Needle Threader
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8214100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9605000000 | 18.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214900000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Needle Threader (8214)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know a "Needle Threader"?
A Needle Threader is a small, essential accessory used in sewing, embroidery, or knitting to guide thread through the eye of a needle. In international trade, these are often classified under 8214, which covers "Articles of Cutlery" but surprisingly includes specific non-knife items like needle threaders, paper knives, and manicure sets.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Mechanical Needle Threaders (e.g., handheld plastic/metal devices with a fine wire loop): Generally classified under 8214.
- Pre-threaded Needles (needles with thread already inserted): These are parts of sewing machines or needles themselves, NOT needle threaders. They belong to Chapter 96 or 9604.
- Sewing Kits/Travel Sets: If the needle threader is packed as part of a larger "Travel Set" (toilet, sewing, or shoe cleaning), it may fall under 9605.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Included in Data? |
|---|---|---|---|
8214.90.00.00 |
Other articles of base metal, not elsewhere specified or included, including needle threaders | Standalone needle threaders, non-metal parts, or generic sewing aids | β Yes |
8214.10.00.00 |
Other articles of cutlery; Paper knives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners... | Paper knives, letter openers, nail files (Manicure/Pedicure sets excluded from 9605) | β Yes |
8214.90.90.00 |
Other articles of cutlery; Manicure or pedicure sets; Base metal parts thereof: Other: Other | Other cutlery accessories, base metal parts of cutlery | β Yes |
9605.00.00.00 |
Travel sets for personal toilet, sewing or shoe or clothes cleaning | Needle threader as part of a set (e.g., travel sewing kit) | β Yes |
π Key Insight:
- Is it a standalone needle threader? β Likely8214.90.00.00(Other articles of base metal, including needle threaders).
- Is it a paper knife or letter opener? β8214.10.00.00.
- Is it part of a travel sewing kit? β9605.00.00.00.
- Warning: Do not confuse "Needle Threader" with "Needle" (HS 9606) or "Sewing Machine" (HS 8452).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025-11-10 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8214.90.00.00 ββ Needle Threaders (Standalone)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | β Failed to retrieve tax information (Error) |
| Total Tax | Error |
| Tax Calculation | Cannot be calculated due to data retrieval failure. |
| Legal Basis Path | N/A (Data Error) |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff for "Other articles of base metal... including needle threaders" is 0%.
- However, the additional tariff information is missing/error in the provided dataset.
- β οΈ Critical Warning: For products from China, additional tariffs (e.g., 25% under Section 301 or 10% under IEEPA) may apply. You MUST verify this with a customs broker or the USITC tariff database, as the provided data does not confirm the additional rate. Assume a potential high risk of additional duties.
π― 2. 9605.00.00.00 ββ Travel Sewing Sets (Including Needle Threaders)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | 9605.00.00.00 β No additional footnotes listed |
π Explanation:
- Travel sets for sewing are classified under 9605.00.00.00.
- Both base and additional tariffs are 0.0% in this dataset.
- This is a highly advantageous classification if the item is part of a set.
- Recommendation: If possible, sell needle threaders as part of a Travel Sewing Kit to benefit from the 0% total tax rate.
π― 3. 8214.10.00.00 ββ Paper Knives & Other Cutlery Accessories
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | 8214.10.00.00 β No additional footnotes listed |
π Explanation:
- If the item is misclassified or actually a paper knife/letter opener, it falls under 8214.10.00.00.
- Tax rate is 0.0%.
- Note: This is NOT the correct HS code for a needle threader unless it is also a paper knife.
π― 4. 8214.90.90.00 ββ Other Cutlery Articles & Parts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | 8214.90.90.00 β No additional footnotes listed |
π Explanation:
- This covers "Other" cutlery articles, including base metal parts.
- Tax rate is 0.0%.
- Note: Use only if the item is a base metal part of cutlery and not a standalone needle threader.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of the needle threader, showing material (plastic/metal) and structure. |
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Specify: "Plastic Needle Threader, Model XYZ" vs. "Metal Needle Threader". |
| β Bill of Lading/Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure items are listed individually or as a "Sewing Kit" if applicable. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item. Avoid vague terms like "Accessory". |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming preferential tariffs (not applicable here due to 0% base, but still required for compliance). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ "Be Specific, Be Accurate, Avoid 'Other'"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Needle Threader | 8214.90.00.00 |
High Risk: Tax data is Error. May trigger additional review or unexpected duties. |
| Needle Threader in a Travel Kit | 9605.00.00.00 |
Low Risk: 0% Tax. Highly recommended for cost-saving. |
| Paper Knife / Letter Opener | 8214.10.00.00 |
Low Risk: 0% Tax. But do not misdeclare a needle threader as a paper knife. |
| Base Metal Part of Cutlery | 8214.90.90.00 |
Low Risk: 0% Tax. Only if it's a part, not a complete article. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Chinese Origin | The tax data for 8214.90.00.00 shows "Failed to retrieve". Contact your customs broker immediately to verify if Section 301 (25%) or IEEPA (10%) duties apply. Do not assume 0%. |
| Sold as Part of a Set | Clearly label as "Travel Sewing Kit" and use HS Code 9605.00.00.00 for 0% tax. This is the safest and cheapest route. |
| Misclassification Risk | Never declare a needle threader as a "Sewing Machine Part" (HS 8452) or "Needle" (HS 9606). This will cause delays and penalties. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | If the value of the shipment is <$800 and it qualifies for de minimis, you may not need to file a formal entry. However, correct HS Code is still critical for compliance. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9605.00.00.00 (as part of set) |
0.0% | N/A | Safest option. Standalone (8214.90.00.00) has Tax Error risk. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8214.90.90 |
~0-2% | CE (if applicable) | Needle threaders are generally low-tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | 8214.90.00 |
0-5% | N/A | Import duties may apply. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8214.90.00 |
0-4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules may vary. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the Tax Error for standalone needle threaders.
- Selling as part of a Travel Set (9605.00.00.00) is the best strategy for the US market to ensure 0% duty.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a standalone needle threader as 8214.90.00.00 without verifying additional tariffs.
π Consequence: Tax Error in data. May result in unexpected Section 301 duties (25%) or delays.
β Mistake 2: Packing a needle threader alone and calling it a "Travel Set".
π Consequence: Customs may reject 9605.00.00.00 classification. Must be a true set (multiple items).
β Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like "Sewing Accessory".
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify under a higher-tariff code or request detailed documentation.
β Correct Approach:
"Travel Sewing Kit, including needle threader, scissors, needles, and thread, Model XYZ."
Use HS Code:9605.00.00.00β 0% Tax.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Avoid Delays!
π― Remember the Rules:
πΉ "Standalone? Check Tax Error! Set? 0% Tax is Best!"
πΉ "HS Code Defines Duty, Wrong Code Means Pain!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing from China, always verify the additional tariff for 8214.90.00.00. The provided data shows an Error, so do not assume 0%.
Best Strategy: Bundle needle threaders into Travel Sewing Kits (9605.00.00.00) to enjoy 0% total tax and avoid data uncertainty.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker to verify Section 301/IEEPA applicability for
8214.90.00.00.
π Repackage as Travel Sets if possible to save costs.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
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.