Christmas Water Drop Bead Chain
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926903500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117192000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903300 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7116204000 | 28.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7116205000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Christmas Water Drop Bead Chain (Plastic & Imitation Jewelry)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Water Drop Bead Chains"?
A Christmas Water Drop Bead Chain is a decorative accessory widely used in holiday crafting, DIY ornaments, costume jewelry, and festive packaging. In international trade, its classification depends strictly on the material composition and functional purpose.
There are two main categories for these products:
Plastic Bead Chains (Non-Valuable Materials): Chains made from acrylic, PVC, PE, or other polymers, often used for mass-produced decorations. Base Metal Imitation Jewelry Chains: Chains made from brass, zinc alloy, or steel plated with gold/silver, categorized as "imitation jewelry" even if not precious.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the beads are made of plastic/resin β Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics)
- If the beads are made of base metal (non-precious) β Classified under Chapter 71 (Imitation Jewelry)
- Do NOT confuse with "Genuine Gemstones" (Chapter 71.16) unless actual semi-precious stones (like agate, jade) are used.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.35.00 |
Plastic water drop bead chains, classified as beads and articles thereof | DIY Christmas decorations, cheap costume jewelry, school crafts | β Plastic |
7117.19.20.00 |
Base metal imitation jewelry chains, conforming to cord/chain forms | Festive holiday necklaces, fashion accessories, plated metal beads | β Base Metal |
3926.90.33.00 |
Other plastic articles, classified as beads, cones, and sequins | General plastic beads, non-water-drop shapes, loose beads | β Plastic (Non-chain) |
7116.20.40.00 |
Semi-precious stone beads (e.g., pearl, agate, coral) | High-end jewelry, genuine gemstone decorations | β Semi-Precious Stone |
7116.20.50.00 |
Articles of gemstones or semi-precious stones, other | Fancy gemstone settings, rare bead crafts | β Gemstone/Semi-Precious |
π Key Reminder:
- Most "Christmas Water Drop Bead Chains" sold in retail/dollar stores are Plastic β Use3926.90.35.00.
- If they are metallic-looking but not gold/silver plated β Use7117.19.20.00.
- Do NOT misclassify plastic beads as "imitation jewelry" or vice versa; customs may audit the material composition.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-on Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.35.00 ββ Plastic Water Drop Bead Chains
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High risk for 80/81 shipments) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.35 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 122: IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Base 6.5%: Standard US MFN rate for plastic articles.
- Section 301 7.5%: Retaliatory tariff on Chinese plastics.
- Section 122 10%: Additional surcharge for certain Chinese-origin plastic goods (effective late 2024/2025).
- Total 24%: Significant cost driver for bulk imports.
π― 2. 7117.19.20.00 ββ Base Metal Imitation Jewelry Chains
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 11.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7117.19.20 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 122: IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Base rate for imitation jewelry is higher than plastic.
- Same Section 301 and 122 surcharges apply.
- Total 28.5% is one of the highest rates for small accessories.
π― 3. 3926.90.33.00 ββ Other Plastic Beads/Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 16.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.33 β Section 122: IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Some plastic bead subcategories may not be subject to Section 301 (7.5%), saving 7.5%.
- Total 16.5% is the lowest among the listed codes for plastic items.
- Caution: Only use this if the beads are not in chain form or do not match the specific "water drop chain" description of3926.90.35.00.
π― 4. 7116.20.40.00 ββ Semi-Precious Stone Beads (e.g., Pearl, Agate)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 10.5% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7116.20.40 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Only apply if using real agate, coral, or pearl beads.
- High base tariff due to luxury/jewelry classification.
π― 5. 7116.20.50.00 β Other Gemstone/Semi-Precious Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7116.20.50 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Some gemstone articles have 0% base duty.
- Total 17.5% is competitive if you are using genuine stones but not in standard chain form.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (Plastic vs. Metal vs. Stone), size, weight |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of plastic composition (e.g., ABS, PVC) or metal alloy |
| β Product Photos (Clear Labels) | βοΈ | Show "Water Drop" shape, chain links, and any hallmarks |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plastic Bead Chain" or "Imitation Jewelry" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity per box, gross/net weight |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | CPC (Childrenβs Product Certificate) if for kids; REACH/RoHS for EU/US |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Shape Second, Name Precise, Tax Lower!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic water drop beads in chain form | 3926.90.35.00 |
Misdeclare as "Jewelry" β 28.5% |
| Plastic loose beads (not chained) | 3926.90.33.00 |
Misdeclare as "Chain" β 24% |
| Base metal plated beads | 7117.19.20.00 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic" β Penalty for fraud |
| Real agate/pearl beads | 7116.20.40.00 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic" β Severe penalty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material (Plastic + Metal Cap) | Declare based on essential character. If plastic beads dominate, use 3926.90.35.00. |
| Childrenβs Toys | Must provide CPC (Childrenβs Product Certificate). High risk of inspection. |
| Section 122 Exemption? | Currently, NO exemption for these HS codes from Section 122 (10%). |
| De Minimis (80/81) Shipment? | β Do NOT use. These codes are subject to Section 301 & 122, making de minimis clearance risky or prohibited. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.35.00 |
24.0% | CPC, RoHS | Section 122 + 301 apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.35.00 |
6.5% | None | Export only. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.35.00 |
6.5% (if plastic) | REACH, CE | No Section 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.35.00 |
6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.35.00 |
5.0% | ACCC | Lower tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest cost due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- EU/UK/AU are more competitive with base rates only.
- For US imports, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Southeast Asia) to avoid Section 301.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring plastic beads as "Imitation Jewelry" (7117)
π Result: Tax jumps from 24% to 28.5% + potential fraud investigation.
β Mistake 2: Using De Minimis (80/81) for Section 301/122 goods
π Result: Shipment held at border, fines, or return to sender.
β Mistake 3: Not specifying "Water Drop" shape in description
π Result: Customs may reclassify to 3926.90.33.00 (16.5%) if it looks like loose beads, or reject if unclear.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Result: Underpayment of 10%. Customs will assess back duties + interest.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Water Drop Bead Chain, Christmas Decoration, PVC Material, 10m Length, Model XYZ, CPC Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Chain: 24%, Base Metal: 28.5%, Loose Plastic: 16.5%."
πΉ "Section 122 and 301 are INESCAPABLE for China-origin goods in the US."
πΉ "De Minimis is OFF-LIMITS. Use Formal Entry."
π Pro Tip:
If your goods are originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Apply for Advance Ruling before shipping to avoid clearance delays.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure Your Christmas Bead Chains Clear Smoothly, Minimize Costs, and Maximize Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in International 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.