bow beads
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926400090 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926400010 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606296000 | 37.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926400010 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Bow Beads (Decorative Embellishments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Bow Beads"?
Bow Beads are small, decorative components shaped like bows, typically used in fashion accessories, hair ornaments, garment embellishments, or craft projects. In international trade, they are classified based on their material composition, function, and form.
The provided data suggests three primary classification paths depending on how the bead is perceived by customs authorities: 1. As Plastic Decorations: If made of plastic, they fall under general plastic articles. 2. As Imitation Jewelry Accessories: If marketed as part of a jewelry set or for adorning the body, they may be classified under imitation jewelry. 3. As Button Fasteners: If used specifically as decorative buttons on garments, they may be classified under button parts.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is primarily a plastic ornament without jewelry intent β 3926.40.00.10 / 3926.40.00.90
- If it is marketed as imitation jewelry or an accessory for personal adornment β 7117.90.90.00
- If it functions as a button or button component β 9606.29.60.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate (CN Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.40.00.10 |
Plastic Bow & Similar Articles | Plastic ornaments, craft supplies, non-jewelry decorations | Plastic | 15.3% |
3926.40.00.90 |
Other Plastic Decorations | General plastic decorative items, no specific form match | Plastic | 15.3% |
7117.90.90.00 |
Imitation Jewelry: Other | Fashion accessories, hair bows with metal/plastic mix, jewelry components | Non-precious metal / Plastic | 28.5% |
9606.29.60.00 |
Buttons: Other Fastener Parts | Decorative buttons on clothing, garment hardware | Plastic / Metal composite | 37.9% |
π Important Reminder:
- Plastic Bow Beads intended for general decoration (not wearable jewelry) should strictly use 3926.40.xx. - Imitation Jewelry classification (7117.90.90.00) carries a significantly higher tax burden due to its categorization under precious/semi-precious accessories, even if non-precious. - Buttons (9606.29.60.00) are for items explicitly used as fasteners on garments. Misclassifying a decorative bead as a button can lead to audits if the item lacks buttonholes or shanks.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.40.00.10 / 3926.40.00.90 ββ Plastic Bow Beads (Decorative)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% (Specific to certain plastic/decorative goods from China) |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Standard de minimis may apply for low-value parcels, but specific commercial imports are subject to these duties) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.40.00 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- These codes apply to plastic bow beads. - The 15.3% total is relatively moderate compared to jewelry or buttons. - Section 301 (25%) does NOT apply to these specific subheadings, only the 10% 122 Clause applies.
π― 2. 7117.90.90.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 11.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7117.90.90 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- Classification as "Imitation Jewelry" triggers Section 301 surcharges (7.5%) and higher base rates. - This is a high-cost classification. Avoid if the item is strictly plastic craft supplies and not intended for personal adornment as jewelry.
π― 3. 9606.29.60.00 ββ Button Components / Other Fasteners
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9606.29.60 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Warning:
- While the base duty is low (2.9%), the 25% Section 301 surcharge makes this the most expensive option. - Only use this if the item is explicitly a button with a shank or hole for sewing, and not just a decorative bead.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing Items = Delays)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Plastic/Metal mix), Dimensions, Weight |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing shape, holes (if any), and scale |
| β Intended Use Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Decorative plastic accessory for crafts," NOT "Jewelry" or "Button" unless true |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Plastic Bow Beads for Decoration" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions for customs valuation |
| β Material Composition Proof | βοΈ | If mixed materials, provide ratio to justify plastic classification |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βPlastic Decor = 15%, Jewelry = 28.5%, Button = 38%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure plastic bow beads for crafts | 3926.40.00.10 |
Declare as Jewelry | Pay 28.5% instead of 15.3% |
| Bow beads with metal chains for necklaces | 7117.90.90.00 |
Declare as Plastic | Risk of audit + back taxes |
| Bow-shaped items with shanks for sewing | 9606.29.60.00 |
Declare as Plastic | Risk of reclassification + penalties |
| Mixed bulk shipment | Split Declaration | Mixed declaration | Customs may seize or audit whole shipment |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Bow Beads | Provide design files and client confirmation to prove "decorative" intent |
| Mixed Materials (Plastic + Metal) | If metal is <50% by value, still consider 3926.40 but be prepared to prove primary material is plastic |
| Small Sample Shipments | Even for samples, accurate HS code is required; de minimis may not apply if value > $800 or if classified as restricted |
| Gift Items | Clearly mark as "Gifts - Decorative Accessories" to avoid jewelry classification |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.40.00.10 |
15.3% | None | Avoid 7117 and 9606 due to high surcharges |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.40.00.10 |
5.0% | None | Lower base rate in China |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 |
4.5% | CE (if electrical, not applicable here) | General plastic articles |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.97 |
4.5% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.97 |
5.0% | None | Standard GSP rates may apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Bow Beads due to Section 301 and 122 Clause surcharges. - Plastic Decorative Classification (3926.40) is the optimal choice for most non-jewelry bow beads to minimize duty to 15.3%. - Avoid "Jewelry" or "Button" classifications unless structurally and functionally justified.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring plastic bow beads as "Imitation Jewelry"
π Consequence: 28.5% tax instead of 15.3% β Cost Increase 13.2%!
β Error 2: Declaring decorative beads as "Buttons"
π Consequence: 37.9% tax β Cost Increase 22.6%!
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Accessories"
π Consequence: Customs ambiguity β Delays, Audits, or Forced Reclassification
β Error 4: Ignoring Material Composition
π Consequence: If metal content is high, plastic classification may be rejected β Penalties
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Bow Beads, Decorative, No Jewelry Value, For Crafts Only, Material: 100% ABS Plastic"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Effective!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Plastic Decor = 15.3%, Jewelry = 28.5%, Button = 37.9%! Choose Wisely!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Duty, Wrong Code Costs Extra, Accurate Declaration Saves Money!"
π Pro Tip:
If your bow beads are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may apply for GSP or FTZ exemptions to reduce or eliminate tariffs.
It is highly recommended to apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm the correct HS Code before large-scale shipments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your Bow Beads Clear Customs Smoothly, Export Efficiently, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.