Telescopic Hair Clip
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615904000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615114000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615903000 | 15.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Telescopic Hair Clip (Expandable Hairpin)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Telescopic Hair Clip"?
A Telescopic Hair Clip is a functional hair accessory designed to hold hair in place, distinguished by its extendable or collapsible mechanism (often a spring-loaded or sliding joint). It is primarily made of plastic, metal, or a combination thereof.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition and primary function: * Hair Accessories (Plastic/Mixed): Most common. Classified under Chapter 96. * Jewelry/Imitation Jewelry (Non-precious Metal/Plastic with gems): If decorated extensively or made of base metals, potentially classified under Chapter 71.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the primary material is plastic and it is used for holding hair β Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles)
- If it is made of non-precious metal (e.g., brass, zinc alloy) and resembles jewelry (decorative focus) β Chapter 71 (Imitation Jewelry)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following classifications are derived from the specific product attributes: Telescopic Hair Clip, Plastic/Base Metal, Hair Accessory.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Form | Summary/Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9615.11.40.00 |
Hair Clips, Combs, etc. β Hair Clips of Hard Rubber or Plastics | Plastic / Hard Rubber | Shape matches hair clip; material inferred as plastic/hard rubber. Fits "Other" category within hair clips. | 15.3% |
9615.90.40.00 |
Hair Clips β Other (Plastic) | Plastic | Matches form "Hair Clip" and use "Hair Accessory". Commonly plastic. | 15.3% |
9615.90.30.00 |
Hair Clips β Other (Other) | Various | Product name "Hair Clip" fully matches the category explanation for hair clips. | 15.1% |
3926.90.85.00 |
Other Articles of Plastic | Plastic | Inferred as plastic material, falls under general plastic articles category. | 24.0% |
7117.90.90.00 |
Imitation Jewelry | Non-precious Metal / Plastic | Inferred material as non-precious metal or plastic; form is jewelry/ornament. | 28.5% |
π Analysis of Options: * Most Accurate for Plastic Hair Clips:
9615.11.40.00or9615.90.40.00(Tax: 15.3%) * Most Accurate for Generic Plastic Hair Accessories:9615.90.30.00(Tax: 15.1%) * Risk of Misclassification (Higher Tax):3926.90.85.00(Tax: 24.0%) β Only if not specifically recognized as a "Hair Clip" in Chapter 96. * Jewelry Classification (Highest Tax):7117.90.90.00(Tax: 28.5%) β Only if deemed decorative jewelry rather than functional hair tool.
π° III. Detailed Tariff Breakdown (2024/2025 Rates)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Status: Includes Base Duty + Section 301 Duties + Section 122/Other Add-ons
π― 1. 9615.11.40.00 & 9615.90.40.00 β Hair Clips (Plastic/Hard Rubber)
- Base Duty: 5.3%
- Section 301 (Additional) Duty: 0.0% (Note: Some hair accessories may be excluded or have lower rates, but data shows 0% additional here)
- Section 122 Duty (or equivalent add-on): 10%
- Total Tax Rate: 15.3%
- Tax Calculation: CIF Value Γ 15.3%
- Legal Basis Path:
USITC:9615.11.40.00/USITC:9615.90.40.00βSection 301 FootnotesβSection 122 Add-on
π Explanation:
- These codes are specifically for hair accessories.
- The 5.3% base rate is standard for plastic hair tools.
- The 10% add-on brings the total to 15.3%. This is the most competitive rate for plastic telescopic hair clips.
π― 2. 9615.90.30.00 β Hair Clips (Other)
- Base Duty: 5.1%
- Section 301 (Additional) Duty: 0.0%
- Section 122 Duty: 10%
- Total Tax Rate: 15.1%
- Tax Calculation: CIF Value Γ 15.1%
- Legal Basis Path:
USITC:9615.90.30.00βSection 301 FootnotesβSection 122 Add-on
π Explanation:
- Slightly lower base duty (5.1%) than plastic-specific subheadings.
- Ideal if the material is mixed or not strictly "hard rubber/plastic" but still clearly a hair clip.
- Lowest Total Tax Rate: 15.1%
π― 3. 3926.90.85.00 β Other Plastic Articles
- Base Duty: 6.5%
- Section 301 (Additional) Duty: 7.5%
- Section 122 Duty: 10%
- Total Tax Rate: 24.0%
- Tax Calculation: CIF Value Γ 24.0%
- Legal Basis Path:
USITC:3926.90.85.00βSection 301: 7.5%βSection 122: 10%
π Explanation:
- This is a "catch-all" plastic category.
- Higher tax due to 7.5% Section 301 duty + 10% add-on.
- Avoid this code unless the product is clearly NOT a hair clip (e.g., a plastic part for a toy).
π― 4. 7117.90.90.00 β Imitation Jewelry
- Base Duty: 11.0%
- Section 301 (Additional) Duty: 7.5%
- Section 122 Duty: 10%
- Total Tax Rate: 28.5%
- Tax Calculation: CIF Value Γ 28.5%
- Legal Basis Path:
USITC:7117.90.90.00βSection 301: 7.5%βSection 122: 10%
π Explanation:
- Highest Tax Rate: 28.5%.
- Only apply if the hair clip is considered jewelry (e.g., heavily embellished with rhinestones, made of precious metal alloys).
- Functional hair clips should NOT be classified here to save 13+ percentage points.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the telescopic mechanism and hair-holding function. Prove itβs a hair clip, not jewelry. |
| β Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material: "Plastic", "Zinc Alloy", etc. Function: "Hair Accessory". |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Plastic Telescopic Hair Clip" or "Hair Accessory". Avoid "Jewelry". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include quantity, weight, and dimensions. |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | If not from China, claim preferential rates where applicable. |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Function over Form. If it holds hair, itβs 9615, not 7117!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Telescopic Clip | 9615.11.40.00 or 9615.90.40.00 |
Clearly a plastic hair accessory. Tax: 15.3% |
| Mixed Material (Plastic + Metal) | 9615.90.30.00 |
General hair clip category. Tax: 15.1% |
| Decorative Jewelry Clip (Rhino-stones) | 7117.90.90.00 |
Classified as imitation jewelry. Tax: 28.5% |
| Plastic Part (Not for hair) | 3926.90.85.00 |
Not a hair clip. Tax: 24.0% |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT describe as "Hair Jewelry" or "Ornamental Clip" on the invoice if itβs functional. This triggers 7117 classification and 28.5% tax.
- Do NOT use "Plastic Article" if itβs clearly a hair clip. This triggers 3926 classification and 24.0% tax.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Set of Hair Clips | Declare as a set. Use the HS code for the principal item (usually the hair clip). Do not split into multiple lines. |
| Telescopic Hair Pin (Metal) | If metal but functional, still prefer 9615 if plastic/mixed. If pure metal, check for 7320 (spring) vs 9615 (hair accessory). Usually, 9615 prevails for hair tools. |
| Sample Shipments | Clearly mark as "Sample, Not for Resale" to avoid duty if under de minimis ($800), but ensure correct HS for customs records. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tax (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9615.11.40.00 |
15.3% | Includes Section 301 + 122 Add-on. |
| πΊπΈ USA (Jewelry) | 7117.90.90.00 |
28.5% | High tax. Avoid if functional. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9615.19.00 |
6.5% | No Section 301. Lower base duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 9615.19.00 |
12-15% | Import duty varies. Check latest CHFTA. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9615.19.00 |
6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-tax market for hair accessories due to Section 301 and 122 add-ons.
- Correct classification (9615 vs 7117) saves 13%+ in duties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others)
β Mistake 1: Using "Hair Clip" in the description but declaring as 3926.90.85.00
π Consequence: Higher tax (24.0%) due to misclassification. Customs may audit and penalize.
β Mistake 2: Calling it "Imitation Jewelry" when itβs a functional clip
π Consequence: Tax jumps to 28.5%. Huge cost increase.
β Mistake 3: Not specifying material (Plastic vs Metal)
π Consequence: Customs may classify based on highest duty or request additional documentation, delaying clearance.
β Best Practice:
"Plastic Telescopic Hair Accessory, Model XYZ, for holding hair, NOT for decorative jewelry purposes."
π― VII. Conclusion: Optimize Your Clearance
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Functional Hair Clips β 9615 (Tax: ~15%)
πΉ Decorative Jewelry β 7117 (Tax: ~28.5%)
πΉ General Plastic β 3926 (Tax: ~24%)
π Action Items:
1. Label clearly as "Hair Accessory" or "Hair Clip".
2. Exclude words like "Jewelry", "Ornament", "Decorative" unless truly decorative.
3. Use HS Code 9615.11.40.00 or 9615.90.40.00 for plastic clips to ensure 15.3% tax.
4. If mixed material, use 9615.90.30.00 for 15.1% tax.
π£ Pro Tip:
Always request a binding ruling from CBP (US Customs) if unsure about classification. It provides legal protection and certainty for future shipments.
β¨ Clearance Success Starts with Precision!
πΌ Save 13%+ by choosing the right HS Code!
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.