Climbing Carabiner
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7616109090 | 91.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616995190 | 87.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506910030 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9506996080 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308909000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ββοΈ Climbing Carabiner (Metal Fasteners & Athletic Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What exactly is a "Climbing Carabiner"?
A climbing carabiner is a metal link, typically D-shaped, oval, or asymmetrical, with a spring-loaded gate. It is a critical piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in climbing, caving, rescue, and industrial rope access.
In international trade, these products are not classified as "Athletic Equipment" because they are safety hardware, not general exercise gear. They are classified based on their material and function as fasteners, clips, or buckles.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Steel Carabiners: Typically classified under Chapter 83 (Articles of base metal; clasps, frames with clasps, buckles...).
- Aluminum Carabiners: Classified under Chapter 76 (Articles of aluminum).
- NOT Athletic Gear: Do NOT classify under Chapter 95 (Sports Equipment) unless it is a non-safety, decorative, or purely toy-like version not intended for load-bearing.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the relevant HS Codes for Climbing Carabiners:
| HS Code | Description | Material | Applicable Scenario | Tax Detail (China Origin β US/Global Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8308.10.00.00 |
Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles... Hooks, eyes and eyelets, of base metal | Steel/Alloy (Base Metal) | Most standard steel climbing carabiners. Considered "hooks" or "clasps" of base metal. | Base: 0.0% + Additional: 0.0% = 0.0% |
8308.90.90.00 |
Other articles of base metal... Other, including parts... Other | Steel/Alloy (Base Metal) | Other types of metal clips, non-standard hooks, or parts of carabiners not covered by 8308.10. | Base: 0.0% + Additional: 0.0% = 0.0% |
7616.10.90.90 |
Other articles of aluminum: Nails, tacks, staples... rivets, cotters... Other | Aluminum | Aluminum carabiners classified as "other articles of aluminum" if not specifically listed as buckles/clasps in Chapter 83 (Note: Chapter 83 often takes precedence for specific hardware, but Aluminum hardware can sometimes fall here depending on precise customs interpretation). | Base: 0.0% + Additional: 50% (Steel/Alu/Cu Tariff) = 50.0% |
7616.99.51.90 |
Other articles of aluminum: Other: Other: Other | Aluminum | Other aluminum articles, potentially including certain aluminum carabiners if deemed "other" and not strictly "clasps/hooks" in Chapter 83. | Base: 2.5% + Additional: 25% + Steel/Alu/Cu Tariff: 50% = 77.5% |
9506.91.00.30 |
Articles for exercise, gymnastics... parts and accessories thereof | Mixed/Multi-material | β High Risk: Only for non-safety, toy, or decorative items. DO NOT use for load-bearing climbing gear. | Base: 4.6% + Additional: 7.5% + Steel/Alu/Cu Tariff: 50% = 12.1% |
9506.99.60.80 |
Articles for sports... Other | Mixed/Multi-material | β High Risk: General sports accessories. Not suitable for certified climbing hardware. | Base: 4.0% + Additional: 7.5% + Steel/Alu/Cu Tariff: 50% = 11.5% |
π Critical Classification Note:
- Steel Carabiners: Best classified under 8308.10.00.00 (Hooks/Eyes of Base Metal). Tariff: 0.0%.
- Aluminum Carabiners: Risk of higher tariffs if classified under Chapter 76 due to the "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Additional Tariff: 50%" mentioned in the data.
- If classified as7616.10.90.90β 50.0% Total.
- If classified as7616.99.51.90β 77.5% Total.
- Never classify certified climbing carabiners under 9506 (Sports Equipment) unless they are explicitly non-load-bearing novelties. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties and seizure.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 8308.10.00.00 ββ Steel Carabiners (Hooks/Eyes of Base Metal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not applicable for high-value safety gear, but tariff is 0% anyway. |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 8308.10.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Steel carabiners fall under "hooks, eyes, and eyelets of base metal."
- No additional tariffs apply in the provided data for this specific HS code.
- Best Case Scenario: Zero duty for steel hardware.
π― 2. 7616.10.90.90 ββ Aluminum Carabiners (Other Aluminum Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 50.0% ("Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Additional Tariff") |
| Total Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β High risk of audit. |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 7616.10.90.90 + Section 301/Additional Tariffs |
π Explanation:
- Aluminum is subject to a 50% additional tariff per the provided data ("ι’,ιιεΆεε εΎε ³η¨: 50%").
- This makes aluminum carabiners significantly more expensive to import than steel ones.
π― 3. 7616.99.51.90 ββ Other Aluminum Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% + 50.0% (Steel/Alu/Cu) |
| Total Tax Rate | 77.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Very high cost. |
π Explanation:
- This is the worst-case scenario for aluminum hardware.
- Combines base tariff, specific additional tariff, and the broad 50% aluminum surcharge.
π― 4. 9506.91.00.30 / 9506.99.60.80 ββ Sports Equipment (Incorrect for Safety Gear)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% / 4.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% + 50.0% (Steel/Alu/Cu) |
| Total Tax Rate | 12.1% / 11.5% |
| Risk | HIGH RISK OF REJECTION |
π Warning:
- While the tariff seems lower (11.5β12.1%), using these codes for load-bearing climbing gear is a major compliance violation.
- Customs may flag "Climbing Carabiner" descriptions against "Sports Equipment" codes, leading to delays, fines, or forced reclassification.
- Only use if the item is a toy, keychain, or decoration with no safety rating.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state material (Steel/Aluminum), load capacity (kN/lbs), and compliance standards (UIAA, CE EN12275). |
| β Safety Certifications | βοΈ | UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) or CE mark. Crucial for proving it's safety gear, not a toy. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Climbing Carabiner, Steel/Aluminum, Load Bearing." |
| β Labeling & Packaging | βοΈ | Must show weight, material, and manufacturer. |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Recommended to confirm 8308 vs. 7616 classification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βSteel is 0%, Aluminum is 50%+; Never misclassify safety gear as toys!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Carabiner | 8308.10.00.00 - "Steel Hooks for Climbing" |
9506.91.00.30 - "Sports Accessories" |
| Aluminum Carabiner | 7616.10.90.90 (or 8308 if possible) |
9506.99.60.80 - "Gym Equipment" |
| Decorative Keychain Carabiner | 7326.90.98.85 (or similar) |
8308.10.00.00 (Over-declaring as safety gear) |
β 3. Special Handling for Aluminum vs. Steel
| Factor | Steel Carabiners | Aluminum Carabiners |
|---|---|---|
| HS Code Preference | Preferred (0% tariff) | Avoid if possible (50%+ tariff) |
| Tariff Impact | Minimal | Severe |
| Customs Scrutiny | Low | High (due to aluminum surcharges) |
| Recommendation | Import Steel for lower cost | Re-evaluate supply chain if Aluminum is mandatory |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8308.10.00.00 (Steel)7616.10.90.90 (Alu) |
0% (Steel) 50% (Alu) |
UIAA, CE, ASTM F887 | High scrutiny on aluminum. |
| π¨π³ China | 7326.90.90.90 |
5-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic market standards differ. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8308.10.00 |
0% (if preferential) 0-3.7% (Most Favored Nation) |
CE EN12275, UIAA | Strict safety standards. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8308.10.00 |
0% | CE (transitioning to UKCA) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes a massive 50%+ tariff on Aluminum hardware due to Section 301 and additional surcharges.
- Steel carabiners are tariff-free in the provided data, making them the most cost-effective option for US imports.
- EU and UK have lower or zero tariffs but strict safety certification (CE/UIAA) requirements.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Aluminum Carabiners under 9506 (Sports Equipment)
π Consequence: Customs rejects the declaration because "Climbing Carabiners" are safety equipment, not general sports gear. Penalty + Re-inspection.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Additional Tariff"
π Consequence: Budgeting only for the base tariff (e.g., 2.5%) leads to a 50% underestimation of costs for aluminum products.
β Mistake 3: Using "Hook" or "Clip" generically without specifying material
π Consequence: Customs may classify under the wrong subheading, leading to disputes and delays.
β Correct Approach:
"Climbing Carabiner, Type X, 22kN Break Strength, 6061-T6 Aluminum, CE/EN12275 Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Steel is 0%, Aluminum is 50%+; Safety Gear β Sports Toys!"
πΉ "HS Code determines cost; Misclassification means fines!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you must import aluminum carabiners, consider pre-ruling with US Customs to confirm if they can be classified under 8308 (Hooks/Clasps) instead of 7616 (Articles of Aluminum), which might offer a lower tariff rate.
- Always provide UIAA/CE certificates to prove the product is safety equipment, not a toy, to avoid classification under Chapter 95.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide product specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your climbing gear, smoothly cleared, efficiently imported, and profitably sold!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance, Starting with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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.