 Slots, Flip Cover, PU Leather, Model CH-2026, Made in Vietnam (Exempt)."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximum Profit!
π― Remember the Motto:
πΉ "Leather = 41%, Plastic = 35%, Textile = 43.5% (China to US)"
πΉ "Card Holder β Wallet", unless it holds cash!
πΉ "Origin Matters": Vietnam/Mexico = 0-5%. China = 40%+.
π Pro Tip: If your card holders are plastic or textile, consider sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand to bypass the Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. A simple Certificate of Origin can save you 35%+ in costs.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact your Customs Broker + Provide Material Composition Report + Apply for Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling)
π Clear Your Card Holders Fast, Save 40%, Boost Margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with the Right HS Code!
πΌ Every Dollar Counts in Global Trade!
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.