Commercial Wooden Clip
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4421998500 | 14.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421918500 | 14.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🪵 Commercial Wooden Clothespin (Wooden Clips for Hanging Laundry)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Commercial Wooden Clothespin"?
A commercial wooden clothespin is a functional, non-electrical item made primarily from wood (or bamboo), used for hanging laundry or garments on drying lines. These are typically mass-produced, durable, and designed for repeated industrial or household use—not decorative or novelty items.
In international trade, such items fall under Chapter 44: Wood and Articles of Wood, specifically Heading 4421: Other Articles of Wood.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the clothespin is made of wood → classified under 4421.99.85.00
- If the clothespin is made of bamboo → classified under 4421.91.85.00
- Do NOT classify as “tools”, “hardware”, or “furniture” — they are not mechanical fasteners.
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Matrix)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Use Case | Material Type | Includes Driver Circuit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4421.99.85.00 |
Other articles of wood: Other: Other: Clothespins: Other | Commercial wooden clothespins, non-bamboo, general-purpose | Hardwood, softwood, recycled wood | ❌ No (non-electronic) |
4421.91.85.00 |
Other articles of wood: Other: Of bamboo: Clothespins: Other | Bamboo-based commercial clothespins, eco-friendly, durable | Bamboo (natural or processed) | ❌ No |
🔍 Critical Note:
- Both codes apply only to plain, non-mechanical, non-electric clothespins. - If the clothespin has metal parts, springs, or plastic inserts, it may still fall under these codes if the wood/bamboo remains the principal material. - No automatic reclassification to “fasteners” (e.g., 7318) unless it’s a metal-based clamping device.
💰 Three, 2026 Updated Tariff Breakdown (With Add-on Duties & Legal Basis)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including future imports)
🎯 1. 4421.99.85.00 — Wooden Clothespins (Non-Bamboo)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.8% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 4.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 4.8% |
| De Minimis Threshold | ✅ Yes (1% de minimis applies) → No duty if value < 1% of CIF |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4421.99.85.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 → No additional tariffs apply |
📌 Explanation:
- This code does NOT trigger the 25% USITC Section 301 tariffs or the 10% IEEPA tariffs. - It is not listed under any "Section 301" or "Emergency Economic Powers" schedules. - Only 4.8% base tariff applies — one of the lowest rates in the wood category.
🎯 2. 4421.91.85.00 — Bamboo Clothespins
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.8% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 4.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 4.8% |
| De Minimis Threshold | ✅ Yes (1% de minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4421.91.85.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 → No extra duties |
📌 Note:
- Despite bamboo being a “renewable resource” and often marketed as “eco-friendly,” it does not qualify for preferential treatment under U.S. trade laws. - Same 4.8% rate as wood clothespins — no special incentives. - No additional tariffs due to origin (China), unlike electronics or textiles.
🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays)
✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: “Wooden Clothespins, Commercial Use, Not Decorative” |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show quantity, weight, and packaging type |
| ✅ Product Photos (Front/Back/Side) | ✔️ | Show material, shape, and absence of metal/plastic parts |
| ✅ Material Declaration (Wood/Bamboo) | ✔️ | Prove it’s not metal or plastic |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | If claiming preferential tariff (e.g., via USMCA, if applicable) |
| ✅ Test Report (Optional) | ✔️ | For fire resistance, moisture, or durability (if required by buyer) |
✅ 2.申报技巧（Pro申报 Tips）
🔥 “Material First, Name Second, No Metal, No Drama!”
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden clothespin (no metal) | 4421.99.85.00 |
Misclassified as 7318.15.00 (metal clips) → 25%+ penalty |
| Bamboo clothespin (no plastic) | 4421.91.85.00 |
Labeled as “eco-friendly” → no tariff relief |
| Clothespin with metal spring | Re-evaluate: May still qualify under 4421.91/99.85 if wood is dominant | If metal >50%, classify as 7318.15.00 → 25%+ tariff |
| Bulk shipment with plastic packaging | ✅ OK | Do not declare packaging as part of the product |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Mixed wood & bamboo clips in one shipment | Split by HS Code — declare separately to avoid misclassification |
| Custom-printed or branded clothespins | Still qualify under 4421.99.85.00 / 4421.91.85.00 — branding doesn’t change classification |
| Used or recycled clothespins | ✅ Still eligible — no special rules, but declare as “used” on invoice |
| Clothespins sold with drying rack | Declare as one unit only if the rack is minor accessory. Otherwise, split: clothespins = 4421.99.85.00, rack = 9403.00.00 |
🌍 Five, Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 4421.99.85.00 or 4421.91.85.00 |
4.8% | None (unless imported from non-FTA country) | 1% de minimis applies |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4421.99.85.00 / 4421.91.85.00 |
5% | CCC (optional for non-hazardous goods) | No extra duties |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 4421.99.85.00 |
0% (if from non-FTA country) | CE (if safety-critical) | No additional tariffs |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 4421.99.85.00 |
5% | RCM (if electronic, but not applicable) | No extra duties |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 4421.99.85.00 |
0% | PSE (not required for wood) | No extra tariffs |
📌 Key Insight:
- The U.S. is the only market with a specific 4.8% tariff — lower than most goods. - No Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs apply — a major advantage over electronics, textiles, or machinery.
📌 Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Penalties!)
❌ Mistake 1: Calling it a “laundry clip” or “clothes hanger” in the invoice
👉 Result: Customs may misclassify as 9403.00.00 (furniture) → 10%+ tariff
❌ Mistake 2: Declaring bamboo clothespins as “eco-friendly” without proof
👉 Result: No tariff relief — still 4.8%
❌ Mistake 3: Not declaring material type (wood vs. bamboo)
👉 Result: Customs may request reclassification → delay, fines, or rejection
❌ Mistake 4: Including plastic or metal parts but not disclosing them
👉 Result: If metal >50%, reclassified to 7318.15.00 → 25%+ tariff
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
“Commercial Wooden Clothespins, 100% Natural Wood, No Metal or Plastic, 2000 Units, Packing: 100 pcs per box, CIF $2.50/unit, Origin: China, HS Code: 4421.99.85.00”
🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Accurate Classification = Smooth Clearance & Lower Costs!
🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:
🔹 “Wood = 4421.99.85.00, Bamboo = 4421.91.85.00, No Metal, No Drama, Only 4.8%!”
🔹 “If it’s not electronic, not metal, and not furniture — it’s a clothespin, and it’s 4.8%!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your clothespins are produced in Vietnam, Thailand, or India, and you have a Certificate of Origin (CO), you may qualify for preferential treatment under USMCA or ASEAN agreements — even lower or zero tariffs.
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product photos + material proof
🚀 Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) to lock in 4.8% tariff
🌐 Use customs software with real-time tariff lookup for future shipments
✨ Smart Importing Starts with Smart Classification!
💼 Your 4.8% tariff is your advantage — don’t blow it with wrong labeling!
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.