Wire Cover
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909987 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909600 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326200090 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Wire Cover (Cable Conduit & Brake Cable Casings)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Transit Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Wire Cover"?
"Wire Cover" is a generic term that encompasses two very different types of products in international trade, leading to drastically different tariff outcomes. To ensure accurate classification, you must distinguish between electrical conduit made of plastics and casings for bicycle brake/derailleur cables.
1. Electrical Conduit (Rigid Plastic Tubes):
Rigid or semi-rigid tubes/pipes made of plastics (Headings 3901β3914), specifically designed to protect electrical wiring. These are typically used in construction, automotive, or industrial electrical installations.
2. Bicycle Cable Casings:
Specifically manufactured casings for bicycle derailleur cables and inner wires for caliper/cantilever brakes, whether or not cut to length. These are components for bicycle braking and gear shifting systems, not general electrical insulation.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a rigid pipe for electrical wiring (plastic material) β Classified under 3926.90.99.87
- If the product is a housing for bike brake/derailleur cables β Classified under 3926.90.96.00
- If the product is steel wire articles (metallic sheathing, though rare for "wire cover" in general consumer goods, it exists) β Refer to 7326.20.00.90 or 7326.90.86.88 (See Data for completeness)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.87 |
Other articles of plastics: Other Rigid tubes or pipes suitable for use as electrical conduit | Electrical installations, PVC pipes, industrial cable protection | Plastic (Headings 3901β3914) | 12.8% |
3926.90.96.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Casing for bicycle derailleur cables; casing for cable/inner wire for caliper/cantilever brakes | Bicycle parts, bike repair shops, accessory manufacturers | Plastic | 0.0% |
7326.20.00.90 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Articles of iron or steel wire Other | Metal wire components, steel wire mesh items | Iron/Steel | 78.9% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other | General steel/iron articles, fasteners, miscellaneous metal parts | Iron/Steel | 77.9% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Plastic Electrical Conduit incurs a 12.8% total tax rate.
- Bicycle Cable Casings are duty-free (0.0%). This is a significant cost-saving opportunity if the product fits this description.
- Steel/Iron Articles are heavily penalized with 77.9%β78.9% due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. Do not misclassify plastic items as steel to avoid this.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.87 ββ Plastic Rigid Tubes for Electrical Conduit
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Plastic Articles) |
| Total Tariff | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Standard commercial import) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.99 β USITC Surtax: 7.5% |
π Explanation:
- The base rate is 5.3%.
- An additional 7.5% surtax is applied specifically to plastic articles from China.
- Total: 12.8%. This is a moderate tariff, significantly lower than steel products.
π― 2. 3926.90.96.00 ββ Bicycle Brake/Derailleur Cable Casings
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | N/A (Already 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.96 β No Surtax Footnote |
π Note:
- Duty-Free Entry!
- This specific subheading for bicycle cable casings is exempt from both base tariffs and additional surcharges.
- Ensure the product description explicitly states "bicycle cable casing" to benefit.
π― 3. 7326.20.00.90 & 7326.90.86.88 ββ Iron/Steel Wire Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% (for 7326.20) / 2.9% (for 7326.90) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +50.0% (Additionalε―ΉδΈε½ Products Surtax) |
| Total Tariff | 78.9% (for 7326.20) / 77.9% (for 7326.90) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 78.9% or 77.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Strictly Prohibited |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:7326 β FOOTNOTE:Steel/Aluminum/Copper |
π Warning:
- These rates apply if the "wire cover" is made of iron or steel wire (e.g., metal braided sleeves).
- The total tax exceeds 77%, making it extremely expensive.
- Misclassification Risk: If a plastic item is mistakenly declared as steel, you face huge back-taxes and penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (Plastic vs. Steel), dimensions, and application (Electrical vs. Bicycle). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the structure. For bike cables, show the inner wire and outer casing. For conduits, show rigidity and markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must use precise HS Code descriptions: "Plastic Electrical Conduit" or "Bicycle Brake Cable Casing". |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of material (e.g., PVC, PE for plastic; Steel grade for metal). Critical to avoid 78% tax. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents to avoid mixed shipment confusion. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Material Matters, Application Defines Rate!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Pipe for Wires | 3926.90.99.87 - "Plastic Rigid Tube for Electrical Conduit" |
"Wire Cover" β Vague, leads to audit or wrong code |
| Bike Cable Housing | 3926.90.96.00 - "Casing for Bicycle Derailleur/Brake Cables" |
"Plastic Tube" β Misses 0% tax benefit |
| Steel Wire Mesh | 7326.20.00.90 or 7326.90.86.88 |
"Plastic Cover" β Fraud risk, heavy penalties |
| Mixed Shipment | Declare separately by HS Code | Mixed declaration β Delay, inspection, fines |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Bike Parts | Provide end-user product photo (bicycle) and component diagram to prove it is a "casing for brake cables." |
| Electrical Conduit with Fittings | If sold as a kit (pipe + connectors), ensure the primary value is in the plastic conduit (3926.90.99.87). |
| Metal Braided Sleeves | If made of steel, expect 78.9% tax. Consider switching to plastic/polymer alternatives for cost efficiency. |
| Ambiguous "Wire Cover" | If unsure, request a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from US Customs before shipment. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.87 (Plastic Conduit) |
12.8% | UL, NEC Compliance | 3926.90.96.00 (Bike) is 0% |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.20.00.90 (Steel) |
78.9% | ASTM, ISO | Extremely high cost |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.99 |
~4-5% | CE, REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99 |
~5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower import duties |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.99 |
~3.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- US Market is the hardest for "wire covers" due to variable tariffs.
- Plastic Electrical Conduit: 12.8% tax.
- Bicycle Cable Casings: 0% tax.
- Steel Wire Products: ~78% tax. Avoid unless necessary.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all "Wire Covers" as 3926.90.99.87
π Consequence: If the product is actually a bicycle cable casing, you overpay 12.8% unnecessarily. You could have paid 0%.
β Mistake 2: Declaring plastic conduits as "Iron/Steel"
π Consequence: Risk of fraud investigation, fines, and potential seizure. Do not declare plastic as steel.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Wire Cover"
π Consequence: Customs may classify based on worst-case scenario (e.g., steel articles) or hold shipment for clarification.
β
Correct: Use specific terms like "PVC Electrical Conduit" or "Bicycle Brake Cable Housing."
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Material Origin
π Consequence: If plastic components are mixed with steel, the whole shipment might be scrutinized. Ensure clear material separation.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Bike Casing = 0%, Plastic Conduit = 12.8%, Steel Wire = 78%!"
πΉ "One word difference in description can save you 12% or cost you 78%!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting bicycle parts, always specify "Casing for Derailleur/Brake Cables" to leverage the 0% duty.
If you are exporting electrical supplies, classify as "Plastic Rigid Tubes for Electrical Conduit" and budget for 12.8% tax.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify the exact material and end-use with your supplier.
π Update your Commercial Invoice with precise HS Code descriptions.
π Optimize your tax burden by choosing the right HS Code today!
β¨ Smart Customs Clearance starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in your profit margin!
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.