Solar Angel Light
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9405416000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405418440 | 13.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Solar Angel Light (Photovoltaic LED Luminaires)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Solar Angel Light"?
The "Solar Angel Light" is a photovoltaic-powered outdoor lighting fixture. It combines a solar panel for energy harvesting, a rechargeable battery, and LED light sources, all integrated into a fixed or semi-fixed housing (often shaped as an angel, bird, or decorative figure).
Crucially, it is NOT a portable battery-operated lamp (like a flashlight). It is designed for permanent installation or fixed placement (e.g., garden, porch, pathway).
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- Portable vs. Fixed: If it requires external plugging or is carried (flashlight), it falls under 8513.
- Solar LED Luminaire: Since it uses a solar panel to drive LEDs and is intended for fixed/outdoor use, it falls under 9405.41 (Luminaires & Lighting fittings).
- Specific Sub-category: It is "Photovoltaic, designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the exact HS Codes and their applicability:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
9405.41.60.00 |
Solar Angel Light (Base Metal) Photovoltaic, LED-only, Of base metal, Other |
β’ Housing is made of Base Metal (Iron, Steel, Aluminum, etc.) β’ Integrated Solar Panel + LED β’ Fixed/Outdoor Use |
β Most Common for standard metal angel lights |
9405.41.84.40 |
Solar Angel Light (Other Material) Photovoltaic, LED-only, Other, Other |
β’ Housing is NOT Base Metal (e.g., Plastic, Resin, Ceramic, Wood) β’ Integrated Solar Panel + LED β’ Fixed/Outdoor Use |
β For Plastic/Resin decorative angel lights |
π Critical Distinction:
- Do NOT use 8513 codes (Flashlights/Portable Lamps): These are for battery-operated, handheld items. Solar Angel Lights are luminaires (fixed fittings), not portable lamps.
- Material Matters: The base material of the light fixture housing determines the split between9405.41.60.00(Base Metal) and9405.41.84.40(Other).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import Analysis)
β Applicable Context: Import into the United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Current Trade War Era)
π― 1. 9405.41.60.00 β Solar Angel Light (Base Metal)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Solar Angel Light (Metal Housing) |
| Base Duty Rate | 6.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301 / "Section 301") | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 31.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO (Valuation applies to all shipments) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 Tariff List, HTSUS 9405.41.60.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 6.0% is the standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duty.
- The 25.0% is the "Additional Duty" imposed under the Section 301 trade action (specifically targeting Chinese solar and lighting products).
- Total Cost Impact: If you import $1,000 worth of metal Solar Angel Lights, you must pay $310 in duties immediately.
π― 2. 9405.41.84.40 β Solar Angel Light (Non-Metal / Other)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Solar Angel Light (Plastic/Resin/Ceramic Housing) |
| Base Duty Rate | 3.9% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301 / "Section 301") | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 28.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 Tariff List, HTSUS 9405.41.84.40 |
π Explanation:
- Even if the housing is plastic, the 25.0% additional duty still applies.
- The only difference is the slightly lower base duty (3.9% vs 6.0%), resulting in a total of 28.9%.
- Profit Margin Alert: This 25% surcharge significantly impacts the landed cost of solar garden decor.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must explicitly state: "Photovoltaic Solar LED Lamp" | Avoids misclassification as "Flashlight" (8513). |
| Product Spec Sheet | Detail: Solar Panel W, Battery mAh, LED Lumens, Housing Material | Crucial: Must prove "Base Metal" vs "Other" to select correct HS Code. |
| Photographs | Clear images of the product (side/front) showing Solar Panel & Housing | Customs officers visually verify "Luminaire" vs "Portable Lamp". |
| Bill of Materials (BOM) | List components: Solar Panel, Controller, Battery, LED, Housing | Confirms "Designed solely for LED" and "Photovoltaic" nature. |
| Country of Origin (CO) | Must declare "Made in China" (if applicable) | Triggers the +25% Section 301 duty. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Golden Rules")
π₯ Rule #1: Never declare as "Portable Lamp" (8513)
If you declare a Solar Angel Light as a "Flashlight" (8513.10), you will likely be rejected because:
- It is not designed to be carried (it's a decorative fixture).
- It is "not elsewhere specified" in 8513.
- Risk: Seizure, re-classification penalty, and delays.π₯ Rule #2: Be Specific on Material
- If the angel is Metal β Use9405.41.60.00.
- If the angel is Plastic/Resin β Use9405.41.84.40.
- Warning: If the housing is a mix (e.g., metal base + plastic wings), customs may classify based on the primary material or the most valuable component. Declare the dominant material clearly.
β 3. Cost Optimization Tips
| Strategy | Action |
|---|---|
| Material Sourcing | Consider sourcing plastic-housing variants (9405.41.84.40) to save 2.1% in base duty (3.9% vs 6.0%), though the 25% penalty remains. |
| Third-Party Logistics (3PL) | Store inventory in US/CA/MX hubs to avoid per-shipment duty collection if bulk imported (though 301 duties still apply). |
| HTSUS Verification | Always check the Section 301 List before shipping; rates change frequently. |
π V. Market Comparison & Risk Summary
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Add-On Duty | Total Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9405.41.60.00 / 84 |
3.9% - 6.0% | +25.0% | 28.9% - 31.0% | π΄ HIGH |
| π¨π³ China | 9405.41 |
6.0% | 0% | 6.0% | π’ Low |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9405.41 |
2.5% - 4.0% | 0% | ~3% | π’ Low (No Section 301) |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9405.41 |
6.0% | 0% | 6.0% | π’ Low |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the most difficult for Solar Angel Lights due to the 25% additional duty.
- Metal versions cost 31% in duties.
- Plastic versions cost 28.9% in duties.
- No De Minimis exemption exists for these goods; even small samples are taxed.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Avoid These!)
β Error 1: Misclassifying as "Portable Electric Lamps" (8513)
- Result: Customs will seize or force re-classification.
- Correct: Always use 9405 for solar fixtures.
β Error 2: Ignoring Material Composition
- Result: If you declare "Plastic" but the base is Metal, you pay the higher 31% rate after penalties, or face audits.
- Correct: Measure the weight or volume of materials to determine "Base Metal" status.
β Error 3: Assuming "Solar" = Free Entry
- Result: Many assume solar products are tax-exempt. False. Solar panels might have different rates, but Solar Luminaires are heavily taxed.
- Correct: Prepare for ~30% landed cost.
π― VII. Final Conclusion & Action Plan
π― Key Takeaway:
Solar Angel Lights are Luminaires (9405), not Portable Lamps (8513).
- Metal Housing β 9405.41.60.00 β 31.0% Total Tax
- Plastic/Other β 9405.41.84.40 β 28.9% Total Tax
π Action Steps:
1. Verify Material: Check if your Angel Light is 100% metal or composite.
2. Calculate Landed Cost: Add 28.9% - 31.0% to your FOB price immediately.
3. Prepare Docs: Ensure specs clearly state "Solar," "LED," and "Fixed Mounting."
4. Consult a Broker: For high-volume shipments, request a Binding Tariff Ruling (BTR) from CBP to lock in the HS Code.
β¨ Precision is Profit.
πΌ Get the HS Code right, or pay 30% extra. Get it wrong, and your shipment gets stuck!
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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.