Expandable Hair Clip
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615904000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615114000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Expandable Hair Clip (Hair Accessory)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Expandable Hair Clips"?
An Expandable Hair Clip is a type of hair accessory designed to hold hair in place, often featuring a spring-loaded or adjustable mechanism that allows it to "expand" or grip hair of varying thicknesses. In international trade, these are typically categorized based on their material and form.
Key Distinction:
- If made of base metals (non-precious) or plastic, they are classified under Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles) or Chapter 71 (Imitation Jewelry).
- If made of precious metals or gemstones, they fall under Chapter 71.
- Note: Based on the provided data, the focus is on non-precious materials (plastic/imitation jewelry).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- Plastic/Hard Rubber Clips: Usually fall under 9615 (Combs, Hair Slides, and the Like).
- Imitation Jewelry (Non-Precious Metal/Plastic Ornaments): If decorative, may fall under 7117 (Imitation Jewelry).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7117.90.90.00 |
Imitation jewelry, n.e.s. (Not elsewhere specified) | Decorative hair accessories, ornamental clips | Non-precious metal or plastic (inferior decorative item) | 28.5% |
9615.90.40.00 |
Hair slides and the like, n.e.s. | General hair clips, bobby pins, claw clips | Plastic (common material for hair clips) | 15.3% |
9615.11.40.00 |
Combs, hair slides, and the like, of hard rubber or plastic | Functional plastic hair clips | Plastic or hard rubber (functional inference) | 15.3% |
π Key Reminder:
- Plastic Hair Clips: Most common expandable clips are made of plastic β Classify under 9615 (15.3% total tax).
- Decorative/Imitation Jewelry: If the clip is highly ornamental (e.g., pearl-adorned, metallic finish), it may be classified as 7117 (28.5% total tax).
- Do Not Mix: If the product is primarily functional (holding hair), prefer 9615. If primarily decorative, use 7117.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (As per provided data)
π― 1. 7117.90.90.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry (Non-Precious Metal/Plastic Ornament)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 11.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301 & 122 taxes usually not exempt) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7117.90.90.00 β Section 301:7.5% β 122 Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification applies if the hair clip is considered imitation jewelry (e.g., decorative, non-functional primary purpose).
- Total 28.5% is significantly higher due to Section 301 and 122 clause surcharges.
π― 2. 9615.90.40.00 ββ Hair Slides (Plastic, Not Elsewhere Specified)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (122 Clause tax applies) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9615.90.40.00 β 122 Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most common classification for plastic hair clips.
- Total 15.3% is much lower than imitation jewelry.
- Note: Section 301 does not apply here, but the 122 Clause does.
π― 3. 9615.11.40.00 ββ Combs/Hair Slides (Hard Rubber or Plastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (122 Clause tax applies) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9615.11.40.00 β 122 Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- Specifically for clips made of hard rubber or plastic.
- Same tax rate as9615.90.40.00(15.3%), but more specific material description.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Include material (plastic/metal), size, function (expandable/grip) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show front/back, close-up of mechanism, any decorative elements |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Plastic Expandable Hair Clip" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity, weight, packaging type |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | If applicable for trade agreements |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify if plastic, hard rubber, or imitation jewelry components |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, Name Precise, Tax Lower!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Hair Clip | 9615.90.40.00 or 9615.11.40.00 |
Misdeclare as "Jewelry" β 28.5% |
| Decorative Clip (Pearl/Metal Finish) | 7117.90.90.00 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic Clip" β Risk of audit/penalty |
| Clip + Comb Combo | Declare as composite good (usually 9615) | Split declaration β Higher combined tax |
| Unfinished Clip Parts | 7117.90.90.00 or 9615.90.40.00 depending on material |
Misdeclare as "Finished Goods" β Penalty |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Clips | Provide design drawings to prove material and function |
| Mixed Material Clips | Declare main material; if >50% plastic, use 9615 |
| Highly Decorative Clips | If pearls/gems are added, consider 7117 but justify function |
| Clip for Medical/Industrial Use | Not common for hair clips; if applicable, provide usage proof |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9615.90.40.00 |
15.3% (Plastic) / 28.5% (Jewelry) | None Specific | 122 Clause applies |
| π¨π³ China | 9615.90.40.00 |
5-6% | None | Lower base rate |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9615.90.40.00 |
4.0% | REACH (Plastic) | No Section 301 |
| π¬π§ UK | 9615.90.40.00 |
4.0% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9615.90.40.00 |
6.0% | None | Low tax |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tax due to Section 301 and 122 Clause.
- Plastic clips (9615) are cheaper than imitation jewelry (7117) in the US market.
- De Minimis (de minimis exemption) is not available for these items under current US trade rules.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a plastic clip as "Imitation Jewelry"
π Consequence: Tax jumps from 15.3% to 28.5% β Extra cost!
β Error 2: Not specifying material (Plastic vs. Metal)
π Consequence: Customs may downgrade to higher tax category or hold shipment for inspection β Delay!
β Error 3: Ignoring 122 Clause impact
π Consequence: Underestimating tax burden β Cash flow issues!
β Error 4: Using vague description like "Hair Accessory"
π Consequence: Customs may assign arbitrary HS code β Unpredictable tax!
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Expandable Hair Clip, Model XYZ, 100% Plastic, For Cosmetic Use, No Precious Metals"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficient Clearance!
π― Remember Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Clip, 9615, 15.3% Tax; Imitation Jewelry, 7117, 28.5% Tax!"
πΉ "Material Matters, Name Matters, Tax Matters, Don't Gamble!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your clips are 100% plastic, always use 9615 to save 13.2% in tax compared to 7117.
- For OEM clients, confirm material composition in advance to avoid misclassification.
- Consider Advance Ruling from US CBP if the product has mixed materials.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-ruling
π Ensure your Expandable Hair Clips clear customs smoothly, affordably, and efficiently!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.