Knitting Needles
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7319909000 | 70.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7319901000 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ά Knitting Needles (Hand Knitting, Crochet, & Sewing Tools)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Strategic Entry Protocol
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your "Needles"?
Knitting needles, along with their cousinsβcrochet hooks, embroidery stilettos, bodkins, and sewing needlesβare essential tools for textile creation. In international trade, they are categorized under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel), but the type of needle dictates the specific HS Code and, consequently, the drastically different tax liability.
There are two critical categories: 1. Specific Utility Needles (Sewing/Darning/Embroidery): Designed for fabric repair or stitching. 2. General Articles (Other): Includes knitting needles, crochet hooks, and bodkins, or pins not elsewhere specified.
β οΈ CRITICAL DISTINCTION:
- If the item is explicitly a Sewing, Darning, or Embroidery Needle β It falls under 7319.90.10.00.
- If the item is a Knitting Needle, Crochet Hook, Bodkin, Stiletto, or "Other" β It falls under 7319.90.90.00.
Misclassification can lead to a 7.5% tariff difference and potential audit risks.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Authorized Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, here are the two specific classifications for "Knitting Needles and Similar Articles" of Iron or Steel.
| HS Code | Product Description | Scope of Application | Tax Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7319.90.10.00 | Sewing, Darning or Embroidery Needles | Specific needles designed for stitching, mending, or embroidery. | 57.5% Total Tax |
| 7319.90.90.00 | Other (Knitting Needles, Crochet Hooks, Bodkins, Stilettos, Pins) | Knitting needles, crochet hooks, bodkins, embroidery stilettos, safety pins, and other unspecified steel pins. | 50.0% Total Tax |
π Key Insight:
- 7319.90.10.00 is a narrow, specific sub-category. If your product is a sewing needle, this is the code.
- 7319.90.90.00 is the "catch-all" category. Knitting Needles (the user's input) typically fall here, as do crochet hooks and bodkins, unless a specific "sewing/embroidery" definition applies.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Analysis (High-Value Context)
β Applicable Region: China Export (Implied by "Steel/Aluminum/Copper Additional Tariff")
β Material: Iron or Steel
β Effective Policy: "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Additional Tariff" (50%) + Base Tariff
π― Scenario A: 7319.90.90.00 (Knitting Needles, Crochet Hooks, "Other")
This is the primary classification for Knitting Needles.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Standard Most-Favored-Nation Rate) |
| Additional Tariff (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (Mandatory "Anti-Dumping" or "Trade Remedy" surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50.0% |
| Risk Level | π΄ High (Significant cost increase) |
π Interpretation:
Despite a 0% base rate, the 50% "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Additional Tariff" is applied. This is a punitive measure targeting specific metallurgical goods. Knitting needles, being made of iron/steel, attract this full surcharge. There is no extra 7.5% on top of this for this specific code.
π― Scenario B: 7319.90.10.00 (Sewing, Darning, Embroidery Needles)
Only applies if the item is explicitly for sewing/embroidery, not knitting.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (General) | +7.5% (General additional tariff for this sub-category) |
| Additional Tariff (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (Mandatory surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 57.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 57.5% |
| Risk Level | π΄π΄ Very High (Highest in this category) |
π Interpretation:
If a product is mistakenly declared as a "Sewing Needle" (which attracts the 7.5% penalty) when it is actually a "Knitting Needle" (which attracts only the 50% steel surcharge), or vice versa, the tax liability shifts by 7.5%. However, both are subject to the 50% Steel Surcharge.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ Must state "Iron or Steel" material explicitly. | Proves material subject to the 50% steel surcharge. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ Must clearly show the type of needle (Knitting tip vs. Sewing eye). | Prevents misclassification between 90.10 (Sewing) and 90.90 (Knitting). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Must use exact HS Code description: "Knitting Needles, Iron/Steel". | Avoids ambiguity that could trigger a 57.5% tax if misread as "Sewing". |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ Certificate of Origin (CO) required. | Determines eligibility for trade agreement exemptions (if any). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ Weight breakdown (Net/Gross). | Steel is heavy; weight verification is crucial for the "Steel Product" surcharge. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Knitting" Trap)
π₯ Golden Rule: "If it Knits, it's 'Other' (50%); If it Sews, it's 'Specific' (57.5%)."
| Situation | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Declaration Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Knitting Needles | 7319.90.90.00 |
50.0% | Explicitly state: "Knitting Needles, for Hand Use, Iron/Steel". |
| Crochet Hooks | 7319.90.90.00 |
50.0% | Group with knitting needles under "Other". |
| Sewing Needles | 7319.90.10.00 |
57.5% | Only declare if the product has an eye for thread and is for stitching. |
| Safety Pins | 7319.90.90.00 |
50.0% | Unless "elsewhere specified," these are "Other". |
β οΈ Warning: Do not declare "Knitting Needles" as "Sewing Needles" to avoid confusion, as the tax rate is higher for sewing needles (57.5% vs 50%). The 50% steel surcharge applies to BOTH, so the 7.5% base tax makes sewing needles more expensive.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments | If a shipment contains both Knitting Needles and Sewing Needles, split the declaration. Do not combine them under one HS Code to avoid tax penalties on the entire lot. |
| Plastic/Metal Mix | If the needles have plastic handles, but the functional tip is Iron/Steel, they are still classified under Chapter 73 (Steel) and subject to the 50% surcharge. |
| Set Packaging | If sold as a "Knitting Kit" (Needles + Yarn + Pattern), the Needles are still taxed at 50% individually if declared separately. If declared as a "Kit," the yarn (textile) and needles (steel) may be taxed separately or as a composite good (consult local rules). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Classification | Tariff on Steel Articles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Market (China/Steel Surcharge) | 7319.90.90.00 |
50.0% | High cost due to "Steel/Aluminum" surcharge. |
| US / EU / Others | 7319.90.90.00 |
Varies (0-15%) | NO 50% Steel Surcharge applies in standard markets (unless under specific Section 232 tariffs). |
π Conclusion: The 50% surcharge is a specific trade remedy. If your market is not subject to the "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Additional Tariff" (e.g., USA under normal MFN, EU, Japan), the tax will be much lower (often 0% base). Verify the destination country's trade policy before shipping.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Avoidance Guide
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Knitting Needles" as "Sewing Needles" (7319.90.10.00)
π Consequence: Paying an extra 7.5% on top of the 50% steel surcharge.
π Fix: Use 7319.90.90.00 for knitting/crochet items.
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Textile Accessories"
π Consequence: HS Code confusion (e.g., Chapter 63) leading to rejected shipment.
π Fix: Emphasize "Iron or Steel" material in the description.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the 50% Steel Surcharge
π Consequence: Budgeting for 0% tax leads to cash flow crisis upon arrival.
π Fix: Always include the 50% surcharge in your CIF cost calculation for steel articles.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision is Profit
π― The Golden Formula:
πΉ "Knitting = 7319.90.90.00 (50% Tax)"
πΉ "Sewing = 7319.90.10.00 (57.5% Tax)"
πΉ "Both suffer 50% Steel Surcharge!"
π Action Plan: 1. Verify Material: Ensure the needles are indeed Iron/Steel. 2. Verify Function: Is it for Knitting (50%) or Sewing (57.5%)? 3. Verify Destination: Is the "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Additional Tariff" active for your destination? 4. Document: Prepare clear photos and specs to support the "Knitting" classification.
β¨ Customs Clarity = Cost Efficiency
πΌ Don't let a 7.5% difference or a misclassified steel surcharge eat your margins!
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.