Metal Butterfly
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8306290000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8306210000 | 22.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616995175 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616995190 | 87.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Metal Butterfly (Ornaments/Statuettes of Base Metal)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Metal Butterflies"?
A "Metal Butterfly" in international trade typically refers to decorative items, statuettes, or ornaments made from base metals (such as zinc alloy, brass, copper, or iron). It is not a functional mechanical part or a high-tech electronic component.
In customs classification, the key distinction lies in the material and the surface treatment (specifically, whether it is plated with precious metals).
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the butterfly is a standard base metal ornament (plated or unpainted zinc/copper/iron) β Classified under 8306.29.00.00
- If the butterfly is plated with precious metal (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) β Classified under 8306.21.00.00
- If it is purely jewelry (worn on body), it might fall under Chapter 71, but "statuettes/ornaments" usually go to Chapter 83 unless explicitly defined as personal adornment. For general decorative "metal butterflies," Chapter 83 is the standard.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Surface Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
8306.29.00.00 |
Statuettes and other ornaments, of base metal: Other | Standard decorative metal butterflies, zinc alloy figures, unpainted or painted metal ornaments | β Not plated with precious metal |
8306.21.00.00 |
Statuettes and other ornaments, of base metal: Plated with precious metal | Luxury metal butterflies, gold-plated, silver-plated, or rhodium-plated decorative items | β Yes, plated with precious metal |
π Important Reminder:
- Do not classify standard metal butterflies under "Aluminum Articles" (Chapter 76) or "Iron/Steel Articles" (Chapter 73) if they are finished ornaments. Chapter 83 specifically covers "Articles of base metal... statuettes and other ornaments." - Plating matters: If the value of the precious metal plating is significant, customs may scrutinize the declaration. However, for tariff purposes, the presence of precious metal plating shifts the code from.29to.21.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade Policy)
π― 1. 8306.29.00.00 ββ Statuettes and Ornaments of Base Metal (Standard)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If < $800, may enter duty-free under Section 321, but this tariff applies to formal entry) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8306.29.00.00 β USITC General Rate |
π Explanation:
- This is a favorable HS Code for US imports from China.
- Unlike steel, aluminum, or copper products (which face 25%-50% surtaxes), ornaments of base metal are exempt from the major Section 301 trade war tariffs.
- Total Tax: 0%. This makes it a highly competitive category for decorative goods.
π― 2. 8306.21.00.00 ββ Statuettes Plated with Precious Metal
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 12.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If < $800, may enter duty-free under Section 321, subject to CBP scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8306.21.00.00 β USITC General Rate |
π Note:
- This code attracts a moderate tariff.
- Why 12%? It combines the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate (4.5%) with a specific surtax (7.5%) applicable to certain Chinese goods.
- Comparison: Even at 12%, it is significantly lower than steel/aluminum articles (77.9%) or some other metalware.
- Key Risk: You must prove the plating is precious metal. If customs determines it is merely "colored" or "chromed" (non-precious), they may reclassify it to8306.29.00.00(0%), which could lead to audits if you claimed the wrong rate, or if you claimed 0% but it was actually plated, you might face penalties. Declare accurately.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Document Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the item is a statue/ornament, not a machine part or jewelry. |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify base metal (e.g., Zinc Alloy, Brass). Specify plating if any (e.g., "Gold Plated"). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Metal Butterfly Ornament, Base Metal". Avoid vague terms like "Metal Part" or "Decor." |
| β Description for Customs | βοΈ | Use HS Code-specific language: "Decorative Statuette of Zinc Alloy, Painted, Not for Personal Adornment." |
| β PLU/Model Number | βοΈ | For CBP to cross-reference with prior entries if needed. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Define as Ornament, Not Part. Base Metal is Key. Precious Plating Changes Rate!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Zinc Alloy Butterfly | HS: 8306.29.00.00 Desc: "Zinc Alloy Decorative Butterfly Ornament" |
Declaring as "Aluminum Article" (7616.99.51.75) β 27.5% Tax β |
| Iron/Steel Butterfly Ornament | HS: 8306.29.00.00 Desc: "Iron Decorative Butterfly Ornament" |
Declaring as "Other Iron/Steel Article" (7326.90.86.88) β 77.9% Tax β |
| Gold-Plated Butterfly | HS: 8306.21.00.00 Desc: "Base Metal Ornament Plated with Precious Metal" |
Declaring as 8306.29.00.00 (0%) β Risk of Fraud/penalty if caught β |
π Critical Warning:
- Do NOT classify metal butterflies under Chapter 73 (Iron/Steel) or Chapter 76 (Aluminum) unless they are unprocessed structural articles. Once they are finished ornaments/statuettes, they move to Chapter 83. - Misclassifying a8306.29.00.00(0%) item as7326.90.86.88(77.9%) is a huge overpayment. - Misclassifying a8306.29.00.00(0%) item as7616.99.51.75(27.5%) is also an overpayment.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Jewelry vs. Ornament | If the butterfly is a brooch (worn on clothing), it may fall under Chapter 71 (Jewelry). However, if it is a standalone decorative piece, stick to 8306. Check with a broker if it has a pin attachment. |
| Large Scale Installations | If the butterfly is >50cm and part of a larger display, it may be considered "furniture" or "display fixture." Still, 8306 is often accepted for ornamental pieces. |
| Packaging | Ensure the invoice separates the ornament from any display stands. If the stand is plastic, itβs a different code. If metal, it might be included in the base metal ornament if sold together. |
π V. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8306.29.00.00 |
0% | None specific | Best Market. No Section 301 tax for this code. |
| π¨π³ China | 8306.29.00.00 |
~5-10% (Import) | N/A | Import duty applies; VAT 13%. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8306.29.00.00 |
0-2.5% | CE (if electronic) | Generally low duty for ornaments. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8306.29.00.00 |
0-2.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU rates often similar. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8306.29.00.00 |
0% | N/A | CUSMA free trade if Canadian origin; MFN 0% for others often. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most tariff-favorable market for standard metal butterflies due to the 0% rate.
- Avoid misclassification into steel/aluminum codes, which carry 25%-50% surtaxes.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Blood and Tears)
β Error 1: Classifying a Zinc Alloy Butterfly as "Aluminum Article" (7616.99.51.75)
π Consequence: Pay 27.5% tax instead of 0%. Loss: 27.5% of value.
β Error 2: Classifying an Iron Ornament as "Other Iron/Steel Article" (7326.90.86.88)
π Consequence: Pay 77.9% tax instead of 0%. Loss: 77.9% of value.
π Note: This is the most common and costly mistake. Customs sees "Metal" and defaults to Chapter 73. You must insist on Chapter 83 (Ornaments).
β Error 3: Not declaring Precious Metal Plating on Gold/Silver Items
π Consequence: If declared as 8306.29.00.00 (0%) but found to be 8306.21.00.00 (12%), you face back taxes + penalties + interest.
π Solution: Accurately declare the plating. The 12% rate is still very low compared to structural metal goods.
β Error 4: Vague Description "Metal Part"
π Consequence: CBP may assess the highest possible duty rate or hold the shipment for inspection.
π Solution: Always use "Ornament" or "Statuette."
β Correct Practice:
"Decorative Metal Butterfly Ornament, Zinc Alloy, Painted, HS 8306.29.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves 77.9%!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Ornament is King, Chapter 83 is Free! (For US)"
πΉ "Don't call it Steel, call it Art. 0% Tax, Not 78%!"
πΉ "Gold Plated? Pay 12%. Base Metal? Pay 0%."
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting to the US, ensure your customs broker is aware that "Metal Butterflies" are ornaments (8306), not structural metal parts. Provide photos explicitly showing the item is a decorative piece. This simple step can save you up to 77.9% in duties compared to incorrect classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Material: Is it Zinc, Iron, Copper, or Aluminum?
π Verify Finish: Is it plain, painted, or precious-plated?
π Declare as Ornament (8306): Avoid 7326/7616 codes.
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Keep Your Margins High!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point of Tariff is a Percentage Point of Profit Lost!
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.