Support Sticks
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908630 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403999015 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ Support Sticks (Metal/Furniture Support Rods)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Support Sticks"?
"Support Sticks" are versatile structural components used to provide stability, elevation, or suspension. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition, end-use, and structural function.
Based on the provided data, there are three distinct categories for Support Sticks, each with significantly different tax implications.
1. General Metal Products (Iron/Steel): Generic metal rods used for general structural support. 2. Specialized Support Structures: Metal rods specifically designed as hangers or similar supporting apparatuses. 3. Furniture Components: Metal rods classified as parts of furniture (e.g., legs, braces, or structural frames for tables/chairs).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a generic metal rod not specific to furniture or specialized hanging systems β HS 7326.90.86.88
- If the item is a hanger or specialized support structure β HS 7326.90.86.30
- If the item is a part of furniture (e.g., a table leg support or cabinet brace) β HS 9403.99.90.15
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Total Tax Rate (China Origin β US) |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel (Metal Support Sticks) | Generic industrial metal rods, non-furniture structural supports | 87.9% |
7326.90.86.30 |
Hangers and similar supports made of iron/steel | Specialized hanging systems, shelving supports, industrial suspensions | 87.9% |
9403.99.90.15 |
Parts of furniture (Metal Support Sticks) | Furniture legs, cabinet supports, table braces, decorative furniture rods | 85.0% |
π Important Note:
- The difference between 7326 (General Metal) and 9403 (Furniture Parts) is critical.
- 7326 items incur a higher total tax burden due to the specific classification of "other articles of iron/steel."
- 9403 items are classified as furniture parts, which have a slightly lower base tariff (0.0%) but still suffer from substantial additional duties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply (2026 Context)
π― 1. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Metal Support Sticks (Other Iron/Steel Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to Steel/Aluminum/Copper products under Section 122) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (Specific surcharge for these material categories) |
| Total Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Explanation:
- This is a high-cost classification. The combination of Section 301 (25%), Section 122 (10%), and the Steel/Aluminum surcharge (50%) creates a compounded tax burden.
- Even though the base duty is low (2.9%), the additional tariffs push the total to nearly 90%.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.30 ββ Hangers and Similar Supports
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- Identical tax structure to7326.90.86.88.
- Despite being "hangers" or "supports," they fall under the same iron/steel article category with the same punitive tariff structure.
π― 3. 9403.99.90.15 ββ Furniture Parts (Support Sticks)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Rate | 85.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 85.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- This is the most cost-effective option among the three, saving 2.9% compared to the other two codes.
- The saving comes from the 0.0% Base Duty, while the additional tariffs (25% + 10% + 50%) remain the same.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state material (Iron/Steel vs. Other), dimensions, and load capacity. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the shape, ends, and any mounting hardware. |
| β End-Use Declaration | βοΈ | Critical: Must declare if the item is for Furniture or General Industrial Use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state the product name and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | To verify quantity and packaging type. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Declare End-Use Clearly, Choose the Right Code, Save 2.9%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture Leg/Brace | 9403.99.90.15 (Furniture Part) |
Reporting as "Metal Rod" β 87.9% |
| Industrial Hanging Support | 7326.90.86.30 (Hanger/Support) |
Reporting as "Furniture Part" β Risk of Rejection |
| Generic Metal Rod | 7326.90.86.88 (Other Iron/Steel) |
Reporting as "Furniture Part" without proof β Audit Risk |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Item Used for Both Furniture and General Structure | If primarily used for furniture, declare as 9403.99.90.15 to save costs. Provide photos showing furniture context. |
| Mixed Shipment (Furniture + Industrial Parts) | Do not mix HS Codes in a single line item unless clearly separated in the invoice. Misclassification can lead to penalties. |
| Material Not Iron/Steel (e.g., Aluminum, Plastic) | This data applies specifically to Iron/Steel. Other materials may have different tariff structures (check Section 76 for Aluminum). |
| Customs Audit on "Furniture Part" Claim | Provide installation manuals or product catalogs showing the support stick is part of a furniture assembly. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9403.99.90.15 |
85.0% | None Specific | Most cost-effective for furniture parts |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 |
87.9% | None Specific | Higher tax for general metal items |
| π¨π³ China | 9403.99.90.15 |
Varies (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Export from China to US |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9403.99.90 |
Varies (CE Marking) | CE Marking | Different tariff structure |
| π¬π§ UK | 9403.99.90 |
Varies | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit regulations apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA Tariffs are exceptionally high due to Section 301, Section 122, and specific steel/aluminum surcharges.
- Choosing9403.99.90.15over7326.90.86.88saves 2.9% on the CIF value.
- For high-volume shipments, this 2.9% difference can be significant.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring furniture support sticks as "General Metal Rods" (7326)
π Consequence: Pay 87.9% instead of 85.0%. Unnecessary cost increase.
β Mistake 2: Declaring industrial supports as "Furniture Parts" (9403)
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration as misclassification, leading to delays, fines, or retroactive application of 87.9% plus penalties.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the Section 122 and Steel/Aluminum surcharges
π Consequence: Underestimating landed costs. These surcharges are mandatory and cannot be avoided by simple re-classification unless the material is not steel/iron.
β Correct Approach:
"Metal Support Stick for Table Legs, Model XYZ, Iron/Steel, Part of Furniture Assembly" β HS 9403.99.90.15
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Furniture Parts: 85%, General Metal: 87.9%."
πΉ "Section 301 + Section 122 + Steel Surcharge = High Tariff."
πΉ "Prove End-Use, Save Money, Avoid Audits."
π Pro Tip:
If your support sticks are not made of iron/steel (e.g., wood, plastic, aluminum), this data does not apply. You must check the relevant HS Code for those materials (e.g., Section 44 for Wood, Section 39 for Plastics, Section 76 for Aluminum).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with clear product photos and end-use declaration.
π Optimize your HS Code choice to save on the 2.9% difference where applicable.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in landed cost calculations!
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.