Picture Pin
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8306300000 | 87.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8306290000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΌοΈ Picture Pins (Picture Pins for Frames)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Are "Picture Pins"?
Picture pins, often referred to as frame clips, picture clips, or frame fasteners, are small hardware components used to secure glass or acrylic panels to the back of picture frames. They are essential accessories for framing but are distinct from the frame itself or decorative ornaments.
In international trade, they are typically classified based on their material (usually base metal like steel, brass, or aluminum) and their function (fasteners/ornaments).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the item is a decorative statuette or ornament (e.g., a metal bird or flower used for display) β It falls under 8306.29.
- If the item is a functional clip/fastener used to hold picture frames together β It falls under 8306.30.
- If the item is made of plastic and is a fastener β It falls under 3926.90.85.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes for Picture Pins and related items:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8306.30.00.00 |
Photograph, picture or similar frames; mirrors; and parts thereof | Functional picture pins/clips used to secure frames. These are considered "parts" of frame assemblies. | Base Metal | 77.7% |
8306.29.00.00 |
Statuettes and other ornaments, and parts thereof: Other | Decorative metal ornaments (e.g., metal flowers, figures) that look like pins but are for display, not function. | Base Metal | 0.0% |
3926.90.85.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Fasteners, in clips suitable for use in a mechanical attaching device | Plastic picture clips or fasteners used in mechanical attaching devices. | Plastic | 14.0% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics: Other | General plastic articles not fitting specific fastener descriptions (less common for picture pins). | Plastic | 12.8% |
π Critical Clarification:
- Most "Picture Pins" sold for framing are metal clips designed to mechanically attach the frame back. These fall under8306.30.00.00as "parts of picture frames."
- DO NOT classify functional metal clips as "Ornaments" (8306.29) to avoid penalties. They are not decorative; they are functional parts.
- If you sell plastic frame clips, use3926.90.85.00(Fasteners), not general plastic goods.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Tax Breakdown)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Ongoing (Subject to Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 8306.30.00.00 ββ Picture Pins / Frame Parts (Base Metal)
This is the most common and critical classification for metal picture pins.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Additional Tariff | 50.0% (Note: This may apply if the base metal is specifically steel, aluminum, or copper under specific trade actions) |
| Total Tariff | 77.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff + Section 301 (25%) + Steel/Aluminum Surcharge (50%) |
π Explanation:
- 77.7% is an extremely high tariff. This is due to the combination of the base duty (2.7%), the Section 301 trade war tariff (25%), and potentially the steel/aluminum surcharge (50%).
- Warning: If your picture pins are made of steel, the 50% steel tariff likely applies, pushing the total to 77.7%.
- Cost Impact: For every $100 of goods, you pay $77.70 in taxes alone.
π― 2. 8306.29.00.00 ββ Decorative Metal Ornaments (Not Picture Pins)
β οΈ Only for Decorative Items
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (if under $800 and meets all criteria) |
| Legal Basis | No Section 301 or Steel Surcharge applied to general ornaments |
π Note: Do NOT misuse this code for functional picture pins. Customs will reclassify and charge 77.7% + penalties.
π― 3. 3926.90.85.00 ββ Plastic Picture Clips/Fasteners
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 14.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (Section 301 applies) |
| Legal Basis | Base + Section 301 Surcharge |
π Note: Plastic fasteners are significantly cheaper to import than metal ones (14.0% vs 77.7%). Consider switching materials if possible.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Metal Picture Pins," "Frame Clips," "Material: Steel/Aluminum." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify exact metal type (e.g., "Stainless Steel," "Aluminum Alloy"). Critical for Steel/Aluminum tariff determination. |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Show the item in use (securing a frame) to prove it is a "part of a frame," not a decorative ornament. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly describe as "Picture Pins" or "Frame Fasteners," NOT "Ornaments." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and quantity must match invoice. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βMetal Pins = Frame Parts (High Tax); Plastic Pins = Fasteners (Medium Tax); Decorative Metal = Ornaments (Low Tax, But Risky!)β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Metal clips used to hold picture frame glass/back | 8306.30.00.00 |
Classified as "parts of photograph/picture frames." |
| Plastic clips for frames | 3926.90.85.00 |
Classified as "fasteners" under plastics. |
| Metal decorative flowers/stars for frame display | 8306.29.00.00 |
Classified as "ornaments." Do not use for functional clips. |
| Mixed shipment (Metal Pins + Plastic Clips) | Split Line Items | Declare separately to avoid misclassification. |
β 3. Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Metal Types | If pins are made of steel, expect the 50% steel surcharge. If aluminum, same may apply. Confirm material certificate. |
| Plastic Pins | Use 3926.90.85.00. It is much cheaper (14.0%) than metal (77.7%). Consider sourcing plastic clips. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | β Do NOT use for 8306.30.00.00 or 3926.90.85.00. These codes are not eligible for $800 de minimis exemption under current rules. |
| Misclassification Risk | Declaring metal pins as "ornaments" (8306.29) to save tax is fraud. Customs can audit and charge back taxes + fines. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8306.30.00.00 |
77.7% | High due to Steel/Aluminum & Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 8306.30.00.00 |
~5-10% | Lower base tariff, no Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8306.30.00.00 |
~4-6% | No additional US-style surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 8306.30.00.00 |
~4-6% | Post-Brexit rules may vary slightly |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for metal picture pins due to 77.7% total tariff.
- Plastic alternatives (3926.90.85.00) are more cost-effective (14.0%).
- Do not attempt to classify functional pins as ornaments to avoid legal risks.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring metal picture pins as "Decorative Ornaments" (8306.29)
π Result: Customs reclassifies to 8306.30 β 77.7% tariff + penalties + delay.
β Mistake 2: Using De Minimis for metal pins (8306.30.00.00)
π Result: Shipment held at border β Seizure or return. These codes are not eligible.
β Mistake 3: Not specifying material (Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Brass)
π Result: Customs may apply the highest steel surcharge (50%) if uncertain. Always declare exact material.
β Mistake 4: Using plastic fastener code (3926.90.85.00) for metal pins
π Result: Misclassification β Refusal of entry.
β Correct Practice:
βMetal Picture Pins for Frames, Material: Stainless Steel, HS Code: 8306.30.00.00β
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rules:
πΉ βMetal Picture Pins = Frame Parts (77.7% Tax).β
πΉ βPlastic Clips = Fasteners (14.0% Tax).β
πΉ βNo De Minimis for these codes.β
πΉ βDo not fake as ornaments.β
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes of metal picture pins into the US, consider:
1. Switching to plastic clips to reduce tax from 77.7% to 14.0%.
2. Applying for a tariff classification ruling if the material composition is complex.
3. Factoring in 77.7% tax into your pricing strategy immediately.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to verify material composition.
π Ensure invoices clearly state βFrame Partsβ or βPicture Pins.β
π Optimize supply chain to mitigate 77.7% tariff impact.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved on duty is profit earned!
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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.