Shoelaces
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5609003000 | 39.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5609001000 | 37.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307905020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308906000 | 13.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307905010 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Shoelaces & Accessories (Laces, Aglets, Eyelets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are We Importing?
Shoelaces and their associated hardware are critical components in the footwear industry. In international trade, they are strictly categorized based on material composition (fiber vs. metal) and function/form (lacing vs. fastening hardware). Misclassification here leads to significant duty disparities, especially under current US trade policies.
1. Textile Laces (Fiber-Based):
Shoelaces made from cotton, synthetic fibers, or other textile materials. These fall under Chapter 56 (Articles of yarn, strip... of other textile materials).
2. Metal Hardware (Eyelets & Aglets):
Hardware used to reinforce lace holes or secure lace ends. These fall under Chapter 83 (Articles of base metal) or Chapter 63 (Other made-up textile articles) depending on specific material and function.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is flexible, fibrous, and used for tying β It is a Lace (HS 5609).
- If the item is rigid, metallic, and used for fastening/eyelets β It is Metal Hardware (HS 8308) or Textile Accessory (HS 6307).
- Do not mix materials in one declaration line without clear separation.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
5609.00.10.00 |
Shoelaces, made of textile materials (cotton or synthetic) | Standard cotton/synthetic laces | Textile fiber |
5609.00.30.00 |
Shoelaces, artificial or cotton fibers, in the form of cords/strings | Specific fiber types falling under Chapter 56 sub-headers | Textile fiber |
6307.90.50.20 |
Shoelace accessories/accessories based on "other made-up textile articles" | Textile-based lace tips or connectors not covered elsewhere | Textile/Non-metal |
8308.10.00.00 |
Eyelets, of base metal | Metal grommets for punching holes in shoes | Base Metal |
8308.90.60.00 |
Buckles, of base metal (including clasps) | Metal buckles for shoes | Base Metal |
6307.90.50.10 |
Other made-up textile articles (shoelace accessories) | General textile accessories fallback | Textile Fallback |
π Critical Reminder:
- All textile laces must be declared under 5609. The distinction between.10and.30depends on the specific fiber composition (cotton vs. other synthetic/artificial). - Metal eyelets must be declared under 8308.10. Do not misclassify as textile accessories. - Metal buckles/clasps go under 8308.90. - Textile-only accessories (non-metal) fall under 6307.90.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5609.00.10.00 ββ Textile Shoelaces (Cotton/Synthetic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 37.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5609.00.10.00 β Section 301: +25% β 122 Clause: +10% |
π Explanation:
- Base duty is low (2.9%), but the Section 301 tariffs (25%) and 122 Clause (10%) drive the total cost to 37.9%. - This is a high-cost category for Chinese exports.
π― 2. 5609.00.30.00 ββ Textile Shoelaces (Other Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 39.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5609.00.30.00 β Section 301: +25% β 122 Clause: +10% |
π Note:
- Slightly higher total duty than5609.00.10.00due to a higher base rate (4.5% vs. 2.9%). - Applies to specific synthetic or artificial fiber laces not covered under.10.
π― 3. 6307.90.50.20 & 6307.90.50.10 ββ Textile Shoe Accessories (Non-Metal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6307.90.50.xx β Section 301: +7.5% β 122 Clause: +10% |
π Explanation:
- These are textile-based accessories (e.g., plastic-coated textile aglets, fabric loops). - Significantly lower duty (17.5%) compared to pure laces (37.9%-39.5%). - Strategic Note: If a product is purely an accessory (e.g., a decorative textile tip) and not a "lace" itself, it may qualify for this lower rate.
π― 4. 8308.10.00.00 ββ Metal Eyelets
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 1.1Β’/kg + 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 1.1Β’/kg + 37.9% |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight Γ 1.1Β’) + (CIF Value Γ 37.9%) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 8308.10.00.00 β Section 301: +25% β 122 Clause: +10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a compound duty (specific + ad valorem). - The ad valorem portion is high (37.9%) due to Section 301 and 122 Clause. - Must declare weight accurately due to the per-kg component.
π― 5. 8308.90.60.00 ββ Metal Buckles/Clasps
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 13.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 8308.90.60.00 β 122 Clause: +10% |
π Strategic Advantage:
- Lowest duty rate (13.9%) among all listed codes. - No Section 301 duty applies to this specific subheading! - Only the 122 Clause (10%) and base rate (3.9%) apply. - Ideal for metal buckles/hardware. Ensure the product is clearly a "buckle/clasp" and not an "eyelet" or "lace".
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation List (No Exceptions)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (cotton/polyester/metal), dimensions, weight |
| β Material Composition Proof | βοΈ | Lab test report confirming fiber type or metal alloy |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Front, back, and detail shots of laces/accessories |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Shoelaces" or "Shoe Accessories" clearly, not generic "Goods" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Separate weights for textile vs. metal items if mixed |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for applying/verifying Section 301 and 122 Clause exemptions (if any) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Laces are Textile, Hardware is Metal, Buckles are Cheapest!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cotton Laces | 5609.00.10.00 (37.9%) |
Misdeclare as "Garment Accessory" β Risk of penalty |
| Synthetic Laces | 5609.00.30.00 (39.5%) |
Same as above |
| Metal Eyelets | 8308.10.00.00 (1.1Β’/kg + 37.9%) |
Misdeclare as textile β High risk of audit |
| Metal Buckles | 8308.90.60.00 (13.9%) |
Misdeclare as eyelets β Higher duty |
| Textile Tips/Aglets | 6307.90.50.10/20 (17.5%) |
Misdeclare as laces β Higher duty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments (Laces + Buckles) | Declare Separately! Do not combine into one line item. Separate HS codes have different duty structures. |
| Plastic-Coated Laces | If the coating is integral, it may still be 5609. If itβs a separate plastic tip, consider 6307 for the tip. |
| Metal Aglets (Tips) | If small and part of the lace, they may be included in the lace HS code. If sold separately as hardware, declare under 8308 or 6307 depending on material. |
| Pre-Assembled Shoe Kits | If laces are pre-attached to shoes, the whole shoe is classified as footwear (Chapter 64), not accessories. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5609.00.10.00 |
37.9% | None specific | High duties due to Section 301 + 122 Clause |
| πΊπΈ USA | 8308.90.60.00 |
13.9% | None specific | Best rate for metal hardware |
| π¨π³ China | 5609.00.10.00 |
Varies (MFN) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base duties generally |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5607.90.00 |
Varies | CE (if industrial) | Different HS structure; laces often under 5607 |
| π¬π§ UK | 5607.90.00 |
Varies | UKCA | Post-Brexit changes |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the most complex and high-duty environment for Chinese-origin shoelaces/hardware. - Metal Buckles (8308.90.60.00) offer the best duty savings (13.9%) compared to laces (37.9%+). - Textile Accessories (6307.90.50) offer a middle ground (17.5%).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring metal eyelets as "Textile Accessories"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 8308, adding 25% Section 301 duty retroactively.
β Mistake 2: Combining laces and buckles into one generic "Shoe Parts" line
π Consequence: Customs will apply the highest duty rate to the entire value. Separate lines are mandatory.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause"
π Consequence: Missing the 10% additional duty applicable to many Chinese textile and metal goods. Budget failure.
β Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "Shoe Parts"
π Consequence: Delayed clearance, possible inspection, and potential fines for inaccurate declaration.
β Correct Practice:
"Shoelaces, 100% Cotton, 45cm length, HS 5609.00.10.00"
"Metal Eyelets, Brass, 5mm diameter, HS 8308.10.00.00"
"Shoe Buckles, Base Metal, HS 8308.90.60.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Laces are Textile (37-39%), Buckles are Metal (13.9%), Eyelets are Heavy (37.9%+weight), Accessories are Textile (17.5%)."
πΉ "Separate lines for mixed materials. One code for one product."
πΉ "122 Clause is always +10%. Budget for it!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting metal buckles from China to the US, prioritize 8308.90.60.00 over eyelets or laces for cost efficiency. For textiles, ensure your supplier provides accurate fiber composition reports to choose between .10 (2.9% base) and .30 (4.5% base).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide material specs + Pre-classify your goods
π Save 24% on metal hardware duties by choosing the right HS Code!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your every cent saved is a cent earned!
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.