Flat Pearl Button
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117199000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606294000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606296000 | 37.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904000 | 12.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903500 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
β Flat Pearl Buttons (Buttons of Pearl or Shell)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Pearl Buttons"?
Flat pearl buttons are decorative or functional fasteners made from natural or cultured pearls, or other shells (mother-of-pearl). In international trade, they are strictly distinguished from synthetic imitations or base metal buttons by their material composition.
Natural/Cultured Pearl or Shell: Buttons carved or polished from genuine nacreous materials. Imitation Pearls: Buttons made of plastic, glass, or resin coated to look like pearls.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the button is made of real pearl or shell material β Classify under 9606.29.40.00
- If the button is made of plastic/resin β Classify under 9606.29.60.00
- If the button is base metal plated with precious metal β Classify under 7117.19.90.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
9606.29.40.00 |
Buttons: Other: Other: Of pearl or shell | Genuine mother-of-pearl, natural pearl, abalone shell buttons | β Natural Pearl/Shell |
9606.29.60.00 |
Buttons: Other: Other: Other | Plastic, resin, bone, or other non-pearl/shell materials | β Synthetic/Other |
3926.90.40.00 |
Articles of plastics: Imitation gemstones | Plastic pearls used as decorative elements (not buttons) | β Plastic |
3926.90.35.00 |
Beads, bugles, spangles (unstrung) | Plastic beads or spangles for sewing | β Plastic |
7117.19.90.00 |
Imitation jewelry: Of base metal, other | Metal buttons plated with gold/silver | β Base Metal |
7117.90.90.00 |
Imitation jewelry: Other: Valued >20 cents/doz | High-value imitation jewelry items | β Other/High Value |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Pearl Button" specifically refers to buttons made of nacreous material (shell/pearl).
- If you label a plastic button as "Pearl Button" but it is made of plastic, it must be classified under 9606.29.60.00.
- Do not confuse "Pearl Buttons" with "Imitation Jewelry" unless the item is valued over 20 cents per dozen and falls under specific jewelry categories.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: As per current USITC and IEEPA regulations
π― 1. 9606.29.40.00 ββ Buttons of Pearl or Shell
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if under $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9606.29.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:None for 0% |
π Explanation:
- Base Duty: 0% for genuine pearl/shell buttons under HTS 9606.29.40.00.
- Additional Duties: Currently, no additional Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs apply to this specific HS code.
- Total Cost: Importers pay no duty on genuine pearl buttons. This is a zero-duty category.
π― 2. 9606.29.60.00 ββ Buttons: Other (e.g., Plastic, Resin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if under $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9606.29.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:None for 0% |
π Note:
- Even for non-pearl buttons (plastic/resin), the base duty is 0%.
- No additional tariffs currently apply to this code.
- This is also a zero-duty category, making it highly competitive.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Suggestions (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material: "Natural Pearl," "Mother-of-Pearl," or "Plastic" |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "100% Natural Shell" or "Synthetic Resin" |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Show texture, holes, and any markings indicating material |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Buttons, Natural Pearl, Flat Style" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include weight and quantity |
| β Origin Certificate | β Not Required | For 0% duty, no CO needed, but good for audit |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial Truth, Code Precision, 0% Duty Achieved!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Pearl Buttons | 9606.29.40.00 |
Mislabeling as "Plastic" β May trigger fraud checks |
| Plastic "Pearl-Look" Buttons | 9606.29.60.00 |
Claiming "Pearl" β False declaration β Penalties |
| Base Metal Plated Buttons | 7117.19.90.00 |
Mislabeling as "Pearl" β Wrong code, 0% is still true but audit risk |
| Imitation Jewelry (>20c/doz) | 7117.90.90.90 |
Misclassifying as "Buttons" β May miss 18.5% tax if applicable |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Buttons | If 50% pearl, 50% metal β May be classified as "Other" (9606.29.60.00) or requires split declaration |
| Buttons with Imitation Pearls | If the "pearl" is plastic β Must use 9606.29.60.00 |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk industrial buttons β 9606.29.60.00; Retail fashion buttons β Same code, but value may affect "jewelry" classification |
| High-Value Immitation | If valued >$20/doz and not jewelry β 7117.90.90.00 (18.5% tax) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9606.29.40.00 |
0% | None | Zero duty for genuine pearl |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9606.29.60.00 |
0% | None | Zero duty for plastic/resin |
| π¨π³ China | 9606.29.40.00 |
5% | None | Higher import duty than US |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9606.29.40.00 |
0% | CE (if applicable) | Free trade within EU |
| π¬π§ UK | 9606.29.40.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit zero duty |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% duty for both genuine and synthetic buttons under these codes.
- No additional tariffs currently apply, making the US a highly favorable market for button imports.
- Compliance is key: Misdeclaring plastic as pearl to avoid taxes (if any existed) is risky, but since both are 0%, the focus should be on accurate material declaration for legal compliance.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring plastic buttons as "Natural Pearl"
π Consequence: While tax is 0% either way, false declaration can lead to seizure, fines, or loss of import privileges.
β
Fix: Always specify material: "Synthetic Pearl" or "Plastic Button."
β Error 2: Misclassifying "Imitation Jewelry" as "Buttons"
π Consequence: If the item is valued >$20/doz and is considered jewelry, tax could be 18.5% (7117.90.90.00).
β
Fix: Check value per dozen. If >$20, review if it qualifies as jewelry.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Imitation Gemstone" classification
π Consequence: If the button is purely decorative plastic and not a "button" (no hole, no sewing function), it may be classified as 3926.90.40.00 (0% tax) but not as a button.
β
Fix: Ensure product has functional button characteristics (holes, shanks).
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Zero Duty, Zero Risk!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pearl or Shell?
9606.29.40.00β 0% Duty!
πΉ Plastic/Other?9606.29.60.00β 0% Duty!
πΉ Base Metal?7117.19.90.00β 0% Duty!
πΉ High-Value Imitation?7117.90.90.90β 18.5% Tax!"
π Tips:
- If your buttons are genuine pearl, emphasize this in customs declarations to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.
- For plastic buttons, ensure no "pearl" claims are made unless for descriptive purposes, but clarify material as "Synthetic."
- No need for pre-ruling for these codes since rates are stable and well-defined.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder with material specifications.
π Zero Duty Opportunity: Leverage the 0% tariff for both genuine and synthetic buttons to maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny Saved is Profit Gained!
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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.