Magnetic Checker
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
βοΈ Magnetic Chess Set (Magnetic Checker)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Magnetic Chess"?
A Magnetic Chess Set is a complete game kit where the pieces stay attached to the board via magnetic force. In international trade, the classification depends on whether the product is viewed primarily as a toy/game or as a metal/steel article. This distinction dramatically affects the tariff burden.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If classified as a Game/Toy (Plastic/Magnetic composite) β Lower tariffs, fewer restrictions.
- If classified as Steel/Metal Goods (due to magnetic components or heavy metal content) β Extremely High Tariffs (up to 87.9%).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
9504.90.60.00 |
Games, controlled by TV receiver (Misinterpreted as General Games/Chains) | Chess sets with electronic features or generic game classification | β Lowest Risk: Fits "Games" category. No conflict with material (magnetic/metal/plastic). |
9504.90.90.80 |
Other table games and parlour games | Standard magnetic chess sets, non-electronic, purely recreational | β Standard Choice: Fits "Other table games" under Chapter 95. |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel | If customs inspects and focuses on the magnetic nature or metal pieces | β High Risk: Classified as "Steel/ironεΆε" due to magnetic parts or metal structure. |
7326.19.00.80 |
Other articles of iron or steel | Generic "Finished Consumer Goods" fallback if game classification is rejected | β High Risk: "ε εΊ" (Catch-all) category for steel products. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics | If the product is predominantly plastic with minor magnetic components | β οΈ Medium Risk: Plastic classification, but may still face anti-dumping/retaliatory tariffs. |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 95 (Games/Toys) is the preferred classification for chess sets.
- Chapter 73 (Steel/Iron) applies if the product is deemed primarily a metal article rather than a game. Avoid this unless necessary!
- The presence of magnetic components does NOT automatically force it into Chapter 73 if the primary function is play.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 9504.90.60.00 β Games (General/TV-Controlled Interpretation)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharges | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariffs | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Highly likely denied due to Section 122) |
| Legal Basis | Standard Chapter 95 entry + Section 122 surcharge |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification if accepted.
- The 10% is solely from Section 122 tariffs.
- No Section 301 (25%) applies here, significantly reducing costs.
π― 2. 9504.90.90.80 β Other Table Games
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharges | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariffs | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Slightly higher than9504.90.60.00due to a 7.5% Section 301 surcharge.
- Still far cheaper than steel classifications.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 β Other Plastic Articles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharges | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariffs | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | Base: 5.3% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- If the product is mostly plastic, this applies.
- Still subject to both Section 301 and Section 122.
π― 4. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80 β Steel/Iron Articles (HIGH RISK)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharges | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariffs | +10% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharges | +50% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis | Base: 2.9% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% + Steel Surcharge: 50% |
π WARNING:
- DO NOT CLASSIFY AS STEEL UNLESS NECESSARY!
- The 50% steel surcharge is devastating.
- Total tariff of 87.9% makes US import almost unprofitable.
- This occurs if customs ignores the "Game" aspect and focuses on the "Metal/Magnetic" aspect.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Magnetic Chess Set," "For Recreational Use," "Includes Board & Pieces." |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Clearly list: "Plastic pieces with magnetic core," "ABS plastic board." Emphasize Plastic/Composite, not just "Metal." |
| β Product Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Show the game in use. Label: "Game," "Play," "Entertainment." Avoid close-ups that only show metal edges. |
| β Invoice Description | βοΈ | "Magnetic Chess Game Set, Plastic & Magnetic Components, for Home Entertainment." NEVER use "Steel Chess Set." |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Strongly recommended to get confirmation for 9504.90.60.00 or 9504.90.90.80. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Function Over Material: Game First, Steel Second!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Magnetic Chess | 9504.90.60.00 or 9504.90.90.80 |
Describing as "Metal Chess" |
| Chess with Electronic Board | 9504.90.60.00 |
Describing as "Electronic Steel Device" |
| Heavy Metal Chess Set (Non-Magnetic) | Risk of 7326 |
Still try to argue "Game" purpose |
| Mixed Packaging (Chess + Tool) | Split Declaration | Bundle together β Higher Risk |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Plastic Pieces with Small Magnets | Clearly state: "Magnetic Component is for function, Product is a Game." Prioritize HS 9504. |
| Metal Pieces (Steel) | Still argue for 9504 based on Principal Use (Game). Provide evidence of sales as "Games." |
| OEM Custom Sets | Provide client agreement showing "Game" designation. |
| High-End Metal Sets | Consider Pre-Ruling. If rejected from 9504, the 87.9% tax is unavoidable. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.90.60.00 |
10.0% | No special | Avoid 7326 (87.9%) |
| πΊπΈ USA (If Misclassified) | 7326.90.86.88 |
87.9% | No special | Disaster scenario |
| π¨π³ China | 9504.60.00.00 |
0% | No special | Domestic trade |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9503.00.89 |
0% | CE, EN71 | No trade war tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 9503.00.89 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9503.00.89 |
0% | PSE | Low tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with severe punitive tariffs.
- Correct classification is critical. A $100 set costs $10 extra with9504.90.60.00but $87.90 extra with7326.90.86.88.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Describing as "Steel Chess Pieces" on the invoice
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify as 7326 β 87.9% tax!
β Error 2: Using "Magnetic Steel" in the description without mentioning "Game"
π Consequence: Ignored game function β Steel classification
β Error 3: Assuming all plastic items are low tariff
π Consequence: Still subject to Section 122 & 301 (22.8% for 3926)
β Error 4: Not providing a clear "Intended Use" statement
π Consequence: Customs doubts game purpose β Audit & Delay
β Correct Practice:
"Magnetic Chess Game Set, Plastic & Magnetic Components, for Recreational Table Game Use, Not for Industrial Use"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Game First, Material Second. Avoid Steel. Use 9504."
πΉ "10% vs 87.9%: The difference is your profit margin."
πΉ "Declare as Game, Not Metal!"
π Pro Tip:
If your chess set contains significant metal weight, consider getting a Customs Binding Ruling before shipment.
If the product is OEM, ensure the contract specifies "Game Equipment" to support the 9504 classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with the correct HS Code
9504.90.60.00.
π Ensure your commercial invoice says "GAME," not "STEEL."
πΌ Protect your margin from the 87.9% steel tariff trap!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in the US market!
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.