Metal Pin
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7318240000 | 88.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318290000 | 87.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117193000 | 21.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Metal Pin (Generic Metal Hardware & Jewelry Components)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition and Classification β Do You Really Understand "Metal Pin"?
In international trade, "Metal Pin" is a broad generic term that lacks specificity in tariff classification. Depending on the material, function, and design, metal pins are classified into entirely different HS Codes with drastically different tax implications.
There are two primary categories based on the provided <DATA>:
- Religious/Devotional Jewelry Pins: Designed to be worn on apparel or attached to the person, of a purely devotional character.
- Industrial/Structural Pins (Cotters & Cotter Pins): Used for mechanical fastening, typically of iron or steel.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: * If the pin is ornamental, religious, or jewelry-grade (even if made of base metal plated with precious metal) β It falls under Chapter 71 (Imitation Jewelry). * If the pin is functional, mechanical, and used for fastening/locking (like in machinery, vehicles, or construction) β It falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material & Function |
|---|---|---|---|
7117.90.30.00 |
Imitation jewelry: Religious articles of a purely devotional character designed to be worn on apparel or carried on or about or attached to the person | Religious badges, devotional pins, charm pins for clothing | Base metal (plated or not); Decorative/Religious |
7318.24.00.00 |
Screws, bolts, nuts... of iron or steel: Non-threaded articles: Cotters and cotter pins | Mechanical fastening, safety pins in machinery, vehicle axle locking | Iron or Steel; Functional/Mechanical |
7318.29.00.00 |
Screws, bolts, nuts... of iron or steel: Non-threaded articles: Other | General industrial pins, non-threaded fasteners, unspecified metal pins | Iron or Steel; Functional/Mechanical |
π Key Reminder: * Do NOT misclassify a religious badge as a "cotter pin" to save taxes, or vice versa. Customs will inspect the intent and design. * If it looks like jewelry and is worn on the body, it is 7117. * If it is used to lock mechanical parts together, it is 7318.
π° Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Tariffs Apply)
π― 1. 7117.90.30.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry: Religious/Devotional Pins
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800, may enter duty-free under Section 321, subject to compliance) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7117.90.30.00 β General Note 12 |
π Explanation: * This specific subheading for religious devotional jewelry currently enjoys a 0% tariff. * Unlike most other imitation jewelry items that may face 301 tariffs, this niche category is exempt in the provided data. * Caution: Ensure the item is clearly religious/devotional in nature. General fashion pins do NOT qualify for this 0% rate and may fall under other 7117 subheadings with different rates.
π― 2. 7318.24.00.00 ββ Iron/Steel: Cotters and Cotter Pins
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 50% (Specifically for Steel, Aluminum, Copper articles) |
| Total Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Section 301 tariffs generally apply even to de minimis imports if not explicitly exempted) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7318.24.00.00 β Section 301 List 3/4 β USITC Footnote |
π Explanation: * While the base duty is 0%, China-origin steel products face a 50% additional tariff under Section 301. * Cotter pins are explicitly listed as subject to this 50% surcharge. * Total Cost Impact: You pay $0.50 for every $1.00 of CIF value. This is extremely high.
π― 3. 7318.29.00.00 ββ Iron/Steel: Other Non-Threaded Articles (Other Pins)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 50% (Specifically for Steel, Aluminum, Copper articles) |
| Total Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7318.29.00.00 β Section 301 List 3/4 |
π Explanation: * Same as above. Any "other" non-threaded steel pin (not specifically a cotter pin) still falls under the 50% additional tariff. * Do not assume "Other" means cheaper. The 50% tax applies broadly to steel hardware.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (ηΌΊδΈδΈε―)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing if it is jewelry/religious (ornate, cross/medal shape) vs. industrial (simple metal loop/wedge). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify "Base Metal Plated" for 7117 vs. "Iron/Steel" for 7318. |
| β Functional Description | βοΈ | "Worn on apparel for devotional purposes" vs. "Used for mechanical locking in machinery." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state the intended use to justify the HS Code. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Proves China origin, triggering Section 301 review. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βLook like Jewelry? Say Religious. Look like Hardware? Say Steel. Donβt Mix Them!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Medal on a Pin | 7117.90.30.00 |
Declaring as "Iron Pin" β 50% Tax (Overpayment) |
| Industrial Cotter Pin | 7318.24.00.00 |
Declaring as "Jewelry" β Smuggling Risk (Misclassification) |
| Generic Metal Pin (Unclear) | 7318.29.00.00 (Conservative) |
Guessing β Customs Delay & Penalty |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Plated Religious Pins | Even if gold-plated, if base is non-precious, itβs Imitation Jewelry (7117). Still 0% in this data. |
| Cotter Pins with Plastic Heads | Still classified as 7318.24.00.00 if the metal is the primary component. Tax: 50%. |
| Mixed Containers | If a shipment contains both religious pins and cotter pins, must split declaration. Mixing leads to inspection and potential penalty. |
| De Minimis ($800) | For 7117.90.30.00, you may avoid duty under Section 321. For 7318, Section 301 usually blocks de minimis exemption. Check latest USTR rulings. |
π Part V: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7117.90.30.00 |
0% | None | Best for religious/jewelry pins. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7318.24.00.00 |
50% | None | High cost for steel hardware. |
| π¨π³ China | 7117.90.30.00 |
~0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Import into China may have different rates. |
| π¨π³ China | 7318.24.00.00 |
~0-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Steel hardware often lower duty in China. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7117.90 |
Varies | CE/RoHS | Religious items may face different rules. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7318.24 |
Varies | CE/RoHS | Steel fasteners may face anti-dumping in EU. |
π Conclusion: * USA is the key market where this tariff distinction matters most due to Section 301. * Religious/Jewelry Pins (7117) are TAX-FREE (0%) in this dataset. * Steel Hardware Pins (7318) are HEAVILY TAXED (50%). * Strategy: If your product can be classified as religious/devotional jewelry, definitely use 7117.90.30.00. If itβs industrial, expect 50% cost.
π Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfalls Guide (Blood Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling a cotter pin a "religious pin" to avoid 50% tax.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals function β Penalty + Back Taxes + Blacklist.
β Error 2: Calling a fashion jewelry pin (non-religious) a "religious pin" to get 0% tax.
π Consequence: Customs may classify it under a different 7117 subheading with higher duty (not 0% in all cases) β Unpredictable Cost.
β Error 3: Mixing religious and industrial pins in one shipment without separate HS Codes.
π Consequence: Customs holds entire shipment until separated β Delay & Demurrage Fees.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 301 for steel items.
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost by 50% β Profit Margin Erased.
β Correct Practice:
- Religious/Devotional Pins: "Gold-plated Cross Pin for Apparel, Base Metal, Religious Use, Model XYZ" β HS 7117.90.30.00 (0%).
- Industrial Pins: "Steel Cotter Pin, 5mm, For Machinery Axle Locking, Model ABC" β HS 7318.24.00.00 (50%).
π― Part VII: Conclusion β Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Religious Pin = 0% Tax. Steel Pin = 50% Tax. Donβt Mix!"
πΉ "HS Code is Life, Tax Rate is Death. Declare Function, Not Just Name."
π Tips: * If your product is ambiguous, provide photos and detailed function descriptions to customs brokers. * For steel pins, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from non-China origins) to avoid 50% tariffs. * For religious pins, ensure the design is clearly devotional to maintain 0% status.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with clear photos and intended use.
π Apply for Advance Ruling (Ruling Package) if shipment value is high.
π Separate shipments by function to optimize tax costs.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Your cost efficiency depends on the HS Code!
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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.