airpods protective case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202929400 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202929336 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ AirPods Protective Case (Smart Audio Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What an "AirPods Case" Is?
An AirPods Protective Case refers to the container designed specifically to hold, protect, and transport wireless earbuds (such as Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, etc.). In international trade, these are generally classified under Chapter 42 (Articles of leather or composition leather; travelling bags, handbags...) because they are "similar containers" designed for personal accessories, unless they are integral parts of the earbuds themselves (which is rare for third-party protective cases).
Key Distinctions: * Third-Party Protective Cases: Hard shell, silicone, leather, or fabric cases sold separately. β Chapter 42. * Original Earbud Charging Cases: The plastic box that comes with the earbuds containing the battery and electronics. β Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery). * Note: This guide applies to standalone protective cases (accessories), NOT the earbuds' internal charging boxes.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the case is made of plastic sheeting or textile materials (most common for retail accessories), it falls under 4202.92.
- If it is made of leather, it falls under 4202.21 or 4202.31 (not included in the provided but relevant for broader context).
- Specific Use: Cases designed for CDs, Cassette Players, and by extension, similar small electronic accessory containers (like AirPods cases) often trigger specific subheadings.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided )
The provided data contains two specific HS Codes for "AirPods Protective Cases" (classified as containers for CD players/cassettes or general textile/plastic accessories). Both have a 0% Tax Rate in this dataset.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Type | Tax Rate | Specific Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4202.92.94.00 |
Cases designed to protect and transport compact disks (CD's), CD Rom disks, CD players, cassette players, and/or cassettes | Outer surface: Sheeting of plastics or textile materials | 0.0% (Basic: 0%, Additional: 0%) |
Specific Use: Often used for rigid, hard-shell cases that mimic CD cases or have specific compartments for small electronics like AirPods, leveraging the "CD player case" description if structured similarly. |
4202.92.93.36 |
Other: With outer surface of textile materials: Other Other | Outer surface: Textile materials | 0.0% (Basic: 0%, Additional: 0%) |
General Use: Soft cases, fabric-covered cases, or silicone/textile hybrids used for standard AirPods pouches or slip-on covers. |
π Key Reminder:
- Both codes listed in the carry a total tax of 0.0%.
-4202.92.94.00is narrower and may apply if the case is structurally similar to CD cases (rigid, specific compartments).
-4202.92.93.36is broader for textile-covered accessories.
- Do not classify the earbuds here. Only the protective case sold separately.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (From )
β Applicable Country: As per tax detail
β Origin: Not specified in , but tax is 0% for both
β Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 4202.92.94.00 β Cases for CD Players/Electronics (Plastic/Textile)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| Legal Basis | Based on provided |
| Special Notes | This code is often used for rigid protective cases that resemble CD/Jewel cases or are specifically marketed for "CD players" but adapted for smaller devices like AirPods. |
π Explanation:
- The tax rate is zero for this specific classification in the provided data.
- This is highly advantageous for importers, but ensure the product description matches the "CD player/cassette player case" intent or general "similar container" rules.
π― 2. 4202.92.93.36 β Textile-Outer Protective Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| Legal Basis | Based on provided |
| Special Notes | Applies to cases where the outer surface is primarily textile (fabric, felt, etc.), even if lined with plastic. Common for soft silicone-over-fabric or full-fabric AirPods pouches. |
π Note:
- Like the previous code, this has a 0.0% total tax.
- If your case is made of pure plastic (no textile),4202.92.94.00might be more appropriate if it fits the "CD player case" definition. If it's purely textile, use4202.92.93.36.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Do Not Miss)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the caseβs material (leather vs. textile vs. plastic) and structure. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify % of outer surface material (e.g., "Outer: 100% Polyester Fabric, Inner: Soft Foam"). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Protective Case for Wireless Earbuds, NOT part of the electronic device." |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Explain why it fits 4202.92.94.00 (if rigid/CD-style) or 4202.92.93.36 (if textile). |
| β Customs Declaration | βοΈ | Use accurate description: "Textile Protective Case for Audio Accessories" or "Plastic Case for CD Player/Earbuds." |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βCase Separate, Earbuds Apart; Textile or Plastic, Tax Zero, Donβt Mar It!β
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Fabric Case | 4202.92.93.36 |
Misdeclare as "Electronic Accessory" β Wrong Chapter 85 |
| Hard Plastic/CD-Style Case | 4202.92.94.00 |
Misdeclare as "Part of Earbuds" β Higher tax on electronics |
| Leather Case | (Not in ) | Do NOT use 4202.92 codes; use 4202.21/31 |
| Included with Earbuds | Bundle under 8518.30 (Earbuds) | Do NOT declare case separately if part of a single retail unit |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | Classify based on outer surface material. If outer is textile, use 4202.92.93.36. If outer is plastic/synthetic sheeting, consider 4202.92.94.00 if it fits the "CD player case" logic. |
| OEM Custom Cases | Provide design specs to prove itβs a "container" and not a component. |
| Cases with Electronics | If the case has a battery or charging function, it becomes an electronic device (Chapter 85), NOT a Chapter 42 case. Tax will change drastically. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (for Case Only) | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4202.92.94.00 or 4202.92.93.36 |
0% (per ) | Verify Section 301 applicability; shows 0%. |
| π¨π³ China | 4202.92.94.00 |
~5-10% | Import duties vary; export from China is free. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4202.92 |
0-4.5% | Depends on exact material composition. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4202.92 |
0-4.5% | Post-Brexit tariff rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The shows 0% tax for both specific codes, which is highly competitive.
- Ensure the product is truly a protective case and not the charging case with electronics inside.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring the AirPods Charging Case (with battery) as a protective case.
π Consequence: Misclassification under Chapter 42 instead of Chapter 85. Risk of heavy penalties and back taxes.
β
Fix: If it contains a battery, declare under 8518.30 (Earbuds) as part of the set, or separately as an electrical apparatus.
β Error 2: Using "Plastic" description for a Textile-Outer case.
π Consequence: Customs may reassess to a different subheading with higher tax.
β
Fix: Be precise: "Outer Surface: 100% Polyester Textile."
β Error 3: Assuming all "AirPods Cases" are the same.
π Consequence: Rigid CD-style cases vs. soft pouches have different HS nuances.
β
Fix: Use 4202.92.94.00 for rigid/CD-like structures; 4202.92.93.36 for textile.
π― VII. Conclusion: Accurate Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Case is Not Earbud; Tax is Zero if Classified Right!"
πΉ "Outer Surface Dictates Code: Textile = 93.36, Plastic/CD-Style = 94.00."
π Pro Tip:
- If your case is 100% Leather, do NOT use these codes. Use 4202.21.00.00 (Wallet-type) or 4202.32.00.00 (Other) β not in .
- Always provide material breakdowns to customs brokers to justify the 4202.92 classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm with your supplier: "Is this case only a protective shell, or does it have electronics?"
π Use4202.92.94.00or4202.92.93.36for 0% tax clearance.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on Getting the HS Code Right!
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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.