Plastic Duckbill Clip
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926908500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615196000 | 21.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Plastic & Metal Duckbill Clips: HS Code Classification, Tax Breakdown & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Analysis
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | Professional Classification for Plastic & Metal Stationery/Hardware Items
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly is a "Duckbill Clip"?
A Duckbill Clip (often called a "peg clip" or "binder clip" variant) is a fastening device characterized by a flat, wide jaw that resembles a duck's bill. It is used to hold papers, fabrics, or lightweight materials together.
In international trade, classification depends strictly on Material and Intended Use: - Plastic Duckbill Clip: Made entirely or primarily of plastic. Classified as a general plastic article. - Metal Duckbill Clip: Made of steel, iron, or other metals. Classification splits between Hardware Accessories (8308), Miscellaneous Metal Articles (7326), and Hair Accessories (9615) if used for hair.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If used for stationery/office: Focus on 3926 (Plastic) or 8308/7326 (Metal).
- If used for hair: Must classify under 9615.
- Do not mix metal clips with plastic ones in a single HS code without clear separation, as duties vary significantly.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Classification Logic | Total Tax Rate (China to US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.90.85.00 | Plastic Duckbill Clip | Plastic | General plastic articles not elsewhere specified. Matches "plastic clips" exactly. | 24.0% |
| 8308.10.00.00 | Metal Duckbill Clip (Accessory) | Metal | Classified under "Hooks, eyes, eyelets, and the like" as an accessory/fitting. | ~39.0% (1.1Β’/kg + 2.9% + 25% + 10%) |
| 7326.90.86.88 | Metal Duckbill Clip (Steel/Iron) | Steel/Iron | "Other articles of iron or steel," not specifically listed. | 87.9% (2.9% + 25% + 10% + 50% surcharge) |
| 7326.19.00.80 | Metal Duckbill Clip (Steel Wire) | Steel | "Other articles of iron or steel" (wire fabric/strip category). | 87.9% (2.9% + 25% + 10% + 50% surcharge) |
| 9615.19.60.00 | Metal Duckbill Clip (Hair Use) | Metal | Classified as "Hair-clips, hair-slides, and the like." | 21.0% (11.0% + 0% + 10%) |
π Critical Insight:
- Plastic clips have the lowest standard base duty but face a flat 24% total (including all surcharges).
- Metal clips are highly volatile. If classified as general hardware (8308), duties are moderate (~39%).
- β οΈ WARNING: If classified as steel articles (7326), a 50% additional surcharge applies for steel/aluminum/copper products, pushing total duty to 87.9%.
- β Smart Strategy: If the clip is for hair, use 9615.19.60.00 (21% total), which is lower than most metal hardware classifications.
π° III. Detailed Tax Rate Breakdown (China β USA)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 3926.90.85.00 β Plastic Duckbill Clip
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10% |
| Total Rate | 24.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High value surcharge) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3926.90.85.00 β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic clips are subject to standard Section 301 tariffs. The 122 clause adds an extra 10% for specific categories, totaling 24%.
- No weight-based fees; purely ad valorem.
π― 2. 8308.10.00.00 β Metal Clip (Hardware Accessory)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 1.1Β’/kg + 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10% |
| Total Rate | ~39.0% (Weight-dependent + %) |
| Calculation | (1.1Β’ Γ Weight_kg) + (CIF Γ 2.9%) + (CIF Γ 35%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:8308.10.00.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This code treats the clip as a hardware fitting (like hooks/eyelets).
- The 25% Section 301 is applied on the ad valorem portion.
- Lower risk than steel codes (7326) because it avoids the 50% steel surcharge.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80 β Metal Clip (Steel Articles)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | 50% |
| Total Rate | 87.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:7326.xx.xx β Section 301 β Section 122 β Steel Surcharge (50%) |
π¨ DANGER ZONE:
- These codes trigger the 50% additional tariff for steel/aluminum/copper products.
- Total duty is nearly 88%, making this classification prohibitively expensive for most commercial imports.
- Avoid unless you have no other option and must prove it is not a "hardware accessory" (8308).
π― 4. 9615.19.60.00 β Metal Duckbill Clip (Hair Accessory)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 11.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10% |
| Total Rate | 21.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Γ 21.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:9615.19.60.00 β Section 122 |
π‘ Smart Move:
- If the duckbill clip is marketed for hair styling, use 9615.
- No Section 301 (25%) applies, only Section 122 (10%).
- Total 21% is lower than plastic (24%) and much lower than steel (87.9%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Photos | β | Show clear view of jaw shape ("duckbill") and material (plastic/metal). |
| Material Specification | β | Explicitly state: "100% Plastic" or "Steel with Plastic Coating." |
| Intended Use Statement | β | "For Office Stationery" vs. "For Hair Styling" changes HS Code. |
| Commercial Invoice | β | Describe as "Plastic Duckbill Clip" or "Metal Hair Clip," not generic "Fastener." |
| Packing List | β | Include net weight (critical for 8308 code with per-kg fee). |
β 2. Classification Strategy Tips
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Plastic Clip | 3926.90.85.00 |
Simplest, predictable 24% rate. |
| Metal Clip for Office | 8308.10.00.00 |
Avoids 50% steel surcharge; moderate duty. |
| Metal Clip for Hair | 9615.19.60.00 |
Lowest duty (21%) if marketed as hair accessory. |
| Steel Clip (No other option) | 7326.90.86.88 |
Avoid! 87.9% duty is too high. |
π₯ Key Rule:
"If itβs metal and for hair, use 9615. If itβs metal and for office, use 8308. Never use 7326 unless forced β the 50% surcharge will kill your margin."
β 3. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mislabeling Hair Clips as Office Supplies | Customs may reclassify to 8308 or 7326, increasing duty. |
Provide clear marketing materials showing hair use. |
| Ignoring Material Mix | Plastic-coated metal clips may be classified as metal. | Declare as "Steel with Plastic Coating" and justify under 8308 if possible. |
| Using Generic Term "Clip" | Ambiguity leads to random classification (high risk). | Use specific terms: "Plastic Duckbill Binder Clip" or "Metal Hair Peg." |
| Forgetting Section 122 | Underpaying taxes, leading to penalties. | Always account for 10% Section 122 surcharge. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Total Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.85.00 (Plastic) |
24.0% | Includes Sec 301 + 122. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9615.19.60.00 (Hair) |
21.0% | Best for hair accessories. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 (Steel) |
87.9% | Avoid unless necessary. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8308.10.00 (Metal) |
Varies | No Section 122/301; lower duties. |
| π¨π³ China | 8308.10.00 (Metal) |
~5-10% | Import duties much lower. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is highly sensitive to Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges.
- Plastic clips (24%) and Hair clips (21%) are the most cost-effective.
- Steel office clips (87.9%) are financially unsustainable without significant margin.
π VI. Final Recommendation
β
For Plastic Duckbill Clips:
Use 3926.90.85.00. Total duty 24%. Simple, low-risk.
β
For Metal Duckbill Clips (Office):
Use 8308.10.00.00. Total duty ~39%. Avoid 7326 to escape the 50% steel surcharge.
β
For Metal Duckbill Clips (Hair):
Use 9615.19.60.00. Total duty 21%. Best rate for metal items.
π― VII. Pro Tips for Importers
- Pre-Ruling Request: Submit an HTSUS Pre-Ruling Request to CBP if unsure about metal vs. plastic classification.
- Packaging Labeling: Clearly mark "For Hair Use" if targeting
9615. Use "For Office Use" for8308. - Weight Declaration: For
8308, ensure net weight is accurate to avoid disputes on the 1.1Β’/kg fee. - Avoid
7326: Unless you have no choice, do not classify metal clips as "miscellaneous steel articles." The 87.9% duty is a margin killer.
π£ Take Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to confirm material composition.
π Prepare Specific Product Descriptions: "Plastic Duckbill Clip" vs. "Metal Hair Clip."
π‘ Strategic Sourcing: Consider plastic alternatives to avoid metal surcharges.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Precise Classification, Maximum Profit!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in cross-border 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.