Road Stud Light
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8531809041 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8531809026 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909925 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9014804000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9033009000 | 39.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908676 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π£οΈ Road Stud Light (Raised Pavement Marker / Cat's Eye)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Road Stud Light"?
A Road Stud Light (also known as a Catβs Eye, Retroreflective Road Stud, or Raised Pavement Marker with Light) is a small, durable device embedded in road surfaces to delineate lane boundaries, center lines, and edges. Modern versions often incorporate LEDs, solar panels, and reflective elements for enhanced visibility at night.
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the primary function and power source: 1. Purely Reflective Studs: No power source, just retroreflective material. 2. Active LED Road Studs: Contains batteries, LEDs, and sometimes solar cells for lighting.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is electrically powered (battery/solar) and functions as a signaling device or visual signal β It often falls under Heading 8531 (Electric visual signaling apparatus).
- If it is passive (reflective only) or made primarily of plastic/rubber without electrical signaling function β It may fall under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastics) or Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel) depending on the main material.
- Note: Many simple reflective studs are misclassified. If it has a light source (LED) and is battery-operated, it is typically 8531.80.90.xxxxx.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The provided data does not contain a direct HS Code for generic "Reflective Road Studs" (which might be 3926.90.99.xxxx or 8512.20.xxxx). However, it contains related codes for visual signaling, metal handles/plastic parts, and navigational instruments.
For Road Stud Lights (specifically those with LEDs/electricity), the most relevant code from the provided list is:
| HS Code | Product Description | Why It Fits "Road Stud Light" |
|---|---|---|
8531.80.90.41 |
Other sound signaling apparatus (Part of: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus) |
β οΈ Caution: This code specifies "Other sound signaling apparatus". If your road stud emits sound (e.g., acoustic feedback), this applies. If it is visual only (LED), this might be incorrect. |
8531.80.90.26 |
Other Indicator panels: Other (Part of: Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus) |
π Likely Candidate: If the road stud is considered a "visual signaling apparatus" (like a LED indicator on a panel), it may fall here. "Indicator panels" can be interpreted broadly to include discrete LED indicators if not specified elsewhere. |
3926.90.99.25 |
Other Reflective triangular warning signs for road use | π Specific Exception: This code is for triangular warning signs. A standard round/rectangular road stud does not fit this description unless it is a specific triangular warning device. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914 | β Passive Studs: If the road stud is non-electric (just plastic/rubber with reflective film), it likely falls here as an "other article of plastic." |
π Key Insight from Data:
The provided data includes8531.80.90.26for "Other Indicator panels" with a total tax of 7.5%. This is the most plausible fit for electric LED road studs if they are classified as "visual signaling apparatus" not elsewhere specified.
However, if the product is purely reflective (no battery), it would typically be3926.90.99.89(Total Tax: 12.8%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (USA Import)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: As per current USITC regulations
π― 1. 8531.80.90.26 β Electric Visual Signaling Apparatus (Indicator Panels)
Assuming the Road Stud Light is an LED visual signaling device.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% (from provided data: "ε εΎε ³η¨: 7.5%") |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | 0% (Not applicable unless significant metal content is the primary feature, but data shows 0% for this code) |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available for China-origin goods under Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- The data explicitly states: "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 7.5%".
- Total rate is 7.5%.
- This is significantly lower than general steel/aluminum surcharges (50%) or other high-tariff items (77.9%).
- Note: The provided data does not list the 25% Section 301 tariff for this specific code, only 7.5%. This may reflect a specific exclusions list or a different tariff schedule version. Always verify with current USITC data.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 β Other Plastic Articles (Passive Road Studs)
If the road stud is non-electric.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Electric vs. Passive, Voltage, LED specs, Material (Plastic/Metal). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the stud from top, bottom, and side. Highlight any LED components or batteries. |
| β Declaration of Function | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Electric Visual Signaling Device" or "Reflective Road Marker (Non-Electric)." |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Percentage of plastic, metal, glass, LED components. |
| β Bill of Lading / Invoice | βοΈ | Ensure HS Code matches the description exactly. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Decision Tree)
π₯ "Electric or Not? That is the Question!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code (from data) | Total Tax | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Road Stud (Battery/Solar) | 8531.80.90.26 |
7.5% | β οΈ Medium (Must prove it's "visual signaling") |
| Acoustic Road Stud (Makes sound) | 8531.80.90.41 |
7.5% | β οΈ Medium (Must prove it's "sound signaling") |
| Passive Reflective Stud (No battery) | 3926.90.99.89 |
12.8% | β Low (Standard plastic article) |
| Triangular Warning Sign (Reflective) | 3926.90.99.25 |
0.0% | β Low (Only for triangular signs) |
π Critical Warning:
- Do not classify an LED road stud as7326.90.86.88(Other articles of iron/steel) unless it is primarily made of steel. The tax for that is 77.9% (Base 2.9% + 25% + 50% steel surcharge). This would be a massive overpayment.
- Similarly, avoid7326.90.86.76(Metal handles) with 52.9% tax.
- Correct Classification Saves Money:8531.80.90.26(7.5%) vs.7326.90.86.88(77.9%).
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Solar-Powered Road Studs | Declare as "Electric Visual Signaling Apparatus" (8531.80.90.26). Provide circuit diagram showing LED + Solar + Battery. |
| Metal Casing Road Studs | If the metal casing is functional (structural) and not just decorative, customs may challenge 3926 classification. Stick to 8531 if electric. |
| Combined Shipments | If shipping both electric and passive studs, separate them on the invoice. Mixing can lead to scrutiny. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8531.80.90.26 |
7.5% | Based on provided data. Verify if 25% Section 301 applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8531.80.90.20 |
0-4% | Generally low duty for signaling devices. |
| π¨π³ China | 8531.80.90.20 |
0-5% | Low import duty for electronic components. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers a competitive 7.5% rate for electric road studs if correctly classified under8531.80.90.26.
- Misclassification as steel products (7326...) leads to 77.9% tax, which is a 10x cost increase.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Classifying LED road studs as "Plastic Articles" (3926...)
π Result: Overpayment? No, actually 3926 is 12.8%, which is higher than 8531 (7.5%). So, classifying as plastic is more expensive for electric studs.
π Correction: Use 8531.80.90.26 for electric studs.
β Mistake 2: Classifying LED road studs as "Steel Articles" (7326...)
π Result: 77.9% tax. Catastrophic loss of profit.
π Correction: Only use 7326 if the product is purely metallic and non-electric.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Surcharge" Detail
π Result: Assuming 0% base rate means 0% total.
π Correction: Always add the "ε εΎε
³η¨" (Surcharge) from the data. For 8531.80.90.26, it's 7.5%.
β Correct Description Example:
"LED Road Stud, Electric Visual Signaling Apparatus, Solar-Powered, Plastic Housing, Model XYZ, FCC Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "LED = Visual Signaling (
8531)" β 7.5%
πΉ "Plastic/Passive = Plastic Article (3926)" β 12.8%
πΉ "Steel/Metal = Steel Article (7326)" β 77.9% (Avoid!)
π Pro Tip:
If your product is electric, ensure your commercial invoice clearly states "Electric Visual Signaling Apparatus". Attach a photo of the LED component and a spec sheet showing voltage/battery. This supports your classification under 8531.80.90.26 and avoids unnecessary audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm Classification: Double-check if your specific road stud has a sound component (then
8531.80.90.41) or is visual only (8531.80.90.26).
π Prepare Docs: Specs, Photos, and Material Declaration.
π Optimize Costs: Choose the correct HS code to save up to 70% in taxes!
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Thousands!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on the Right HS Code!
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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.