key case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926305000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016991000 | 20.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326903500 | 92.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8301500000 | 20.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Key Cases & Key Rings (ι₯εε€ε£³ε₯θ£ /ι₯εζ£)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Keys"?
In international trade, "keys" are not just simple metal objects. They are categorized based on material, function, and assembly level. Misclassification can lead to drastic tariff differences (from 20% to nearly 93%).
Key Case Assemblies (Plastic):
Typically made of plastic materials, consisting of cases and connecting parts. Classified under Plastic Articles.
Key Rings/Tags (Metal):
Inferred as small containers, hangings, or fasteners made of base metals (iron/steel). Classified under Articles of Base Metal.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Plastic Components β Lower duty (approx. 22.8%)
- Steel/Iron Key Rings β Higher duty (approx. 87.9% - 92.8%) due to high "Section 301" and steel-specific tariffs.
- Mixed Materials: If the key case is plastic but the ring is steel, customs may inspect the essential character or require separate declarations. However, the data provided treats them as distinct items.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Category | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.30.50.00 |
Key Case Assemblies | Plastic products & connectors | 22.8% | Base: 5.3% Add'l (301): 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
4016.99.10.00 |
Key Cases (Inferred) | Other rubber/plastic parts (handles/knobs extension) | 20.8% | Base: 3.3% Add'l (301): 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Key Rings (Inferred) | Other iron/steel articles (unlisted) | 87.9% | Base: 2.9% Add'l (301): 25.0% Sec 122: 10% Steel/Aluminum/Copper Add'l: 50% |
7326.90.35.00 |
Key Rings | Metal small containers/hangings (Iron/Steel) | 92.8% | Base: 7.8% Add'l (301): 25.0% Sec 122: 10% Steel/Aluminum/Copper Add'l: 50% |
8301.50.00.00 |
Key Rings (Framing/Fasteners) | Base metal fasteners/frames | 20.6% | Base: 3.1% Add'l (301): 7.5% Sec 122: 10% |
π Key Insight:
- Plastic Key Cases (3926.30.50.00/4016.99.10.00) enjoy relatively lower tariffs.
- Steel Key Rings (7326.90.86.88/7326.90.35.00) are heavily taxed due to the specific 50% surcharge on steel/aluminum/copper products combined with Section 301 and Section 122 duties.
- Fastener Classification (8301.50.00.00) offers a loophole: If the key ring is classified as a "fastener/frame" rather than a "steel article," the rate drops to 20.6%.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Explanation (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 3926.30.50.00 & 4016.99.10.00 ββ Plastic Key Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% - 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Add'l Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.8% - 22.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.8%~22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High duty rate usually excludes de minimis benefits for commercial imports) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3926/4016 β Section 301 Footnotes β Section 122 Authority |
π Explanation:
- These are non-strategic items compared to steel. The 7.5% Section 301 tariff is lower than the 25% applied to many industrial goods.
- Section 122 (301 U.S.C. Β§ 1862) adds a flat 10% on top.
- Total Risk: Moderate. Predictable cost structure.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.90.35.00 ββ Steel Key Rings (High Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% - 7.8% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Add'l Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Specific Add'l | +50% (Critical!) |
| Total Effective Rate | 87.9% - 92.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9%~92.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 7326 β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) β Steel Add'l (50%) |
π Warning:
- The 50% surcharge on steel products is the killer here. It stacks on top of Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%).
- This creates a ~90% effective tax rate, making steel key rings extremely unprofitable for direct import into the US from China.
π― 3. 8301.50.00.00 ββ Key Rings as Fasteners (Strategic Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% |
| USITC Add'l Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.6% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 8301 β Section 301 (7.5%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Strategic Note:
- By classifying key rings as "Fasteners/Frames" under HS8301, you avoid the 25% Section 301 and 50% Steel surcharge.
- This is a massive tax saving (from ~90% down to ~20%).
- Condition: Must be demonstrably used as a fastening element or frame, not just a decorative ring.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material composition (Plastic vs. Steel), dimensions, weight |
| β Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Clear shots of the key case/ring, showing material texture and assembly |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item (e.g., "Plastic Key Case" vs. "Steel Key Ring") |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed breakdown of items by HS Code if mixed |
| β Declaration of Use | βοΈ | For 8301.50.00.00, declare as "Fastener/Frame Component" to support classification |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To prove CN origin for tariff calculation |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Plastic is cheap, Steel is steep, Fastener is sweet!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Key Case | 3926.30.50.00 (Plastic) |
Declare as "Metal Part" | Unnecessary delay, potential reclassification |
| Steel Key Ring | Try 8301.50.00.00 (Fastener) |
Declare as 7326.90.35.00 (Steel Article) |
Tax jumps from 20% to 93%! |
| Mixed Set (Plastic Case + Steel Ring) | Separate lines: Plastic under 3926, Metal under 8301 |
Declare as single "Key Set" | Risk of "Essential Character" assessment β Could be taxed at highest rate (Steel) |
| Decorative Key Chain | 8301.50.00.00 (If framed/fastened) |
Declare as "Jewelry" (7113) |
Wrong chapter, penalties |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Key Cases | Provide design files showing plastic material. Avoid mentioning "steel core" if it's minor. |
| Steel Key Rings for Promotional Use | Argue classification under 8301.50.00.00 as "fastening components" rather than "articles of iron/steel" to avoid the 50% surcharge. |
| Mixed Packaging | Do NOT mix plastic and steel items in one line item. Declare separately to apply correct rates (22% vs 20%). |
| Origin Labeling | Must clearly state "Made in China" to avoid origin fraud issues, but use it to calculate the correct tariff. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8301.50.00.00 (Fastener) |
20.6% | None | Avoid 7326 (93%)! |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8308.10.00 (Clasps) |
~2.7% | CE (if applicable) | Lower tariffs, no Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 8301.50.00.00 |
0% (Zero Duty) | N/A | Domestic consumption is cheap |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8308.10.00 |
5% | None | Free Trade Agreement may apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market due to Section 301, Section 122, and Steel Surcharges.
- EU/Australia offer much lower barriers.
- Strategic Move: If exporting to the US, reclassify steel key rings as "Fasteners/Frames" (8301) to save ~70% in tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring steel key rings under 7326.90.35.00
π Consequence: Tax rate 92.8%. You lose almost all profit.
β
Fix: Argue for 8301.50.00.00 (20.6%) by emphasizing their function as fasteners/frames.
β Mistake 2: Mixing plastic and steel items in one HS Code
π Consequence: Customs may apply the highest rate (Steel) to the entire shipment.
β
Fix: Separate declarations for plastic (3926) and metal (8301).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Under-declaring duties. Section 122 adds 10% to all Chinese imports.
β
Fix: Ensure your tariff calculator includes the 10% add-on.
β Mistake 4: Calling them "Jewelry"
π Consequence: Misclassification under Chapter 71, which has different rules and may not be eligible for any duty reductions.
β
Fix: Stick to 8301 (Articles of Base Metal) or 3926 (Plastics).
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic = 22%, Steel = 93%, Fastener = 20%. Choose wisely!"
πΉ "HS Code is King, Tax Rate is Queen. One wrong digit, and profits disappear!"
π Pro Tip:
- For Steel Key Rings, always consult a customs broker about Section 8301 classification before shipping.
- For Plastic Key Cases, standard declaration under 3926.30.50.00 is safe and predictable.
- Pre-ruling: Consider applying for an Advance Ruling (Ruling Letter) from CBP if you have high-volume shipments of key rings. This locks in the 20.6% rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Request HS Code Pre-ruling
π Optimize Your Supply Chain, Clear Customs Smoothly, Maximize Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Duty is Worth Saving!
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.