Clay

🌍 Clay Beads & Ceramic Products: Global HS Code Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Strategic Customs Clearance

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | Updated Tax Regulations | Expert-Level Logistics Protocol

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Clay"?

In international trade, "Clay" typically refers to clay beads, ceramic raw materials, or ceramic-based ornamental items. Depending on the material form, processing level, and intended use, these products can fall into multiple HS Code categories with significantly different tax liabilities.

🔍 Key Classification Criteria:

• Raw clay (unfired) → Raw ceramic material, potentially under 6914.10.80.00
• Fired clay beads (finished or semi-finished) → Ceramic products under 6914.90.80.00
• Clay beads as jewelry components → Imitation jewelry under 7117.90.55.00 / 7117.90.90.00
• Clay beads as carved or molded decorative items → Other carved/molded items under 9602.00.50.80

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Is the clay raw/unfired or processed/fired?
- Is it used as a standalone product or as a jewelry component?
- Is it carved, molded, or simply formed?
These factors determine the HS Code and the final tax rate.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)

🔍 Important Reminder:
- Unfired clay → 6914.10.80.00
- Fired clay beads → 6914.90.80.00
- Jewelry use → 7117.90.55.00 / 7117.90.90.00
- Carved/decorative use → 9602.00.50.80

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Starting from November 10, 2025 (and onwards)

🎯 1. 6914.10.80.00 — Ceramic Products, Other (Raw Clay)

📌 Explanation:
- 25% Section 301 is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese ceramics;
- 10% Section 122 is a policy-based surcharge targeting specific raw materials;
- Combined total: 44% — extremely high, must be carefully evaluated.

🎯 2. 6914.90.80.00 — Other Ceramic Products (Fired Clay Beads)

📌 Note:
- Even though it's a finished product, it's still subject to Section 301 and Section 122;
- 40.6% is still very high, especially for low-value craft items.

🎯 3. 7117.90.55.00 — Imitation Jewelry (Non-Precious, Clay Beads)

📌 Advantage:
- Significantly lower tax rate (24.7%) compared to ceramic raw/fired goods;
- Ideal for jewelry components, fashion accessories, or craft kits.

🎯 4. 7117.90.90.00 — Imitation Jewelry Accessories (Clay Beads)

📌 Comparison:
- Slightly higher than 7117.90.55.00, but still much lower than ceramic categories;
- Best for bulk jewelry components, craft kits, or accessories.

🎯 5. 9602.00.50.80 — Other Molded/Carved Articles (Clay Beads)

📌 Best Option:
- Lowest tax rate (20.2%) among all categories;
- Ideal for carved clay beads, molded decorative items, or artisanal crafts;
- Highly recommended for cost-sensitive shipments.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (Must-Have)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Strategy)

🔥 "Know your material, define your use, pick the right code!"

✅ 3. Special Cases & Solutions

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high Section 301/122 surcharges;
- EU, China, Japan offer significantly lower taxes;
- Consider shifting production or sourcing to non-China countries if targeting US market.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Guide

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring raw clay as jewelry → Tax jumps from 44% to 24.7% → Overpaid!
❌ Mistake 2: Declaring fired beads as ceramics → Tax jumps from 20.2% to 40.6% → Double tax!
❌ Mistake 3: No photos or specs → Customs cannot verify → Delay or return shipment
❌ Mistake 4: Vague product name like "clay" → Must specify "fired", "bead", "jewelry", etc.

✅ Correct Approach:

“Clay Beads, Fired, Decorative, 8mm, Natural Color, for Jewelry Craft, No Metal Components, RoHS Compliant”

🎯 VII. Final Takeaway: Precision Classification = Lower Costs

🎯 Remember the Key:

🔹 "Know the material: Raw? Fired? Carved?"
🔹 "Define the use: Jewelry? Decorative? Raw?"
🔹 "Pick the right code: 9602 > 7117 > 6914"
🔹 "Avoid ceramics unless necessary → Save 20%+!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your clay beads are originally from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for Section 301 exemption, reducing tax to 0%~5%.
Apply for Advance Ruling before shipment to avoid customs delays.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact professional customs broker + provide product photos + apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, maximize profit, and scale your business!

✨ Professional customs clearance starts with precise classification!
💼 Every dollar saved is a dollar earned!