Metal Record Rack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9403200082 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403200090 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616995190 | 87.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616995170 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯οΈ Metal Record Rack (Metal Storage Racks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Metal Record Rack"?
A Metal Record Rack is a storage fixture designed to hold vinyl records, CDs, or other media. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on whether it is considered "Furniture" or simply an "Article of Metal".
Key Distinction:
- Furniture Category (9403): If the rack has structural characteristics of furniture (e.g., shelves, partitions, display cases) and is used for displaying or storing items in a domestic or commercial setting.
- General Metal Articles (7616 / 7326): If the item is a simple forging, stamping, or miscellaneous metal article that does not meet the definition of "furniture" (e.g., a simple wire rack without distinct furniture-like features).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If it resembles a shelf, partition, or display case βε½ε ₯ 9403.20.00 (Metal Furniture).
- If it is a simple forged/stamped metal part without furniture features βε½ε ₯ 7616.99 (Aluminum) or 7326.90 (Iron/Steel).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9403.20.00.82 |
Other metal furniture: Counters, lockers, racks, display cases, shelves, partitions and similar fixtures: Steel racks, other than those described in statistical reporting number 9403.20.0075 | Commercial display racks, heavy-duty steel record storage in stores/offices | π₯ Steel | 75.0% |
9403.20.00.90 |
Other metal furniture: Other metal furniture | Other metal storage racks (not classified under specific sub-items like 82) | π₯ Steel | 75.0% |
7616.99.51.90 |
Other articles of aluminum: Other: Other: Other Other | Miscellaneous aluminum storage fixtures, non-furniture aluminum racks | π§ Aluminum | 77.5% |
7616.99.51.70 |
Other articles of aluminum: Other: Other: Other: Forgings | Aluminum racks made by forging processes | π§ Aluminum | 27.5% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other Other | Miscellaneous steel/iron articles (non-furniture, non-forged) | π₯ Steel | 77.9% |
7326.19.00.80 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Forged or stamped, but not further worked | Stamped steel racks or parts | π₯ Steel | 77.9% |
π Key Insight:
- Furniture (9403) carries a 75.0% total tariff.
- Aluminum Forgings (7616.99.51.70) enjoy a significantly lower rate of 27.5%.
- Other Aluminum/Steel Articles face rates between 77.5% - 77.9% due to the combination of base duty and high additional tariffs.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9403.20.00.82 & 9403.20.00.90 ββ Metal Furniture (Racks/Shelves)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +50% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper products surcharge) |
| Other Additional Tariffs | +25% (General Section 301 surcharge) |
| Total Tariff | 75.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 50% (Steel/Alu/Cu) β Section 301: 25% β USITC: 9403.20.00 |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the 50% surcharge for steel/aluminum products PLUS the 25% general surcharge results in a 75% total duty.
- This is a high-cost category. Misclassification to avoid this is risky.
π― 2. 7616.99.51.90 & 7616.99.51.70 ββ Other Aluminum Articles
A. 7616.99.51.90 (General Aluminum Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Steel/Alu/Cu Surcharge | +50% (Applies to Aluminum) |
| Total Tariff | 77.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
B. 7616.99.51.70 (Aluminum Forgings)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Steel/Alu/Cu Surcharge | β οΈ Note: The data shows 77.5% for general aluminum, but 27.5% for this specific forging sub-code. This suggests the 50% steel/alu/cu surcharge may NOT apply or is calculated differently for this specific forging classification. |
| Total Tariff | 27.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
π Critical Observation:
- If your aluminum rack can be classified as a Forging (7616.99.51.70), the tariff drops dramatically to 27.5%!
- If it is a general aluminum article (7616.99.51.90), it faces 77.5%.
- Strategy: Confirm with your manufacturer if the aluminum parts are forged.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80 ββ Iron/Steel Articles
A. 7326.90.86.88 (Other Steel Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Steel/Alu/Cu Surcharge | +50% |
| Total Tariff | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
B. 7326.19.00.80 (Forged/Stamped Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Steel/Alu/Cu Surcharge | +50% |
| Total Tariff | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
π Note: For steel, the tariff is consistently high (77.9% or 75% if classified as furniture). There is no significant low-tariff alternative for standard steel records racks.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Missing Items = Delay)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (Steel vs. Aluminum), Dimensions, Weight |
| β Process Description | βοΈ | Is it Forged? Stamped? Woven? |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Show overall structure, joints, and any branding |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Metal Record Rack" and Material |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include net/gross weight |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | For preferential treatment (if applicable) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial Matters, Process Defines, Furniture vs. Article!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Avoid If... |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Rack + Forged Parts | 7616.99.51.70 (27.5%) |
If you declare it as "General Aluminum" β 77.5% |
| Steel Rack + Furniture Shape | 9403.20.00.82 (75.0%) |
If you try to declare as "General Steel" β 77.9% (slightly higher) |
| Aluminum Rack + General | 7616.99.51.90 (77.5%) |
If itβs clearly forged |
| Steel Rack + Non-Furniture | 7326.90.86.88 (77.9%) |
If it looks like furniture |
π Tip:
- If the rack is made of Aluminum, investigate if the parts are Forged. If yes,7616.99.51.70saves you 50% in tariffs.
- If the rack is Steel, the difference between "Furniture" (75%) and "Other Steel Article" (77.9%) is small, but "Furniture" is often safer if it has shelves/partitions.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the rack has steel shelves and aluminum frames, consult customs. Usually, the principal material determines the code. |
| Kit vs. Assembled | Assembled racks are declared as finished goods. Disassembled kits may face similar duties but require detailed packing lists. |
| Custom Design | Provide design drawings to prove "Furniture" characteristics (shelves, stability) if aiming for 9403. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9403.20.00 or 7616.99 |
27.5% - 77.9% | High due to Section 301 & Steel/Alu surcharges |
| π¨π³ China | 9403.20 |
~5-10% | No additional US tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7326.90 or 9403 |
~0-6% | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 9403.20 |
~0-6% | Post-Brexit tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9403.20 |
~5% | No major surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to the 50% steel/aluminum surcharge + 25% general surcharge.
- Aluminum Forgings (7616.99.51.70) are the only low-tariff option (27.5%) in the USA for metal racks.
- Consider reshaping the product (if possible) to qualify as a "Forging" if using aluminum.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a Steel Furniture Rack as 7326.90 (Other Steel Articles)
π Result: Tariff may increase to 77.9% instead of 75.0%.
π Fix: If it has shelves/partitions, use 9403.20.
β Mistake 2: Declaring an Aluminum Rack as 7616.99.51.90 when it is Forged
π Result: You pay 77.5% instead of 27.5%. Loss of 50% in duty!
π Fix: Confirm with manufacturer: Are the aluminum parts forged? If yes, use 7616.99.51.70.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the 50% Steel/Aluminum Surcharge
π Result: Unexpected high costs.
π Fix: Always check if the product falls under "Steel, Aluminum, Copper" surcharge.
β Correct Description Example:
"Aluminum Record Rack, Forged Components, Model XYZ, No Assembly Required"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βAluminum Forged? Go 27.5%!β
πΉ βSteel Furniture? Go 75.0%!β
πΉ βMixed/Other? Pay 77%+!β
πΉ βDonβt Guess, Check the Process!β
π Pro Tip:
- If you are importing Aluminum Racks, ask your supplier: "Are these parts forged?"
- If YES, use 7616.99.51.70.
- This simple question can save you 50% in US tariffs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your supplier for process details (Forged vs. Extruded vs. Stamped)
π Prepare accurate product descriptions
π Save costs, clear customs smoothly!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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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.