Iron Sheet
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8306290000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8306300000 | 87.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9701990000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πΌοΈ Iron Sheet Art / Tin Plate Paints (Decorative Metal Art)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Iron Sheet Art"?
"Iron Sheet Art" (often referred to as Tin Plate Paints or Decorative Metal Art) is a decorative good made from processed ferrous metals (iron/steel) or tin-plated steel. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the material composition, function, and visual appearance. It is generally categorized under Chapter 83 (Base Metal Articles) or occasionally Chapter 97 (Works of Art) depending on artistic value and specificity.
β οΈ Key Classification Distinction:
- If it is a standard decorative plaque with no specific artistic provenance βε½ε ₯ 8306.29.00.00 or 8306.30.00.00.
- If it is considered a general decorative item falling under other metal articles β 8306.29.00.00.
- If it is specifically framed or resembles a photo/picture frame structure β 8306.30.00.00.
- If classified as a generic decorative plaque under other specific subheadings β 9701.99.00.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary Reasoning | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
8306.29.00.00 |
Other frames, pictures, and similar articles of base metals | Iron sheet art is classified as base metal pictures/frames. Fits the "catch-all" logic for metal decorative items not specifically listed elsewhere. | 10.0% |
8306.30.00.00 |
Frames, pictures, and similar articles of base metals; photo enlargers/reducers; negatives racks | As metal decorative paintings, they fall into the category of photo/picture frames. | 87.7% |
9701.99.00.00 |
Other works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques | Inferred as metal material, shaped as decorative plaques, fitting the classification for other similar decorative plaques. | 17.5% |
π Critical Warning:
-8306.30.00.00carries a massive tariff burden (87.7%) due to combined Section 301, Section 232, and "122 Clause" duties. Avoid this code unless specifically required by material composition (e.g., specific steel/alloy definitions). -8306.29.00.00is the most cost-effective for standard iron/tin decorative art, with only a 10% "122 Clause" tariff. -9701.99.00.00is a middle-ground option, potentially appealing if the item is marketed as an "art piece" rather than a mere household decoration, but requires strong justification of artistic nature.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 Trade Policies
π― 1. 8306.29.00.00 ββ Other Base Metal Frames/Pictures
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 232 / 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Subject to full duty) |
| Legal Basis | Standard Chapter 83 rules + Specific 122 Clause surcharge for base metal articles. |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification for standard iron/tin decorative sheets. - The 10% tariff is specifically attributed to "122 Clause" (often related to specific metal surcharges or trade remedy measures). - Low risk, low cost. Recommended for mass-produced decorative iron art.
π― 2. 8306.30.00.00 ββ Metal Frames/Pictures (Photo Enlargers etc.)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 25.0% |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) Surcharge | 50.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 + Section 232 + 122 Clause cumulative application. |
π Warning:
- This code triggers multiple layers of tariffs: Base duty (2.7%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 232 (50% for steel/iron) + 122 Clause (10%). - Total 87.7% makes this code economically unviable for most iron sheet art unless the value added is extremely high or the product is misclassified elsewhere. - Do NOT use this code for standard decorative iron plates.
π― 3. 9701.99.00.00 ββ Other Works of Art/Decorative Plaques
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 7.5% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | Chapter 97 rules + 122 Clause surcharge. |
π Strategy:
- If the iron sheet art is hand-painted, limited edition, or clearly artistic (not just stamped metal), you can argue for Chapter 97. - The 17.5% rate is higher than8306.29but significantly lower than8306.30. - Use this if the product marketing emphasizes "Art" over "Metal Decor".
π οΈ IV. Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material: Iron/Tin Plate; Technique: Stamping/Painting; Usage: Home Decor. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing front, back, packaging, and any artistic details. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Decorative Metal Wall Art" or "Iron Sheet Painting". Avoid generic "Metal Sheet". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show weight and dimensions to verify de minimis thresholds (if applicable for other codes). |
| β Material Certificates | βοΈ | If claiming non-steel base metal, provide alloy composition to avoid Section 232. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material Defines Duty, Art Defines Chapter!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Stamped Iron Plate | 8306.29.00.00 |
Declared as 8306.30.00.00 |
Tariff jumps to 87.7%! |
| Hand-painted Artistic Iron Art | 9701.99.00.00 |
Declared as 8306.29.00.00 |
Minor overpayment (10% vs 17.5%), but safer if audited. |
| Steel-based Decorative Art | Avoid 8306.30 |
Declared as 8306.30 |
Avoid Section 232 (50%)! |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the frame is wood but the art is metal, consider HS 9701 or 8306.29 depending on essential character. |
| "Tin" vs. "Iron" | "Tin plate" is usually steel with a tin coating. It is still considered base metal (steel/iron) for Section 232. Do not confuse with non-ferrous metals. |
| Artistic Value Claim | To use 9701.99.00.00, provide certificates of authorship, limited edition numbers, or artist signatures. |
| Avoid Section 232 | Ensure the product is not classified under codes triggering the 50% steel/aluminum surcharge. 8306.29 and 9701 generally avoid this if properly described. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8306.29.00.00 |
10.0% | No special certs | Avoid 8306.30 due to 87.7% rate. |
| π¨π³ China | 8306.29.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | Standard export. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8306.29.00.00 |
0% (If general) | CE (if electrical, N/A here) | Low duty for base metal art. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8306.29.00.00 |
5% | None | Free trade agreement benefits may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the critical market with high surcharges.
-8306.29.00.00is the safest and cheapest for US importers.
-8306.30.00.00must be avoided unless there is a specific technical reason, as the 87.7% rate is prohibitive.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Iron Sheet Art" as 8306.30.00.00 out of habit.
π Consequence: 87.7% tariff instead of 10%. Lose all profit margin.
β Error 2: Claiming "Art" for mass-produced stamped metal without proof.
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 8306.29.00.00 and assesses 10% (vs 17.5% claimed), leading to discrepancy notes.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Section 232" on steel-based products.
π Consequence: If classified under codes triggering steel surcharge, additional 50% is added on top of 301 tariffs.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Decorative Iron Sheet Wall Art, Stamped and Painted, For Home Decoration, Not Framed, Model: ISA-001"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Stick to
8306.29.00.00for 90% of iron/tin sheet decorative art to pay only 10%.
πΉ Avoid8306.30.00.00unless you have a compelling legal reason, as it costs 87.7%.
πΉ Use9701.99.00.00only if you can prove artistic value, at a 17.5% cost.
π Pro Tip:
If your product is hand-painted or artist-signed, consider 9701.99.00.00 (17.5%) over 8306.29.00.00 (10%) only if marketing value justifies the extra 7.5% duty. Otherwise, 8306.29.00.00 is the gold standard for cost efficiency.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker to confirm if your "Iron Sheet Art" qualifies for 8306.29.00.00.
π Avoid the 87.7% trap!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on These Digits!
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.