Remote Control Holder
CN โ USAI Analysis
๐ฎ Remote Control Holder (Universal TV Remote Organizer)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Remote Control Holder"?
A Remote Control Holder is a storage accessory designed to organize, store, and display remote controls for TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and air conditioners. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the material composition and primary function.
Most common holders are categorized as: 1. Plastic/Acrylic Organizers: Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics). 2. Wooden/Bamboo Holders: Classified under Chapter 44 (Wood). 3. Metal/Steel Holders: Classified under Chapter 73 (Iron/Steel) or 83 (Base Metal Artifacts). 4. Textile/Fabric Holders: Classified under Chapter 63 (Other Made-up Articles).
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction:
- If the holder is specifically designed to hold only remote controls and is recognized as a general-purpose organizer โ It is typically classified as an "article for the conveyance or packing of goods" or "household articles." - If it contains electronic components (e.g., wireless charging) โ It may be reclassified under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery). - Standard Plastic/Wood/Metal holders without electronics fall under their respective material chapters.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3924.10.00.00 |
Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics | Plastic remote holders, acrylic organizers, silicone sleeves | โ Plastic |
4421.99.98.00 |
Other articles of wood (including cork, bamboo, etc.) | Wooden, bamboo, or rattan remote caddies | โ Wood/Bamboo |
7323.94.00.00 |
Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel | Metal wire or sheet metal remote racks | โ Metal (Iron/Steel) |
8302.41.00.00 |
Base metal mountings, fittings and similar articles for furniture | Metal brackets/hooks specifically for mounting remotes | โ Metal (Fitting) |
6307.90.98.89 |
Other made-up articles, n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) | Fabric, felt, or woven textile remote pouches | โ Textile |
๐ Key Reminder:
- Plastic is the most common material. If itโs a simple tray/holder made of plastic,3924.10.00.00is the standard choice. - Wood/Bamboo items are popular in eco-friendly markets. Use4421.99.98.00. - Do NOT classify as "furniture" unless itโs a large console unit. Small handheld or tabletop holders are "household articles."
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 3924.10.00.00 โ Plastic Household Articles (Most Common)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Footnote 9903.88.01 โ Note: Rates may vary by specific HTS subheading; check latest IEEPA list) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (China) | +10% (Section 301 Additional Duty for China-origin goods) |
| Total Effective Rate | ~22.8% (5.3% Base + 7.5% Sec 301 + 10% IEEPA) |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value ร Total Rate |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (Section 301 goods are generally excluded from 800.85/800.93 de minimis thresholds if properly annotated) |
| Legal Path | USITC:3924.10.00.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 โ IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
๐ Explanation:
- Plastic household items from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs. - The 10% IEEPA surcharge applies to all Section 301 items of Chinese origin unless specifically exempted. - Total burden is ~22.8%, significantly higher than the base 5.3%.
๐ฏ 2. 4421.99.98.00 โ Wood/Bamboo Articles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.4% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
| Legal Path | USITC:4421.99.98.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 โ IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
๐ Explanation:
- Wooden items also face Section 301 tariffs. - Bamboo is often grouped with wood. Ensure the product description clearly states "Bamboo" if applicable, as some preferential lists may treat natural fibers differently (though usually still covered by Sec 301).
๐ฏ 3. 6307.90.98.89 โ Textile/Fabric Holders
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 9.5% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~27.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
| Legal Path | USITC:6307.90.98.89 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 โ IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
๐ Explanation:
- Textile articles often have higher base duties. - Still subject to additional surcharges.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
โ 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Show material (plastic/wood/metal) and structure |
| โ Material Specification | โ๏ธ | Confirm % composition (e.g., 100% ABS Plastic) |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state "Remote Control Holder" โ NOT "Furniture" |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Include dimensions and weight |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | For preferential treatment if not from China |
| โ FCC/CE Compliance | โ (Usually) | Not required for passive holders, but check if wireless charging is included |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "Material Defines Code, Function Defines Purpose, Origin Defines Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Holder | 3924.10.00.00 |
"TV Accessory" (Vague) | Customs may reclassify or delay |
| Wooden Holder | 4421.99.98.00 |
"Furniture" (Incorrect) | Higher duty + penalties |
| Metal Rack | 7323.94.00.00 |
"Steel Product" (Generic) | Misclassification risk |
| With Wireless Charging | 8504.40.00.00 | 3924 (Plastic) | Severe Penalty! |
๐ Critical Warning:
If the remote holder includes USB ports or wireless charging pads, it is NO LONGER a simple household article. It becomes an electrical apparatus. - Reclassify to:8504.40.00.00(Static converters) or8517.62.00.00(Machines for reception/conversion). - Tariff Impact: May be subject to different Section 301 lists. Verify carefully!
โ 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | Declare the principal material (e.g., Plastic base with wooden top โ Still likely 3924 or 4421 depending on weight/value). Provide detailed breakdown. |
| OEM Custom Design | Provide design files to prove itโs a specific "holder" and not generic packaging. |
| Small Volume Imports | If value < $800, check if Section 301 applies to de minimis. Usually, Section 301 DOES apply to de minimis for China. Consult broker. |
| Eco-Friendly Bamboo | Ensure no plastic laminates exceed thresholds. If laminated, may be reclassified as plastic/composite. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3924.10.00.00 |
~22.8% | None (Passive) | High tariffs due to Sec 301 |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3924.10.00.00 |
5% | None | No surcharges |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3924.10.00 |
4.5% | CE (if electronic) | No surcharges |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 3924.10.00 |
4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 3924.10.00 |
4.5% | PSE (if electronic) | Low base duty |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 3924.10.00 |
5% | RCM (if electronic) | GST applies |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 tariffs. - EU/UK/JP/AU are more tariff-friendly but require standard safety certifications if the product is electronic.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Classifying a wireless charging remote holder as a plastic holder (3924)
๐ Consequence: Customs detects electronic components โ Re-classifies to 8504 โ Back taxes + penalties
โ Mistake 2: Declaring as "Furniture" (9403)
๐ Consequence: Furniture has different duty rates and may trigger anti-dumping investigations โ Delays
โ Mistake 3: Ignoring "Origin Labeling"
๐ Consequence: US Customs (CBP) strictly enforces country-of-origin marks. If missing, goods may be seized
โ Mistake 4: Vague Description ("TV Accessory")
๐ Consequence: CBP issues a Request for Information (RFI) โ 7-14 day delay
โ Correct Declaration Example:
"Plastic Remote Control Holder, Model XYZ, 100% ABS Plastic, No Electronic Components, For Household Use, Made in China"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Lower Costs!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Material Matters, Electronics Change Everything!"
๐น "No Electronics = Chapter 39/44/73",
๐น "With Electronics = Chapter 85",
๐น "China Origin = Sec 301 Tax + 10% IEEPA"
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing to the US, verify the current Section 301 exclusion list. Some plastic articles may have temporary exclusions. If your HS Code is excluded, your tariff could drop to just 5.3% (Base)!
๐ฃ Action Step:
๐ Engage a licensed customs broker.
๐ค Submit photos and material specs for Pre-Ruling if shipment value is high.
๐ Avoid costly reclassifications by being precise!
โจ Precision in Classification Saves Money!
๐ผ Every HS Code decimal counts!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.