Garage Light
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9405294010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405424000 | 39.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Garage Lights (Luminaires & Lighting Fittings)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand βGarage Lightsβ?
Garage lights are essential for safety, visibility, and functionality in residential and commercial parking areas. In international trade, they are categorized based on light source type, material, and design purpose. The key distinction lies in whether the fixture is designed for general ambient lighting or specific LED-only applications, and the material of its base.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the light is a general-purpose luminaire (e.g., LED, CFL, Incandescent) with a brass base β It falls under 9405.29.40.10.
- If the light is designed solely for LED sources with a brass base β It falls under 9405.42.40.00.
- Note: The material "Brass" is critical here. Base metals like iron, steel, or aluminum have different sub-categories. This guide focuses on Brass as per the provided data.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Light Source Requirement | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9405.29.40.10 |
Electric table, desk, bedside, or floor-standing luminaires: Other: Of base metal: Of brass | General household or commercial garage lighting; decorative fixtures | Any permanent light source (LED, CFL, etc.) | Brass |
9405.42.40.00 |
Other electric luminaires: Other, designed for use solely with LED light sources: Of base metal: Of brass | Modern, energy-efficient garage lighting specifically built for LEDs | Solely LED | Brass |
π Important Reminder:
- 9405.29.40.10 is a broader category for brass luminaires not elsewhere specified. If the fixture is not exclusively for LED, use this code.
- 9405.42.40.00 is specific to LED-only designs. Misclassifying an LED-specific light as general (9405.29) may lead to audits if the design is clearly LED-integrated.
- Material Matters: Both codes specify Brass. If the fixture is made of aluminum or steel, these codes are incorrect.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Market: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current (as per provided data)
π― 1. 9405.29.40.10 β Brass Luminaires (General/Non-Specific LED)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 3.7% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High total rate usually excludes small parcel benefits depending on current USCBP enforcement) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9405.29.40.10 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- The 3.7% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for brass lighting fixtures.
- The 25.0% is the punitive tariff imposed on Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
- Total Impact: For a $1,000 shipment, the duty is $287. This is a significant cost factor for brass fixtures.
π― 2. 9405.42.40.00 β LED-Only Brass Luminaires
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 4.7% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 29.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 29.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9405.42.40.00 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Note:
- The 4.7% base rate is slightly higher than general luminaires (3.7%) due to the specific "LED-only" designation.
- The 25.0% additional tariff remains the same.
- Total Impact: For a $1,000 shipment, the duty is $297.
- Strategic Insight: Since the difference is only 1% ($10 on $1,000), classification accuracy should prioritize product design (is it LED-only?) over minor tax savings. Misclassification carries higher penalties than the 1% difference.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: Light source type (LED/Incandescent), Voltage, Wattage, Material (Brass) |
| β Product Photos (Front, Side, Bottom) | βοΈ | Show if itβs a standalone unit or part of a system |
| β Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | βοΈ | Verify weight and dimensions match invoice |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe goods as "Brass Garage Luminaire" not just "Light" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Confirm Chinese origin to apply correct 301 tariffs |
| β UL/ETL Listing Mark Info | βοΈ | While not a customs document, proof of safety compliance prevents seizure |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial is Key, Source Defines Rate, Brass Equals Premiumβ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Brass Fixture, LED Bulb Included | 9405.42.40.00 (If designed solely for LED) |
Report as "Light Bulb" β Wrong HTS |
| Brass Fixture, E27 Socket (Any Bulb) | 9405.29.40.10 |
Report as "LED-only" β Audit risk |
| Aluminum/Glass Fixture | Not covered in this guide | Use Brass codes β Severe Misclassification |
| Smart Garage Light (Wi-Fi) | 9405.42.40.00 (if LED-only) |
Report as "Computer Accessory" β Wrong Chapter |
β 3. Special Handling for Brass Goods
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Weight Calculation | Brass is dense. Ensure CBW (Customs Billable Weight) includes packaging. Over-weighing doesnβt hurt, under-weighing does. |
| Material Proof | If asked, provide mill certificates or material test reports proving the base is Brass, not brass-plated plastic. |
| Packaging | Use sturdy boxing. Brass is heavy and can damage packaging, leading to inspection delays. |
| Valuation | Ensure the invoice reflects the transaction value. Customs often values brass fixtures higher due to material cost. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9405.29.40.10 / 9405.42.40.00 |
28.7% - 29.7% | High tariffs due to Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 9405.29.40.10 / 9405.42.40.00 |
~5-10% (Export Duty) | Check for export controls. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9405.40.80 (Approx) |
4.5% | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9405.42.40.00 |
0-5% | CUSMA benefits may apply if non-Chinese parts used. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most costly market for Chinese brass garage lights due to the 25% additional tariff.
- For other markets, the duty is significantly lower. Consider supply chain diversification for US-bound goods.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying a LED-only fixture as General (9405.29) to save 1%
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify and issue penalties for incorrect declaration, negating the small savings.
β Mistake 2: Reporting "Lighting" generally without specifying Material
π Consequence: Customs officer assigns default higher rate or demands further classification proof, causing delays.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the Section 301 Tariff in cost calculations
π Consequence: Profit margins erased. A 28.7% duty is substantial. Must be included in FOB/CIF pricing.
β Correct Approach:
"Brass Garage Pendant Light, LED-Integrated, 120V, UL Listed, Model GL-101, Made in China"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ βBrass Base, Check Source: LED-Only is 29.7%, General is 28.7%.β
πΉ βDonβt guess, specify. βBrassβ and βLEDβ are the keywords.β
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider Advance Rulings from US CBP to lock in the HS Code classification before shipment. This provides legal certainty against the 25% Section 301 tariff risk.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder to verify Brass Content %
π Calculate landed cost including 28.7%-29.7% duty before finalizing orders.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Counts in Logistics!
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.