Plastic Coins
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903500 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ Plastic Coins: The Ultimate 2026 HS Code & Duty Guide
π Global Trade Compliance | HS Code Breakdown | 2026 Tax Strategy | Risk-Free Customs Clearance
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Calling Them "Coins" or "Toys"?
Plastic Coins are versatile, durable, non-currency tokens used primarily for arcade entertainment, vending machines, lottery systems, and game centers. Unlike legal tender, they are non-monetary, serving as: - Game tokens (e.g., Skee-Ball, pinball, claw machines) - Payment proxies (e.g., redemption centers, amusement parks) - Collectibles or novelty items
In international trade, their HS Code classification depends on two critical factors: 1. Function/Use (Game accessory vs. generic plastic product) 2. Material & Form (Plastic, coin-like shape)
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If used as game tokens/accessories β Chapter 95 (Toys & Games)
- If sold as generic plastic products (no game function) β Chapter 39 (Plastics)
- Misclassification can lead to 20%+ duty spikes!
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Use Case | Tax Rate | Key Logic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9504.90.90.80 |
Plastic coins for arcade/vending machines (game tokens) | Amusement park tokens, redemption coins | 17.5% | Chapter 95: Game accessory, "consumable token" |
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic coins as generic unclassified plastic products | Decorative items, non-game tokens | 22.8% | Chapter 39: "Other plastics, unclassified" |
3926.90.35.00 |
Plastic coins as other plastic products (no beads conflict) | Non-game plastic coins, bulk tokens | 16.5% | Chapter 39: "Other plastic products" |
9504.90.60.00 |
Plastic coins as game accessories (coin-shaped) | Arcade machines, slot games | 10.0% | Chapter 95: Game parts, "coin-like" |
9504.90.90.80 |
Plastic coins for coin-operated entertainment devices | Redemption centers, ticket booths | 17.5% | Chapter 95: "Consumable medium" for game machines |
π Key Insight:
-9504(Game Accessories) = Lower duty (10β17.5%) if proven for game use.
-3926(Plastics) = Higher duty (16.5β22.8%) if sold as generic plastic items.
- Always prioritize9504if the coins are for entertainment/gaming!
π° 3. 2026 Tax Rate Breakdown (Detailed Duty Calculation)
β Applicable to: China β USA
β Effective Date: 2026 (Current 2026 Tariff Schedule)
β Base Tariff: Varies by HS Code
π― Case 1: 9504.90.90.80 (Game Token Plastic Coins)
Total Duty: 17.5%
- Base Tariff: 0.0% (Chapter 95 often duty-free)
- Section 301 (USITC): +7.5% (Added tariff on Chinese goods)
- Section 122: +10.0% (Additional China tariff, 2026)
π Why 17.5%?
- Game tokens are prioritized under 9504, avoiding base tariffs.
- Section 301 + 122 apply as China-specific penalties.
π― Case 2: 3926.90.99.89 (Generic Plastic Coins)
Total Duty: 22.8%
- Base Tariff: 5.3% (Standard plastic duty)
- Section 301: +7.5%
- Section 122: +10.0%
π Why 22.8%?
- Chapter 39 has a 5.3% base tariff, plus Section 301 + 122.
- Highest duty tier for misclassified plastic coins!
π― Case 3: 9504.90.60.00 (Game Accessory Coins)
Total Duty: 10.0%
- Base Tariff: 0.0% (Game accessories)
- Section 301: 0.0% (No Section 301 on this subheading)
- Section 122: +10.0% (Only Section 122 applies)
π Lowest Duty Tip!
- If proven as game accessories, only 10% (Section 122 only).
- Best strategy: Document game use explicitly.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Strategy: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
β Step 1: Prove "Game Use" to Access Lower Duty
| Action | Required Evidence | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Product Description | "Plastic tokens for arcade games, not currency" | Avoids 3926 (22.8%) β 9504 (10β17.5%) |
| Product Photos | Show coins in game machines (e.g., Skee-Ball, claw) | Proves game function |
| User Manuals | Include instruction manuals for game machines | Confirms consumable token status |
| Sales Contracts | Specify buyer is game center/arcs | Validates end-use |
π« Mistake Alert:
- Declaring as "plastic coins" β3926.90.99.89(22.8%)
- Declaring as "arcade tokens" β9504.90.60.00(10.0%)
β Savings: 12.8% per shipment!
β Step 2:η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Declaration Tips)
π₯ Golden Rule: "Be Specific, Be Game-Ready!"
- Bad Declaration: "Plastic coins, 20mm diameter" β3926(22.8%)
- Good Declaration: "Plastic game tokens for coin-operated amusement machines, 20mm, non-currency" β9504(10β17.5%)
| Declaration Field | Correct Entry | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | "Plastic Game Tokens" | "Plastic Coins" |
| Function | "For arcade/vending machines" | "Decorative items" |
| Material | "Plastic, non-monetary" | "Metal/plastic mix" |
| HS Code | 9504.90.60.00 |
3926.90.99.89 |
β Step 3: Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Scenario | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coins sold as "collectibles" | Misclassified as 3926 β 22.8% |
Add "for game use" in invoice |
| Mixed shipments (game + non-game) | Split declaration to avoid 22.8% | Separate shipments or label non-game items clearly |
| No game documentation | Customs delays + 22.8% duty | Provide game machine photos + manuals |
| Section 122 exemption | Unlikely (China-specific) | Verify eligibility (only if US-listed exemption applies) |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty | Key Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.90.60.00 |
10.0% | FCC, ASTM F963 (Safety) |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9504.90.90.80 |
~5β7% | CE, EN71 (Toy Safety) |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9504.90.90.80 |
~6β8% | PSE (Electrical Safety) |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9504.90.60.00 |
~5β6% | RCM (Product Safety) |
π USA-Specific Tip:
- Section 122 applies to all China-origin goods unless exempt.
- Game tokens are lower risk for customs audits if documented properly.
β οΈ 6. Common Errors & Avoidance Checklist
β Error 1: Calling them "coins" β 3926 (22.8%)
β
Fix: Use "Game Tokens" + "For Arcade Machines" in docs.
β Error 2: No game documentation β Customs delays
β
Fix: Include machine photos, manuals, sales contracts.
β Error 3: Mixed HS Codes in one shipment β 100% audit
β
Fix: Split shipments or clear labeling.
β
Checklist:
- [ ] Invoice says "Game Tokens" (not "Coins")
- [ ] Packing List shows game machine compatibility
- [ ] Photos of coins in game machines
- [ ] HS Code: 9504.90.60.00 (Best) or 9504.90.90.80
π― 7. Final Verdict: Maximize Savings, Minimize Risk
πΉ Best HS Code:
9504.90.60.00(10.0% total duty)
πΉ Avoid:3926.90.99.89(22.8% total duty)
πΉ Key Proof: Game use documentation (photos, manuals, contracts)
π° Potential Savings: 12.8% per shipment (e.g., $10,000 shipment β $1,280 saved).
π Action Plan:
1. Label all products as "Game Tokens".
2. Gather game machine photos + manuals.
3. Declare HS Code9504.90.60.00with supporting docs.
4. Split non-game items to avoid3926classification.
π Conclusion: Your Plastic Coins Deserve a 10% Duty, Not 22.8%!
β¨ Pro Tip: "If it's for games, call it a 'Token'βnot a 'Coin'!"
πΌ Your Cost Savings: 12.8% lower duty + faster customs clearance
π‘οΈ Risk Avoidance: No 22.8% penalty, no customs delaysπ Need Help?
- Contact a customs broker with game token expertise
- Request pre-clearance rulings from US CBP
- Use "Game Tokens" in all documentation
β¨ Smart Classification = Lower Duties + Faster Clearance!
π Your Plastic Coins Are Game Tokens, Not Generic Plastics!
π Ship Smarter, Pay Less, Clear Faster!
End of Guide | 2026 Tariff Schedule | Global Trade Compliance
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.