Five pronged Button
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π Five-Pronged Button (Plastic Snap Fastener)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Schedule | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Five-Pronged Button"?
The Five-Pronged Button, commonly known in the textile and garment industry as a Plastic Snap Fastener or Press Stud, is a type of fastener consisting of a female socket (cap) and a male stud, connected by a flexible plastic base with five radial prongs. These prongs are crimped onto the fabric to secure the fastener in place.
In international trade, it is crucial to distinguish between: * Plastic Snap Fasteners (The Base + Prongs): Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics). * Metal Parts (Cap & Stud): If the base is metal or if the classification relies on the dominant material, rules may differ. However, the standard "five-pronged" construction is predominantly plastic.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a complete plastic snap fastener assembly (base, cap, stud) β Classified under 3926.90.
- If the item is only the metal cap/stud without the plastic base β Classified under 7318.15 (Threads, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, pins, cotter-pins, washers and similar articles).
- Note: The term "Five-Pronged" explicitly refers to the plastic base mechanism. Therefore, the primary classification is Plastic.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Dominance |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.90 |
Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914 | Standard plastic snap fasteners, five-pronged type, for garments | β Plastic (Base) |
3926.90.50.00 |
Fasteners and fittings of plastics (specific to some countries' sub-headings) | Some national tariffs break down "fasteners" separately | β Plastic |
7318.15.00.00 |
Other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers, of iron or steel | Incorrect for five-pronged plastic base, but correct if only metal parts are shipped | β Not Applicable |
3926.10.00.00 |
Office or school supplies of plastics | β Incorrect, unless specifically for stationery | β Not Applicable |
π Important Reminder:
- The standard global classification for five-pronged plastic snap fasteners is 3926.90.99.90 (Other articles of plastics).
- Ensure the declaration specifies "Plastic Snap Fastener" or "Plastic Press Stud" to avoid confusion with metal buttons (6203/6204) or metal fasteners.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.90 ββ Plastic Fasteners/Snaps (Five-Pronged)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Note: Certain plastic articles may fall under different lists; verify latest USITC list for 3926) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (for China/HK origin, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | ~14.9% (Depending on specific USITC footnote) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800 per shipment) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3926.90.99.90 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic articles like snap fasteners are generally subject to the Section 301 tariffs. The rate can vary based on the specific product list (List 4A or others).
- IEEPA 10% applies to most consumer goods from China post-Nov 2025.
- De Minimis ($800): Small parcels shipped via postal/courier services may be exempt if under $800.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None of These Are Optional)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Plastic type, e.g., ABS, Nylon), size (e.g., 15mm, 20mm), color |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm plastic composition (e.g., "100% Plastic Snap Fastener") |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Plastic Five-Prong Snap Fastener for Garments" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity, weight, package dimensions |
| β Certificates of Conformity | βοΈ | If intended for children's wear, ensure CPSIA compliance (US) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Plastic Base, Snap Fastener, Not a Button, Not Metal!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic five-prong snap | 3926.90.99.90 as "Plastic Snap Fastener" |
Declared as "Button" (6204) β 10%+ tariffs |
| Metal cap only | 7318.15.00.00 as "Iron Bolt/Stud" |
Mixed with plastic base β Misclassification |
| Full set (Plastic base + Metal cap/stud) | 3926.90.99.90 (Plastic base dominates) |
Splitting items β Audit risk |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Childrenβs Wear Components | Ensure plastic meets CPSIA lead/phthalate limits. Provide test reports. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk shipments: Declare as "Garment Accessories." Retail: Ensure packaging complies with labeling laws. |
| Mixed Materials | If base is plastic but prongs are metal, classify as plastic if plastic part is essential for function. |
| High-Value Industrial Snaps | Verify if specific industrial plastic parts have different HTSUS codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.90 |
~15% (China) | CPSIA (for kids) | De Minimis applies |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.90 |
5-6% | None | Standard import |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.99 |
0% (if GSP eligible) | REACH Compliance | No de minimis |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.99 |
0% | UKCA/CE Marking | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.90 |
6% | None | Low tariff |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges.
- EU/UK focus on chemical safety (REACH) for plastics.
- De Minimis in the US makes small e-commerce shipments highly cost-effective.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring plastic snaps as "Buttons" (6204.19.00.00)
π Consequence: Wrong HS code, potential audit, delayed clearance.
π Correction: Use 3926.90.99.90 for plastic snap bases.
β Error 2: Ignoring CPSIA for childrenβs garments
π Consequence: Product seizure, fines, recalls.
π Correction: Provide CPSIA test reports for plastic components in kids' wear.
β Error 3: Mixing metal and plastic declarations
π Consequence: Customs may split the shipment, applying different rates.
π Correction: Declare as a single article if they function as one unit (plastic base dominates).
β Correct Declaration Example:
"PLASTIC SNAP FASTENER, FIVE-PRONGED TYPE, FOR GARMENTS, MATERIAL: 100% ABS PLASTIC, MODEL: FP-15, NO LEAD/PHALATE, USA COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR MANUFACTURING (IF APPLICABLE)"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Base, Snap Fastener, HS 3926.90.99.90"
πΉ "Not a Button, Not Metal, De Minimis $800"
πΉ "CPSIA for Kids, REACH for EU, Tariffs for US"
π Pro Tip:
If your five-pronged buttons are intended for childrenβs clothing, ensure CPSIA compliance is documented. For high-volume shipments, consider Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm classification and tariff rates.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) + Verify CPSIA/REACH compliance
π Ensure your five-pronged buttons clear customs smoothly, avoid penalties, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Detail Counts in Global Trade!
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.