Keyboard Case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908620 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926100000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8471602000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
β¨οΈ Keyboard Case (Keyboard Skin/Cover)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Keyboard Cases"?
A Keyboard Case (often referred to as a Keyboard Skin, Cover, or Protective Sleeve) is an accessory designed to protect mechanical or membrane keyboards from dust, spills, and wear. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition and functional integration.
These products fall primarily into two categories:
- Plastic/Rubber Protective Covers: Made of silicone, TPU, or hard plastic, designed purely for protection.
- Electronic/Interfaced Cases: Cases that may integrate circuitry (rare for simple "cases," more common for full keyboard assemblies).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a simple protective sleeve/skin (no electronics, no data transmission) β It is considered an Accessory or Other Article of Plastic/Paper.
- If it contains electronic components (e.g., backlit keys, circuit boards) β It is classified as an Automatic Data Processing Machine (ADP) Accessory.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the specific material and form, here are the 5 most relevant HS Codes derived from your data:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
8471.60.20.00 |
Parts and accessories of automatic data processing machines (Keyboards) | Keyboard Protection Accessories | β Best Fit for Functional Accessories. If the case is marketed as a specific "keyboard accessory" or "part," it falls here. It is treated as a component of the ADP system. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastic (General) | Silicone/TPU/Plastic Covers | β Best Fit for Pure Plastic/Silicone Items. If the item is a standalone protective skin made of plastic/rubber without electronic functions, it is classified as a general plastic article. |
3926.10.00.00 |
Articles of plastic for office supplies | Office Plastic Accessories | β οΈ Alternative for Office Context. If classified as an "office supply accessory" rather than a computer part, this code may apply. |
4823.90.86.20 |
Other paper/pulp articles (Film-like) | Paper/Cardboard Sleeves | β Niche Use Only. Only if the "case" is made of paper/film-like material (e.g., cardboard sleeve). Rare for durable keyboard covers. |
4823.90.86.80 |
Other paper/pulp articles | Miscellaneous Paper/Film Products | β Less Likely. Similar to above, applies if material is inferred as paper-based. |
π Key Insight:
-8471.60.20.00is the most precise classification for keyboard-specific accessories, especially if marketed as "keyboard protection."
-3926.90.99.89is the safest fallback for generic plastic/silicone skins that are not strictly defined as computer parts.
- Paper codes (4823...) are likely incorrect unless the product is explicitly a paper-based sleeve (uncommon for durability).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8471.60.20.00 ββ Keyboard Accessories (Protective Cases/Skins)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 (Added Tariff) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective from Nov 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (If value exceeds $800 threshold, duties apply) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:122 β USITC:8471.60.20.00 |
π Explanation:
- This code benefits from 0% base and 0% Section 301 tariffs, making it the most cost-effective option for keyboard accessories.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is the only significant cost, which is significantly lower than other plastic codes.
- Strategy: Classify as "Keyboard Accessory" to leverage this low rate.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles (Generic Skin/Cover)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 (Added Tariff) | 7.5% (Standard Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% (Against China/HK products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:122 β USITC:3926.90.99.89 |
π Explanation:
- Higher total rate (22.8%) due to combined base, Section 301, and Section 122 tariffs.
- Only use this if8471.60.20.00is rejected by customs due to lack of "accessory" definition.
π― 3. 3926.10.00.00 ββ Plastic Office Supplies
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 (Added Tariff) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:122 β USITC:3926.10.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Middle-ground option. Lower than3926.90...but higher than8471.60....
- May be used if the product is marketed as "office decor" or "stationery."
π― 4. & 5. Paper-Based Codes (4823.90.86.20 & 4823.90.86.80)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 (Added Tariff) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:122 β USITC:4823... |
π Warning:
- 35.0% is the highest rate in this set.
- Only use if the product is explicitly made of paper/film-like material. Misclassifying plastic as paper can lead to fraud penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the case on a keyboard. Highlight material (silicone/plastic). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Keyboard Protective Case/Skin" or "Keyboard Accessory." |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify: 100% Silicone, 100% TPU, or ABS Plastic. |
| β Function Description | βοΈ | "Protective cover for keyboard keys. No electronic components." |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Provide reasoning: "Classified as ADP accessory under 8471.60.20.00 due to specific design for keyboard protection." |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Target the Accessory, Not the Plastic!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone/TPU Keyboard Skin | 8471.60.20.00 |
Marketed as a keyboard accessory; 0% Section 301 + 10% Section 122 = 10% Total. |
| Generic Plastic Box for Keyboard | 3926.90.99.89 |
If not specifically shaped for keys, it's a general plastic article. 22.8% Total. |
| Paper/Cardboard Sleeve | 4823.90.86.20 |
Only if material is paper. 35.0% Total. |
| Keyboard with Built-in Case/Electronics | 8471.60.20.00 |
If it has wiring/LEDs, itβs still an accessory. 10% Total. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Shapes | Provide CAD drawings to prove the product is specifically designed for keyboards, supporting 8471.60.20.00. |
| Mixed Shipments | Do not mix "Keyboard Cases" with "General Plastic Toys" in the same declaration. Separate entries prevent classification confusion. |
| De Minimis ($800) | If shipping small samples or low-value items under $800 to a single recipient, no duties are applied. Plan shipments accordingly. |
| Section 122 Awareness | Remember the 10% Section 122 tariff applies to all these codes if originating from China. Budget for this regardless of HS Code choice. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8471.60.20.00 |
10% (Best Option) | None | Avoid 4823... (35%) and 3926.90... (22.8%). |
| π¨π³ China | 8471.60.20.00 |
0% - 5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low import duties for internal trade. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8471.60.20.00 |
0% | CE (if electronic) | Free trade for many accessories. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8471.60.20.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU often. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most critical market for tariff optimization.
-8471.60.20.00offers the lowest duty burden (10%) for keyboard cases in the US.
- Misclassification as "Plastic Articles" (3926) or "Paper" (4823) can double or triple your costs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying a silicone keyboard skin as "Plastic Toys" (9503) or "General Plastic" (3926)
π Result: 22.8% tariff instead of 10%. Lost Profit!
β Error 2: Mislabeling a plastic case as "Paper" (4823)
π Result: 35% tariff. Financial Disaster!
β Error 3: Not declaring Section 122 Tariff
π Result: Customs holds shipment for assessment. Delay + Storage Fees!
β Error 4: Ambiguous Description ("Keyboard Cover")
π Result: Customs officer may guess the HS code. Risk of Audit!
β Correct Practice:
"Silicone Keyboard Protective Skin, Specific Design for Mechanical Keyboards, No Electronic Components, Model KPC-01"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximum Savings!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Keyboard Accessory = 8471.60.20.00 = 10% Total Tariff"
πΉ "Generic Plastic = 3926.90.99.89 = 22.8% Total Tariff"
πΉ "Paper/Film = 4823... = 35% Total Tariff"
πΉ Always account for the 10% Section 122 Tariff!
π Pro Tip:
If your keyboard case is marketed as part of a gaming kit or has brand-specific design, emphasize "Keyboard Accessory" in the invoice to secure the 10% rate.
Consider Advance Ruling from US Customs if shipping large volumes to mitigate risk.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product images + Specify "Keyboard Accessory"
π Secure your 10% rate, avoid 35% traps, and optimize your profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Counts in International Trade!
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.