Goldbeater's Skin Articles
CN โ USAI Analysis
๐ Goldbeater's Skin Articles (Goldbeater's Membranes)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ One: Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is "Goldbeater's Skin"?
Goldbeater's Skin (also known as Goldbeater's membrane) is not a metal product, nor is it made from gold. It is a thin membrane extracted from the outer layer of the intestine of cattle (specifically the large intestine). Historically, it was used by goldbeaters to beat gold into extremely thin leaves. Today, it is primarily used in: 1. Industrial/Medical: As a filter membrane, a lining for medical capsules, or a substrate for scientific instruments due to its elasticity and purity. 2. Gastronomic/Artistic: Traditional use in fine food preparation or artisanal crafts. 3. Chemical: As a highly sensitive surface for certain chemical tests or spectroscopy.
โ Key Distinction:
- If it is raw or simply prepared (cleaned, split, but not further manufactured) โ It is classified as a product of animal origin (Chapter 05).
- If it is processed into specific articles (e.g., shaped filters, capsules, or technical components) โ It may fall under Chapter 39 (if coated/plasticized) or Chapter 90 (if technical instruments).
- Crucial Note: Do NOT classify as "Gold" or "Precious Metal" (Chapter 71). It is bovine intestine.
๐ฆ Two: Detailed Classification of Goldbeater's Skin Articles (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0511.99 | Other animal products not elsewhere specified or included | Raw goldbeater's skin, split and cleaned bovine intestines | โ Raw/Prepared |
| 3920.99 | Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics | Goldbeater's skin coated or impregnated with plastics for technical use | โ Coated/Processed |
| 9026.80 | Other instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases | Technical goldbeater's skin membranes used as sensors/filters | โ Technical Component |
| 3004.90 | Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006) | Goldbeater's skin used as casing for medical capsules | โ Medical Application |
| 0504.00 | Intestines of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dry or smoked | If classified strictly as "animal intestines" without further specific processing | โ Basic Animal Product |
๐ Key Reminder:
- Most commercial "Goldbeater's Skin" in international trade falls under 0511.99 if it is the membrane itself.
- If it is sold as a technical filter medium, customs may require proof that it is no longer just an "animal product" but a "manufactured article," potentially pushing it to Chapter 39 or Chapter 84/90.
- Avoid classifying as 7112 (Precious metals) โ this is a common and serious error that leads to high duties and audits.
๐ฐ Three: Detailed 2026 Tariff Rate Explanation (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 0511.99 โโ Other Animal Products (Including Raw Goldbeater's Skin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (for Chinese/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value ร 39% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:0511.99 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surcharge is part of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge is an additional national security-related tariff on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total 39% is significant. This applies to most raw or simply processed goldbeater's skin.
๐ฏ 2. 3920.99 โโ Plastic Plates, Sheets, etc. (If Coated)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.4% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value ร 41.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ USITC:3920.99 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Note:
- If the goldbeater's skin is coated with a plastic film for industrial use, it may be classified as a plastic article.
- The tariff is slightly higher than raw skin due to the base rate, but still very high.
๐ฏ 3. 9026.80 โโ Technical Instruments/Components
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value ร 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ USITC:9026.80 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Note:
- If the goldbeater's skin is integral to a measuring device (e.g., a pressure sensor diaphragm), it may be classified as part of the instrument.
- The base rate is 0%, but the surcharges still apply, totaling 35%.
๐ Four: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Required Documents Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ | Details source (bovine), processing method (split, cleaned), and intended use. |
| โ Processing Flowchart | โ | Shows steps from raw intestine to final membrane. Critical for proving itโs not just "raw meat." |
| โ Product Photos | โ | Clear images of the membrane, packaging, and any labeling. |
| โ Third-Party Lab Report | โ | Purity test, absence of pathogens, and material composition (if coated). |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ | Must clearly state "Goldbeater's Skin (Bovine Intestine Membrane)" โ NOT "Gold Leaf" or "Precious Metal." |
| โ Country of Origin Cert (COO). | โ | If not from China, may qualify for lower tariffs. |
| โ Packing List | โ | Detailed weight and dimensions. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "Raw Skin = Chapter 05, Coated = Chapter 39, Technical = Chapter 90. Never call it Gold!"
| Scenario | ๆญฃ็กฎ็็ณๆฅๆนๅผ | ้่ฏฏๅๆณ |
|---|---|---|
| Raw/Cleaned Goldbeater's Skin | 0511.99 |
่ฏฏๆฅไธบ 7112 (Gold) โ 20%+ ็ฝๆฌพ |
| Coated Technical Membrane | 3920.99 |
่ฏฏๆฅไธบ 0511.99 โ ๅฏ่ฝ้ขไธดๆดไธฅๅฎกๆฅ |
| Part of a Scientific Instrument | 9026.80 (as part of instrument) |
ๆๅ็ณๆฅ โ ๆฏ้กน้ซ็จ็ |
| Medical Capsule Casing | 3004.90 |
่ฏฏๆฅไธบ 0511.99 โ ๅป็ไบงๅ้้ขๅคๅ่ง |
โ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Custom Size | Provide customer order + design drawings. Proves itโs a manufactured article, not just a raw commodity. |
| Used in Food Industry | Ensure it meets FDA food-contact regulations. May require additional certifications. |
| Used in Medical Devices | Requires FDA Class I/II/III device registration. Classification as 3004.90 or 9018/9026 may apply. |
| Imported from Non-China Countries | If from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico, apply for IEEPA exemption. Tariffs may drop to 0%-5%. |
๐ Five: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | RecommendedHS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | 0511.99 |
39% (China) | FDA (if medical/food) | High tariff due to surcharges. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 0511.99 |
4% | None | Low duty, easy clearance. |
| ๐ช๐บ European Union | 0511.99 |
4% | CE (if technical) | No additional surcharges. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom | 0511.99 |
4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU mostly. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 0511.99 |
4% | JIS | No surcharges. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges.
- Asia and Europe offer significantly lower costs.
- Strategy: If importing to the US, consider sourcing from non-China countries or applying for HTSUS exclusions if available.
๐ Six: Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Lessons from Blood)
โ Error 1: Classifying as "Gold Leaf" or "Precious Metal" (7112).
๐ Consequence: High duties, immediate audit, and possible seizure.
๐ Reality: Itโs bovine intestine, not gold.
โ Error 2: Failing to specify "Processed" status.
๐ Consequence: Customs may treat it as "raw meat" (0504.00), requiring veterinary health certificates and import permits.
๐ Reality: Goldbeater's skin is a processed product, not raw meat.
โ Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Animal Membrane."
๐ Consequence: Delayed clearance. Customs may reject the entry.
๐ Reality: Be specific: "Goldbeater's Skin (Bovine Intestine Membrane), Cleaned and Split."
โ Best Practice:
"Goldbeater's Skin Membrane, Bovine Origin, Cleaned & Split, For Industrial Filtration, Not for Human Consumption, Model GBS-100."
๐ฏ 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money and Time!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Raw Skin = 0511, Coated = 3920, Technical = 9026. Never Call it Gold!"
๐น "HS Code Determines Life and Death. A $1000 Product Can Cost $3900 in Tariffs!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your goldbeater's skin is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may be eligible for IEEPA exemptions.
It is recommended to apply for an Advance Ruling (HTSUS Advance Ruling).
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Apply for an HTSUS Advance Ruling.
๐ Let your goldbeater's skin clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Cent of Your Cost is Worth Being Precisely Accounted For!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.