👁️ Eyelets & Hooks (金属眼片与挂钩)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Metal Accessories
📌 Part I: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What an "Eyelet" Really Is?

Eyelets (also known as grommets or rivets) are small metal rings used to reinforce holes in fabric, leather, or plastic. They are fundamental components in the manufacturing of clothing, footwear, bags, and industrial goods.

In international trade, eyelets are classified based on their function, material (base metal), and application:

1. Fastening Components: Used in clothing, footwear, jewelry, and leather goods (e.g., shoelace eyelets, belt buckles).
2. Decorative Components: Beads, spangles, and ornamental rings.
3. Industrial Hardware: Tubular or bifurcated rivets used for structural assembly.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Textile Accessories: If the eyelet is specifically designed for clothing, footwear, or leather goods → It falls under 8308.10.00.00.
- General Hardware: If the eyelet is a generic metal part not specifically for the above industries (e.g., for tents, awnings, or general machinery) → It falls under 8308.90.90.00.
- Iron/Steel Articles: If the eyelet is part of a larger forged/stamped steel article not listed as a specific accessory → It falls under 7326.19.00.80 or 7326.90.86.88.

📦 Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority)

Based on your specific product data, here is the breakdown of applicable HS Codes for Eyelets:

🔍 Key Insight:
- 8308.10.00.00 is the zero-tariff zone for standard eyelets used in fashion (clothes/shoes).
- 7326 codes attract high punitive tariffs (up to 77.9%) if the goods are not explicitly classified under the "accessory" category of 8308.
- 8308.90.90.00 is the "catch-all" for base metal accessories outside the main clothing/footwear scope, attracting a 27.7% tax.

💰 Part III: 2026 Tariff Rate Deep Dive (Detailed Tax Breakdown)

✅ Applicable Market: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current & 2026 Projections

🎯 1. HS Code 8308.10.00.00 — The "Fashion Eyelet" (Zero Tariff)

📌 Interpretation:
If your eyelets are designed for shoes, belts, jackets, or handbags, they are tax-free. This is the most strategic classification for fashion supply chains. Note: Ensure the "Base Metal" description matches the product. If they are steel/aluminum specifically for these uses, they are still exempted in this subheading.

🎯 2. HS Code 8308.90.90.00 — The "Generic Hardware Eyelet" (27.7% Tax)

📌 Interpretation:
If the eyelet is for a tarp, awning, or general industrial bag, it falls here. You must pay the 25% punitive tariff on top of the base duty. This increases the landed cost significantly.

🎯 3. HS Code 7326.19.00.80 & 7326.90.86.88 — The "Steel Article" (77.9% Tax!)

📌 Interpretation:
DANGER ZONE! If you classify a generic eyelet as "Other Iron/Steel Article" instead of "Accessory" (8308), you will be hit with 77.9%. This happens if the goods are simply "stamped steel parts" without a clear link to the specific "clothing/leather" accessory function in the customs declaration. Why 77.9%? Base (2.9%) + 301 (25%) + Special Steel/Copper Add-on (50%) = 77.9%.

🛠️ Part IV: Customs Clearance Strategy (Avoiding the Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Critical Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (The Golden Rule)

🔥 Rule of Thumb: "Function Over Material!"

Scenario	Correct HS Code	Incorrect HS Code	Result
Eyelets for Shoes	8308.10.00.00	7326.19.00.80	Save 77.9% Tax (0% vs 77.9%)
Eyelets for Tents	8308.90.90.00	7326.90.86.88	Save 50.2% Tax (27.7% vs 77.9%)
Generic Stamped Parts	7326.19.00.80	8308.10.00.00	Penalty (You paid 77.9% instead of 0%)

⚠️ Warning: If you ship "Metal Eyelets" with no mention of their intended use (e.g., "Used for shoes"), Customs will default to the 7326 classification (77.9% tax) because it is the "catch-all" for iron articles.

✅ 3. Special Circumstances

🌍 Part V: Quick Market Comparison (Eyelets)

📌 Part VI: Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Metal Eyelets" as "Iron Stamped Parts" (7326).
👉 Consequence: 77.9% Tax + Potential Audit.
👉 Fix: Add "For Footwear/Clothing" to the description immediately.

❌ Mistake 2: Mixing different uses in one HS Code.
👉 Consequence: Customs may reject the whole shipment or force reclassification.
👉 Fix: Separate shipments by application (Fashion vs. Industrial).

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Base Metal" definition.
👉 Consequence: If the eyelet is brass/copper, it might be exempt from the 50% steel surcharge, but the 25% 301 tariff still applies.
👉 Fix: Verify exact alloy composition.

🎯 Conclusion: Smart Classification = Max Profit!

🏆 The Golden Formula:
"Eyelets for Clothes = 8308.10.00.00 (0%)"
"Eyelets for Tents = 8308.90.90.00 (27.7%)"
"Generic Iron = 7326.19.00.80 (77.9%)"

✅ Action Plan: 1. Review Product Function: Is it for clothes/shoes or general industrial use? 2. Select Correct Code: Use 8308 whenever possible to avoid the 77.9% penalty. 3. Document Carefully: Ensure invoices explicitly state the end-use. 4. Verify Material: Confirm if it triggers the specific "Steel/Aluminum/Copper" surcharge.

🚀 Ready to Ship?
Ensure your Commercial Invoice reads: "Metal Eyelets, Base Metal, specifically designed for use in Clothing/Footwear."
This simple phrase can save you 77.9% in duties!

💡 Pro Tip: If you are unsure, request a Binding Tariff Ruling from US Customs before shipping to avoid surprise costs.

✨ Customs Clearance Expertise: Precision in Every Penny!
🔒 Your Supply Chain Security Starts with the Right HS Code!