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badge button

CN β†’ US
HS Code Tariff Rate Origin Destination Doc
9606220000 35.0% CN US Official Doc
9606216000 39.7% CN US Official Doc
7117199000 28.5% CN US Official Doc
7117909000 28.5% CN US Official Doc
8308903000 35.0% CN US Official Doc
8308100000 0.0% CN US Official Doc

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AI Analysis

πŸ… Badge & Buttons (Clothing Accessories & Imitation Jewelry)


🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
πŸ“Œ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Badge Button"?

In international trade, the term "Badge Button" is ambiguous and can refer to two completely different categories based on material, function, and value. Misclassification here leads to massive duty discrepancies.

Category A: Functional Buttons
Hardware used to fasten clothing, shoes, bags, or other textile articles. These are utilitarian.
Category B: Decorative/Imitation Jewelry
Ornaments worn for aesthetic purposes, such as lapel pins, commemorative badges, or fashion jewelry items that may look like buttons but are classified as jewelry.

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the item is fastening clothing/accessories β†’ It is a Button (Chapter 96).
- If the item is ornamental jewelry (even if made of base metal) β†’ It is Imitation Jewelry (Chapter 71).
- If it is a bead/spangle attached to clothing β†’ It is a Fastener Part (Chapter 83).


πŸ“¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

Based on the provided data, here is how "Badge Buttons" are classified into specific HS Codes and their corresponding taxes.

HS Code Product Description Application Scenario Material/Type
9606.22.00.00 Buttons of base metal, not covered with textile material Functional shirt buttons, jacket buttons, military uniform buttons Functional Base Metal Buttons
9606.21.60.00 Buttons of plastics, not covered with textile material (Other) Plastic shirt buttons, costume buttons, uniform plastic fasteners Functional Plastic Buttons
7117.19.90.00 Imitation jewelry: Of base metal (other) Lapel pins, decorative badge pendants, fashion jewelry badges Decorative Base Metal Jewelry
7117.90.90.00 Imitation jewelry: Other (valued >20 cents/doz) High-value decorative badges, ornamental pins with precious metal plating Decorative High-Value Jewelry
8308.90.30.00 Beads and spangles of base metal Sequins, decorative beads sewn onto garments or bags Accessory Beads/Spangles
8308.10.00.00 Hooks, eyes and eyelets Eyelets for shoelaces, hook-and-eye closures on clothing Accessory Hardware

πŸ” Critical Reminder:
- A "Badge" that is worn for decoration (e.g., a scout badge, a corporate logo pin) is NOT a button. It falls under Imitation Jewelry (7117) or Beads/Spangles (8308), NOT Chapter 96.
- A "Button" that is used to fasten a garment is NOT jewelry. It falls under Chapter 96 (9606), even if it is made of shiny base metal.
- Do not mix them up! Declaring a decorative pin as a "button" to avoid higher jewelry taxes (or vice versa) is a major compliance risk.


πŸ’° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Tax Breakdown)

βœ… Applicable Market: United States (US)
βœ… Origin: China (CN)
βœ… Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 9606.22.00.00 β€”β€” Buttons of Base Metal

Item Content
Basic Tariff 0.0% (Ad Valorem)
Additional Tariff (Section 301) +25.0%
Total Tax Rate 25.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 25%
De Minimis Exemption? ❌ No (Denied)
Legal Basis Direct 301 Tariff application on Base Metal Buttons

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- Functional buttons made of base metal (zinc, brass, iron) are subject to a 25% additional tariff.
- Although the basic duty is 0%, the 301 tariff makes the total cost significant.
- Note: This applies to functional buttons only. Decorative "badges" must NOT be declared here.

🎯 2. 9606.21.60.00 β€”β€” Buttons of Plastics (Other)

Item Content
Basic Tariff 0.0%
Additional Tariff 0.0%
Total Tax Rate 0.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 0%
De Minimis Exemption? βœ… Yes (Usually eligible under $800 if de minimis applies, but check specific rules)

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- Plastic buttons enjoy zero duty.
- If your "badge button" is actually a plastic fastener, this is the optimal HS Code.
- Warning: Do not use this for decorative plastic pins/jewelry; they may be classified under other jewelry headings with different rates.

🎯 3. 7117.19.90.00 β€”β€” Imitation Jewelry: Base Metal (Other)

Item Content
Basic Tariff 0.0%
Additional Tariff 0.0%
Total Tax Rate 0.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 0%
De Minimis Exemption? βœ… Yes (Eligible under $800 de minimis for most low-value items)

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- Decorative base metal badges/pins (imitation jewelry) are taxed at 0%.
- This is much lower than functional base metal buttons (25%).
- Strategy: If the item is clearly a decorative pin (e.g., a enamel lapel pin), ensure it is declared as Imitation Jewelry (7117.19.90.00), not a button, to save 25%.

🎯 4. 7117.90.90.00 β€”β€” Imitation Jewelry: Valued Over 20 Cents/Doz

Item Content
Basic Tariff 11.0%
Additional Tariff +7.5%
Total Tax Rate 18.5%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 18.5%
De Minimis Exemption? ❌ No (High value items often excluded)

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- This applies to higher-value imitation jewelry (e.g., plated with precious metals, high cost per piece).
- If your badge is expensive (e.g., a commemorative medal with gold plating), it falls here.
- Rate is 18.5%, which is lower than base metal buttons (25%) but higher than base metal imitation jewelry (0%).

🎯 5. 8308.90.30.00 β€”β€” Beads and Spangles of Base Metal

Item Content
Basic Tariff 0.0%
Additional Tariff +25.0%
Total Tax Rate 25.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 25%
De Minimis Exemption? ❌ No

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- If the "badge" is actually a bead or spangle (sequin) attached to clothing for decoration, it is classified here.
- Subject to 25% additional tariff.
- Distinction: Spangles are small, flat, ornamental pieces. Pins with stems/backings are Jewelry (7117).

🎯 6. 8308.10.00.00 β€”β€” Hooks, Eyes and Eyelets

Item Content
Basic Tariff 0.0%
Additional Tariff 0.0%
Total Tax Rate 0.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value Γ— 0%
De Minimis Exemption? βœ… Yes

πŸ“Œ Explanation:
- If the item is an eyelet (hole reinforcement) or hook/eye fastener, it is 0% duty.
- Not applicable to standard button badges.


πŸ› οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Strategy)

βœ… 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)

Document Required Explanation
βœ… Product Photos βœ”οΈ Show front, back, and mechanism (e.g., pin backing vs. button shank).
βœ… Product Description βœ”οΈ Clearly state: "Decorative Enamel Lapel Pin" OR "Functional Zinc Alloy Shirt Button".
βœ… Material Composition βœ”οΈ Specify: Base Metal (Zinc/Brass), Plastic, or Fabric-covered.
βœ… Usage Declaration βœ”οΈ Crucial: State if it is "For Fastening Clothing" (Button) or "For Ornamental Use" (Jewelry).
βœ… Commercial Invoice βœ”οΈ Must match HS Code description exactly.
βœ… Packaging Photos βœ”οΈ Show how items are packed (bulk vs. individual retail packaging).

βœ… 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)

πŸ”₯ "Function Defines Chapter: Fastening = Ch96; Ornamental = Ch71/83"

Scenario Correct HS Code Wrong HS Code Consequence
Decorative Lapel Pin (Base Metal) 7117.19.90.00 (0%) 9606.22.00.00 Penalty + 25% Back Duty
Functional Shirt Button (Base Metal) 9606.22.00.00 (25%) 7117.19.90.00 Underpayment Risk
Plastic Button 9606.21.60.00 (0%) 9606.22.00.00 Overpayment (Unnecessary)
Sequins/Spangles (Base Metal) 8308.90.30.00 (25%) 7117.19.90.00 Incorrect Classification
High-Value Gold-Plated Badge 7117.90.90.00 (18.5%) 9606.22.00.00 Complex Audit Risk

βœ… 3. Special Cases & Mitigation

Scenario Recommendation
"Badge" with Pin Backing Always declare as Imitation Jewelry (7117). Never as a button.
"Button" with Decorative Enamel If it fastens clothes, it is a Button (9606). The decoration does not change its function.
Mixed Shipment Clearly separate items in the invoice. Do not mix buttons and pins in one line item.
Low-Value Items (<$800) Check if De Minimis applies. For 7117.19.90.00, de minimis is often allowed. For 9606.22.00.00, it is usually denied due to 301 tariffs.
Plastic vs. Metal Verify material. Plastic buttons (9606.21.60.00) are 0% duty. Metal buttons are 25%. Do not misdeclare metal as plastic.

🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)

Country Recommended HS Code Duty Rate Key Certification
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA 7117.19.90.00 (Jewelry) 0% None typically
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA 9606.22.00.00 (Button) 25% None typically
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU 7117.19 (Jewelry) Varies (Usually 2.7-4%) REACH Compliance
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU 9606.22 (Button) Varies (Usually 2.7%) REACH Compliance
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China 7117.19 (Jewelry) 6.0% N/A
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China 9606.22 (Button) 8.0% N/A

πŸ“Œ Conclusion for US Market:
- Decorative Badges (Jewelry) are significantly cheaper (0%) than Functional Buttons (25%).
- Ensure your product is clearly decorative to qualify for 0%.
- If the item is functional, accept the 25% cost.


πŸ“Œ 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a decorative enamel pin as a "Button"
πŸ‘‰ Result: You pay 25% instead of 0%. Lost Profit.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring a functional zinc button as "Jewelry"
πŸ‘‰ Result: Customs audit finds it is a button. Back Duty + Penalty.

❌ Mistake 3: Mixing "Buttons" and "Pins" in one HS Code
πŸ‘‰ Result: Declaration unclear. Customs delays shipment for re-inspection.

❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring Material (Plastic vs. Metal)
πŸ‘‰ Result: Plastic buttons are 0%. Metal buttons are 25%. Wrong declaration leads to over/under payment.

βœ… Correct Declaration Example:

Item: Decorative Enamel Lapel Pin
HS Code: 7117.19.90.00
Description: "Imitation Jewelry, Base Metal, Ornamental Lapel Pin, Not for Fastening Clothing"
Duty: 0%

Item: Zinc Alloy Shirt Button
HS Code: 9606.22.00.00
Description: "Buttons of Base Metal, for Garment Fastening"
Duty: 25%


🎯 7. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Rule:

πŸ”Ή "Fastening = Button (25% for Metal); Ornamental = Jewelry (0-18.5%)"
πŸ”Ή "Pin Backing? It's Jewelry. Shank Backing? It's a Button."
πŸ”Ή "Plastic Buttons are 0%! Check Material First!"


πŸ“Œ Pro Tip:
If you sell decorative badges, always use HS Code 7117.19.90.00 to benefit from 0% duty in the US.
If you sell functional buttons, budget for 25% duty under HS Code 9606.22.00.00.


πŸ“£ Immediate Action:

πŸ“ž Review your product designs: Are they fasteners or ornaments?
πŸ“„ Update your commercial invoices with precise HS Codes.
πŸš€ Avoid customs delays and unnecessary taxes by classifying correctly!


✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πŸ’Ό Every 1% of duty saved is pure profit!

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.