Photo Clip
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926905000 | 21.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908610 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820300040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ Photo Clip (Photographic Slide Frames/Mounts & Stationery)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Photo Clip"?
In international trade, "Photo Clip" is a generic term that can refer to two distinct types of goods, leading to vastly different HS Code classifications and tax liabilities. It is crucial to distinguish between stationery items and plastic frames/mounts.
1. Stationery/Office Supplies (Paper-Based):
Items such as binder clips, folder fasteners, or decorative clips made of metal or coated paper used for organizing documents, photos, or papers in notebooks/folders.
β οΈ Key Distinction: If the item is primarily a fastener/organizer for paper products, it falls under Chapter 48.
2. Plastic Frames/Mounts for Slides (Non-Paper):
Items specifically designed to hold photographic slides or negatives for viewing or printing. These are often made of plastic and are considered "articles of plastics" rather than stationery.
β οΈ Key Distinction: If the item is a rigid holder/frame for slides/negatives, it falls under Chapter 39.
π Critical Note: Misclassification leads to significant tax differences (0% vs. 77.9%). You must determine the primary material and specific function.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the relevant HS Codes for "Photo Clip" related items:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Type | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.90.00.00 |
Other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard | Paper/Paperboard | General stationery items, not specifically binders. Low tax risk. |
4820.30.00.40 |
Binders (other than book covers), folders and file covers - Other | Paper/Paperboard | Photo albums, file folders, or clip-style binders made of paperboard. |
3926.90.50.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Frames or mounts for photographic slides | Plastic | Specific for Slide Frames/Mounts. Made of plastic. |
7326.90.86.10 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Laminated goods (core of non-metallic material) | Steel/Plastic Composite | Metal clips with plastic coating/core. Complex structure. |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Other | Steel | Standard Metal Photo Clips (e.g., bulldog clips, spring clips) without specific laminated features. |
π Focus Area:
- If your "Photo Clip" is a plastic frame for slides β Use3926.90.50.00(0% Tax).
- If it is a metal clip (steel) β Use7326.90.86.88(77.9% Tax!).
- If it is a paper binder/folder with clips β Use4820.30.00.40(25% Tax).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From Nov 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.50.00 ββ Frames or Mounts for Photographic Slides (Plastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% (Not subject to steel/aluminum/copper surcharges) |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If value < $800, may enter duty-free under Section 321) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.50.00 β USITC:3926.90.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for plastic frames/mounts.
- Zero Duty is highly advantageous.
- Crucial: Ensure the product is indeed a "frame/mount for slides" and not a generic plastic toy or tool, or it may be reclassified.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Other Articles of Iron or Steel (Metal Photo Clips)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.9% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 50.0% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surcharges) |
| Total Duty Rate | 77.9% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to heavy surcharges) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7326.90.86.88 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to steel clips (e.g., metal bulldog clips, paper clips).
- Extremely High Duty (77.9%) due to Section 301 (25%) + IEEPA Steel/Aluminum Surcharges (50%).
- Cost Impact: For every $100 of goods, you pay $77.9 in duties. This often makes direct export unprofitable without restructuring.
π― 3. 4820.30.00.40 ββ Binders, Folders, and File Covers (Paper-Based Photo Albums/Folders)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 25.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to 25% surcharge) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4820.30.00.40 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- If the "photo clip" is part of a paper-based binder/folder (e.g., a photo album with clip mechanisms), it may fall here.
- 25% Duty is manageable but higher than plastic frames.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Must clearly show material (Plastic vs. Steel vs. Paper). |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify: "100% Plastic," "Steel with Plastic Coating," etc. |
| β Function Description | βοΈ | Is it a "Frame for Slides" (Plastic) or a "Clip for Papers" (Steel)? |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Provide a brief explanation of why 3926.90.50.00 or 7326.90.86.88 applies. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe accurately: "Plastic Photo Slide Mounts" NOT "Steel Clips." |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Decision Matrix)
| Product Type | Correct HS Code | Duty Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Frame/Mount for Slides | 3926.90.50.00 |
0% | π’ Low (Best Option) |
| Metal (Steel) Clip/Clip | 7326.90.86.88 |
77.9% | π΄ High (Avoid if possible) |
| Paper-Based Binder/Folder | 4820.30.00.40 |
25.0% | π‘ Medium |
| Laminated Steel/Plastic Composite | 7326.90.86.10 |
77.9% | π΄ High |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Plastic Frames are 0%, Steel Clips are 77.9%. Material is King!"
If you can design the product using Plastic instead of Steel, you save 77.9% in duties.
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (Steel + Plastic) | If the core is steel, itβs likely 7326 (77.9%). Try to redesign as all-plastic. |
| OEM Custom Clips | Ensure the invoice specifies "Plastic Slide Mounts" if applicable, not "Steel Clips." |
| Small Quantities (De Minimis) | If using 3926.90.50.00 (0%), shipments < $800 may enter duty-free under Section 321. |
| Large Quantities | For steel clips, consider Country of Origin Restructuring (e.g., manufacture in Vietnam/Mexico) to avoid US surcharges. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.50.00 (Plastic) |
0% | None | Best option for plastic |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 (Steel) |
77.9% | None | Avoid steel if possible |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.50 |
~2.5% | CE/RoHS | Lower than US steel duties |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.50 |
0% | CCC (if applicable) | No surcharges |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.50 |
~6% | PSE | Moderate duty |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest barrier for steel products (77.9%).
- Plastic products (3926.90.50.00) are duty-free in the US.
- Strategy: Convert steel clips to plastic mounts where feasible.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Steel Photo Clips" as "Plastic Frames"
π Consequence: Customs audit, fines, retroactive duties of 77.9%.
β
Fix: Be honest about material. If itβs steel, use 7326.90.86.88.
β Error 2: Using 7326.90.86.88 for plastic clips
π Consequence: Overpaying 77.9% instead of 0%.
β
Fix: Double-check material. If itβs plastic, use 3926.90.50.00.
β Error 3: Vague Description ("Photo Clip")
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest applicable code (likely steel) or delay clearance.
β
Fix: Use precise descriptions: "Plastic Mounts for Photographic Slides, 35mm" or "Steel Bulldog Clips."
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic = 0% | Steel = 77.9% | Paper = 25%"
πΉ "Material Choice Determines Tax Destiny!"
π Pro Tip:
If your business relies on "Photo Clips," consider redesigning them as plastic slide mounts (3926.90.50.00) to eliminate the 77.9% steel surcharge. This single change can double your profit margin on US shipments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Confirm material classification before shipping.
πΈ Provide Clear Photos: Show that your product is plastic, not steel.
π Optimize Design: Shift from steel to plastic where possible.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is Pure Profit!
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.