Perforation free Ear Clips
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117110000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117199000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326200090 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Ear Clips (Perforation-Free Imitation Jewelry)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Perforation-Free Ear Clips"?
Ear Clips, also known as Non-Pierced Earrings or Clipped Earrings, are imitation jewelry designed to attach to the earlobe without requiring piercing. They typically use spring-loaded, screw-back, or friction-fit mechanisms to grip the ear.
In international trade, they fall under Chapter 71: Natural or Cultured Pearls, Precious or Semi-Precious Stones, Precious Metals, Metals Clad with Precious Metal, and Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Imitation Jewelry (HS 7117): Made of base metals (zinc alloy, copper, brass) whether or not plated with precious metals (gold/silver plated). This is the standard classification for 99% of ear clips. - Precious Metal Jewelry (HS 7113/7114): Made of actual gold, silver, or platinum. Rare for general fashion ear clips. - Materials Check: If the clip mechanism includes significant non-metal parts (e.g., large plastic grips, glued gems with non-jewelry bases), classification might shift, but base metal imitation jewelry is the default.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, two primary HS Codes apply to imitation ear clips, depending on their specific design and component structure.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
7117.11.00.00 |
Cuff links and studs | Standard screw-back, spring-click, or friction-fit ear clips | Most Common. Designed as "studs" that sit on the ear. Includes simple clip-on mechanisms. |
7117.19.90.00 |
Other imitation jewelry of base metal: Other: Other | Complex clip-on designs, dangling earrings with clip backs, or non-stud clip-ons | Alternative. Used when the item doesn't fit the strict "stud" definition or has complex mechanisms beyond simple cuff/stud types. |
π Critical Note:
-7117.11.00.00is the most likely classification for standard ear clips because they are functionally analogous to "studs" (jewelry items that attach to a body part without piercing).
-7117.19.90.00is a residual category. If the ear clip is part of a more complex assembly (e.g., a chandelier earring with a clip mechanism), it may fall here.
- β Do NOT use7117.19.90.00if7117.11.00.00applies, as the tariff difference is significant (see below).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current (based on 2025-2026 trade policies)
π― 1. 7117.11.00.00 ββ Ear Clips / Studs (Imitation Jewelry of Base Metal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 15.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 321 de minimis does not apply to China-origin goods under Section 301 if value exceeds threshold or is specifically excluded) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 7117.11.00.00 + USITC Footnote 301 |
π Explanation:
- Imitation jewelry from China is subject to both the standard base tariff and the Section 301 additional tariff. - 15.5% is the total duty burden. While higher than raw materials, it is significantly lower than industrial metal products.
π― 2. 7117.19.90.00 ββ Other Imitation Jewelry (Complex Clip-Ons)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (if under $800) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 7117.19.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- This residual category has 0% tariff. - CRITICAL WARNING: Misclassifying a standard ear clip (7117.11.00.00) as "Other" (7117.19.90.00) to save 15.5% is high-risk. CBP may audit and demand back payments + penalties. Only use if the item is structurally distinct from "studs/cuff links."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the clip mechanism (spring, screw, friction). Must prove it is not pierced jewelry. |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Specify: "Base Metal (Zinc Alloy/Copper), Gold Plated (0.05 microns)." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe as "Imitation Jewelry - Ear Clips (Non-Pierced)". Do NOT use vague terms like "Earrings" alone. |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Declare as 7117.11.00.00 unless structurally complex. |
| β Material Safety Test | βοΈ | Nickel-free certification (if applicable) for EU/US compliance. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ "If it's a simple clip, call it a stud. If it's complex, justify 'other'."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Standard screw-back or spring-clip earrings | 7117.11.00.00 |
β Low (Standard practice) |
| Large dangling earrings with clip mechanism | 7117.11.00.00 or 7117.19.90.00 |
β οΈ Medium (Requires justification) |
| Jewelry with large plastic/wood components | 7117.19.90.00 |
β οΈ Medium (Check material >50% rule) |
| Misclassification: Calling studs "Other" to get 0% | 7117.19.90.00 |
β High (Audit risk) |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Nickel Content | If >0.75% nickel, declare "Nickel-Compliant" to avoid FDA/CBP holds. |
| Gift Sets | If ear clips are part of a gift set with bracelets, declare main item (ear clips) and list others as accessories. |
| Plating Thickness | If plated with precious metal <0.5 microns, it remains "Imitation Jewelry" (7117). Thicker plating may shift to precious metal codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7117.11.00.00 |
15.5% | High but manageable. Avoid 7117.19.90.00 unless justified. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 7117.11.00.00 |
8.0% | No additional tariffs. Low duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7117.11.00.00 |
2.7% | Low duty. CE marking not required for jewelry, but nickel safety is. |
| π¬π§ UK | 7117.11.00.00 |
2.7% | Similar to EU post-Brexit. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7117.11.00.00 |
5.3% | Moderate duty. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market for imitation jewelry due to Section 301 tariffs. - 15.5% is standard for ear clips from China. Do not attempt to avoid it via misclassification.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Ear Clips" as "Jewelry Accessories" (7117.19.90.00) to get 0% tariff.
π Consequence: CBP classifies as "Studs" (7117.11.00.00) β Back duties + 10% penalty.
β Error 2: Ignoring the clip mechanism in photos.
π Consequence: CBP may suspect pierced earrings (which have different duty rates) or non-jewelry items β Delays.
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Fashion Jewelry."
π Consequence: Lack of specificity leads to manual review and potential reclassification.
β Error 4: Assuming all "imitation jewelry" is 0%.
π Consequence: Only 7117.19.90.00 is 0%. "Studs/Cuff Links" (7117.11.00.00) are 15.5%.
β Correct Declaration:
"Imitation Jewelry: Ear Clips (Non-Pierced), Zinc Alloy Base Metal with Gold Plating, Spring-Back Mechanism, HS 7117.11.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Lower Costs!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Simple clips = Studs (15.5%) | Complex clips = Other (0%)"
πΉ "Don't guess, justify. If it's a stud, pay the 15.5%. If you try to cheat, you pay 15.5% + penalty."
πΉ "Clear photos of the clip mechanism are your best friend in customs."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) from CBP. Submit samples and photos to get a binding classification decision for 7117.11.00.00 vs 7117.19.90.00. This prevents surprise audits.
π£ Action Required:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos!
π Ensure your invoice says "Imitation Jewelry - Ear Clips" and not just "Earrings."
πΌ Classify correctly to avoid costly penalties.
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in the world of imitation jewelry trade!
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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.