Guitar Jack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8536698000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΈ Guitar Jack (Instrument Jack)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand βGuitar Jackβ?
A Guitar Jack (also known as an Instrument Jack or Audio Jack) is a type of electrical connector used to transmit audio signals from electric guitars, basses, keyboards, and other musical instruments to amplifiers or audio interfaces.
In international trade, it is classified under Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof, specifically as a connector for making connections in electrical circuits.
Key Distinction: * Standalone Connectors: If the item is just the metal jack/socket (e.g., a 1/4" TS/Jack socket), it falls under HS 8536.69. * Integrated Cables/Plugs: If it is a pre-assembled cable with a jack on one end and a plug on the other, it may fall under HS 8544.42 (Optical fibers/cables) or HS 8544.30 (Coaxial cables). However, for a simple "Jack" component, HS 8536.69 is the standard.
β οΈ Critical Point:
- If it is a connector/socket for voltages β€ 1,000 V β HS 8536.69.80.00
- If it is a complete cable with connectors on both ends β HS 8544.42 or 8544.30
- If it is a patch panel or junction box containing multiple jacks β HS 8536.90
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Voltage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
8536.69.80.00 |
Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets; Other; Other | Standalone 1/4" instrument jacks, audio sockets, switch connectors | β€ 1,000 V |
8536.69.40.00 |
Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets; Other; Optical fiber connectors | Not applicable (Audio jacks are electrical, not optical) | N/A |
8544.42.00.00 |
Optical fiber cables, bundles or cables prepared for optical fiber connections | Audio cables with optical connectors (rare for guitars) | N/A |
8544.30.90.00 |
Coaxial cables and other coaxial electric conductors | Pre-assembled guitar cables (if shipped as a cable unit) | β€ 1,000 V |
8536.90.90.00 |
Connectors for circuits; Other | Junction boxes or patch panels with multiple jacks | β€ 1,000 V |
π Key Reminder:
- Standalone Guitar Jacks (the metal component only) must be classified under 8536.69.80.00.
- Do not misclassify as "musical instrument parts" (Chapter 92) if they are standard electrical connectors; Chapter 85 takes precedence for electrical components.
- If the jack is part of a complete guitar, it is not declared separately but included in the guitarβs HS code (9202.10.00.00).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8536.69.80.00 ββ Electrical Connectors (Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 27.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8536.69.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β 301:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 2.7% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for electrical connectors.
- The 25.0% surcharge is applied under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting specific Chinese-origin electrical goods.
- Total Rate: 27.7%. This is a significant cost factor for high-volume connector imports.
- No de minimis exemption: Small shipments (under $800) are not exempt from these duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Are Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Include type (TS/TRS/TRRS), gauge, voltage rating, material |
| β Product Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Clear images of the jack, terminals, and labeling |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Electrical Connector, HS 8536.69.80.00" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Itemize quantities, weights, and carton details |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claimed for any preferential treatment (rare for CN) |
| β Test Reports | βοΈ | UL, CE, or RoHS certificates (if required by buyer/customs) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Jack is Connector, Not Instrument Part; Name It Right, Rate Is Fair!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone 1/4" Jack | 8536.69.80.00 |
Misdeclare as "Musical Instrument Part" β Chapter 92 |
| Pre-assembled Cable | 8544.42.00.00 or 8544.30.90.00 |
Declare as "Jack" β HS 8536.69.80.00 (Wrong) |
| Jack installed in Guitar | Included in Guitarβs HS | Declare separately β Double duty risk |
| Patch Panel with Jacks | 8536.90.90.00 |
Declare as individual jacks β Complex clearance |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Jacks | Provide design drawings and client order to confirm standard electrical connector status |
| High-End Audio Jacks | Ensure no misclassification as "optical" or "fiber optic" connectors |
| Bundled Sales (Jack + Cable) | Declare as a complete cable unit if shipped together; otherwise, declare separately |
| Samples | Even for samples, duties apply if value exceeds de minimis threshold or if Section 301 applies |
π V. Global Major Market Customs Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8536.69.80.00 |
27.7% | FCC (if applicable), UL | High tariff due to Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 8536.69.80.00 |
5.0% | CCC (if applicable) | No additional surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8536.69.80.00 |
0.0% - 4.0% | CE, RoHS, REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 8536.69.80.00 |
0.0% - 4.0% | UKCA, RoHS | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8536.69.80.00 |
0.0% - 3.0% | PSE, JIS | Low tariffs for electrical parts |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest cost due to 27.7% total duty.
- EU, UK, Japan offer significantly lower or zero tariffs, making them more favorable markets for Chinese-origin connectors.
- Strategy: Consider supply chain diversification or value-added processing in third countries to mitigate US tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring standalone jacks as "Musical Instrument Accessories" (Chapter 92)
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code β 27.7% vs. 0-4% tariff discrepancy β Penalties & Back Taxes!
β Error 2: Misdeclaring pre-assembled cables as standalone jacks
π Consequence: HS 8536.69 vs. 8544.42 β Customs Detention & Re-inspection
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 301 Surcharge for US Imports
π Consequence: Underpayment of 25% β Fines & Bond Claims
β Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Guitar Part"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify β Delay & Additional Duties
β Correct Practice:
"Electrical Connector, 1/4 inch Instrument Jack, TS Type, 600V, For Audio Equipment, HS 8536.69.80.00, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Jack is Electrical, Not Musical; 27.7% US Duty, Donβt Rush!"
πΉ "HS Code Defines Cost, 25% Surtax is Real, Declare Correctly or Pay the Price!"
π Pro Tip:
If your jacks are shipped in bulk as raw components, ensure they are clearly marked as "Electrical Connectors" and not "Guitar Parts."
Consider HS Code Pre-Ruling from US CBP for large shipments to mitigate risk.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Verify HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Lower Costs, and Higher Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Duty is Worth Calculating Precisely!
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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.