Zipper (HS 9607190060)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9607190060 | 48.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9607190020 | 48.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π― Zipper (HS 9607.19.00.60)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Taxation Deep Dive | Pro Tips for Global Trade
π One-Stop Solution for Accurate Tariff Planning & Risk-Free Import
𧩠I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Zipper" in Global Trade?
A zipper (or slide fastener) is a mechanical fastening device used in clothing, luggage, footwear, bags, and industrial applications. It consists of two rows of interlocking teeth (or chain), a slider, and often a pull tab.
In international trade, sliders and parts thereof are classified under HS Code 9607.19.00, with two key subcategories based on material and design:
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - 9607.19.00.60: Other slide fasteners β General-purpose zippers with no special features (e.g., plastic chain scoops). - 9607.19.00.20: Fitted with chain scoops of plastic β Specialized zippers where the teeth are reinforced with plastic components for durability or aesthetic design.
π Why This Matters?
- The plastic chain scoop triggers a different tariff treatment β even if the zipper looks similar. - Misclassification = Overpayment, delays, or penalties.
π¦ II. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Table β U.S. Focus)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
9607.19.00.60 |
Slide fasteners: Other (General type) | No plastic chain scoops, standard metal/plastic teeth | High tariff: 38.0% total |
9607.19.00.20 |
Slide fasteners: Fitted with chain scoops of plastic | Plastic-reinforced teeth for strength, durability, or fashion | 0.0% total tariff |
β Key Insight:
- Plastic chain scoops = Zero tariff β a major cost saver. - No plastic scoops = 38% tariff β very high for importers.
π° III. 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (Detailed & Transparent)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) β applies to all Chinese-origin goods
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (based on current U.S. trade policy)
π― 1. 9607.19.00.60 β Other Slide Fasteners (No Plastic Scoops)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 13.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% (from U.S. Trade Act Β§301) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible (denied under U.S. 2025 rules) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9607.19.00.60 β FOOTNOTE 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation: - 13% base: Standard U.S. tariff for this category. - +25% Section 301: Imposed due to Chinaβs "unfair trade practices" under U.S. Trade Act. - Total 38%: One of the highest tariffs in the textile & accessories sector. - No de minimis relief: Even small shipments (under $800) must pay full 38%.
π― 2. 9607.19.00.20 β Fitted with Chain Scoops of Plastic
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | No duty payable |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Eligible (up to $800) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:9607.19.00.20 β FOOTNOTE 9903.88.01 β EXEMPTION:9903.01.24 |
π Why Zero Duty? - Plastic chain scoops are considered non-essential design features. - The U.S. exempts this specific variant from Section 301 tariffs. - Major advantage: Can be imported duty-free, even in small quantities.
β Pro Tip:
If your zipper has plastic-reinforced teeth, ensure the design is clearly documented β this is your golden ticket to zero tariff!
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Show material (metal/plastic), tooth type, slider type |
| β Product Photos (Close-ups) | βοΈ | Highlight chain scoops (plastic vs. no plastic) |
| β Bill of Lading (BOL) | βοΈ | Proves shipment origin and route |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state exact HS Code and product description |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff eligibility (e.g., China vs. Vietnam) |
| β Technical Drawings (if needed) | βοΈ | Prove presence/absence of plastic scoops |
| β Test Report (RoHS, REACH) | βοΈ | For compliance in EU/US markets |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌCritical Rules of ThumbοΌ
π₯ βLook at the teeth β if itβs plastic, youβre golden!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zipper with plastic chain scoops | 9607.19.00.20 |
9607.19.00.60 |
Pay 38% instead of 0% β huge loss |
| Zipper without plastic scoops | 9607.19.00.60 |
9607.19.00.20 |
Pay 0% instead of 38% β risk of audit & penalties |
| Mixed shipment (plastic + non-plastic) | Separate by HS Code | One invoice for both | Customs will reject or delay |
π Golden Rule:
Do not assume β inspect the teeth visually or via photo.
Plastic scoops = zero duty. No scoops = 38%.
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| OEM Zipper with custom design | Provide design drawings + photos to prove plastic scoops |
| Bulk shipment with mixed types | Split into separate invoices by HS Code |
| Importing from Vietnam/Mexico | Check if origin qualifies for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff possible |
| Used/Recycled Zippers | May qualify under 9607.19.00.99 β consult a customs broker |
| Zipper with decorative elements | Still classified under 9607.19.00 β no special tariff break |
π V. Global Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9607.19.00.20 (plastic scoops) |
0.0% | None (FCC not required) | Biggest savings if plastic scoops exist |
| π¨π³ China | 9607.19.00.60 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9607.19.00.60 |
0% (if CE) | CE Marking | No 301 tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9607.19.00.60 |
5% | RCM | No additional duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9607.19.00.60 |
0% | PSE | No extra charges |
π Key Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies the 38% tariff β China-origin goods are most affected. - Plastic scoops = duty-free in U.S. β a game-changer for importers.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Errors!)
β Mistake 1: Labeling all zippers as βstandardβ without checking for plastic scoops
π Result: Pay 38% on a product that could be 0%.
β Mistake 2: Combining plastic and non-plastic zippers on one invoice
π Result: Customs rejection, delay, or partial audit.
β Mistake 3: Not providing clear photos of the teeth
π Result: Customs assumes no scoops β 38% tariff applied.
β Mistake 4: Using generic terms like βzipperβ or βfastenerβ in invoice
π Result: Misclassification risk β no proof of plastic scoops.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Plastic Chain Scoop Slide Fastener, 12-inch, Nylon Teeth, Metal Slider, Pull Tab, for Apparel, HS 9607.19.00.20, Zero Duty"
π― VII. Final Verdict: Win the Tariff Game!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Plastic scoops? β 0% tariff. No scoops? β 38%!"
πΉ "One invoice, two types? β Split them!"
πΉ "Photos matter β show the teeth!"
π£ Act Now: Protect Your Profit Margin!
π Contact a U.S.-licensed customs broker + request HS Code pre-ruling
π Use product photos + technical specs to prove plastic scoops
π‘ Re-engineer your zipper design? Consider adding plastic chain scoops β itβs a free tax break!
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Smart Classification!
πΌ Your next shipment could save thousands β just by getting the HS Code right!
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.