key fob remote case/shell
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202399000 | 55.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 392690 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 854370 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Key Fob Remote Case/Shell (Plastic Electronic Protective Enclosures)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategies
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Key Fob Case"?
A Key Fob Remote Case/Shell is typically a protective outer housing made of plastic materials (such as ABS, PC, or PP) designed to enclose the internal circuit board, battery, and button components of an electronic car key or remote control.
In international trade, these items are often misunderstood. They are not considered "electronics" themselves (since they contain no active circuits), nor are they "general articles" if they are specifically designed for a particular function.
Critical Distinction: * Plastic Housing Only (No Circuitry): Falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof) or Chapter 42 (Articles of Leather/Plastic Sheets) if structured as a personal carrier. * Integral Component of a Specific Machine: If the shell is uniquely shaped to fit only a specific communication device (like a specific remote of a wireless apparatus), it may fall under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery) as a part.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the item is a generic plastic shell for protecting an electronic device β 3926.90
- If the item is a specific part for machines of Heading 8517 (e.g., remote for wireless apparatus) β 8543.70
- If the item is structured as a personal carrier (wallet, handbag style) containing the key β 4202.39.90.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes, descriptions, and tax implications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Status (Data Source) |
|--------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| 3926.90 | Other articles of plastics, including key fob remote cases/shells made of plastic materials for protecting electronic devices. | Generic plastic protective shells for car keys, remotes, or similar electronic devices. Does not contain active electronic components. | β Failed to retrieve tax informationtotal_tax: Error |
| 8543.70 | Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8517 (e.g., parts of mobile phones and similar wireless apparatus). Includes protective shells/cases designed specifically as integral components of remote key fobs. | Custom-molded shells that are exclusively designed for a specific wireless remote or communication device. Treated as a "part" of the electronic machine. | β Failed to retrieve tax informationtotal_tax: Error |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other Other. | Generic plastic articles not specifically classified elsewhere, including generic plastic cases. | β
Total Tax: 0.0%
(Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0%) |
| 4202.39.90.00 | Articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag: Other: Other. Includes containers of plastics, textile materials, etc., like wallets, purses, or specialized key holders. | If the "case" is structured as a personal accessory (e.g., a leather/plastic wallet-style key holder, a vanity case for keys) rather than just a technical shell. | β
Total Tax: 0.0%
(Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0%) |
π Important Note:
- HS 3926.90 and 8543.70 have missing tax data in the source. This indicates a need for further verification with local customs or a pre-ruling, as "Error" does not imply zero tax.
- HS 3926.90.99.89 and 4202.39.90.00 explicitly show 0.0% tax, suggesting these are the safer, clearly defined categories for generic plastic articles or personal accessories.
π° III. Tax Rate Details (Based on Available Data)
β Applicable Markets: General (Based on Data Format)
β Data Source: Provided XML Data
β Status: Mixed (Some codes have errors, some have 0%)
π― 1. 3926.90 & 8543.70 ββ Technical Parts & Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Tax Detail | Failed to retrieve tax information |
| Total Tax | Error |
| Interpretation | β οΈ High Risk: The system could not retrieve the tax rate. This is common for codes that require specific duty rates based on recent trade agreements or political tariffs (e.g., Section 301, CEPA, etc.). Do NOT assume 0%. |
| Action Required | Must verify with a customs broker. May require a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) to determine the correct duty. |
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Interpretation | β Low Risk: Clearly defined as "Other" plastic articles. Likely benefits from general MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates or free trade agreements. |
| Legal Basis | Chapter 39, Heading 3926, Subheading 99.89 |
π― 3. 4202.39.90.00 ββ Personal Carry Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Interpretation | β Low Risk: Classified as a personal accessory (like a wallet or pouch). The 0% rate suggests it is not subject to additional punitive tariffs. |
| Legal Basis | Chapter 42, Heading 4202, Subheading 39.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 0% tax for3926.90.99.89and4202.39.90.00indicates these are standard, low-risk classifications.
- The "Error" for3926.90and8543.70suggests these codes may be subject to dynamic tariffs (e.g., US-China trade war tariffs, EU anti-dumping duties) that require manual lookup or are excluded from the automated database.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing Documents)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the inside and outside of the case. Show if it has compartments, buttons, or branding. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify material: ABS, PC, TPU, Leather, etc. Critical for Chapter 39 vs. Chapter 42. |
| β Function Description | βοΈ | Is it a generic shell (fits multiple brands) or a custom part for a specific remote? |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Plastic Case for Electronic Device" (not "Electronics") to avoid Chapter 85 confusion. |
| β Customs Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly Recommended for HS 8543.70 or 3926.90 due to tax errors. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βGeneric Shell = Plastic, Custom Part = Electric, Wallet Style = Leather/Plastic Sheetβ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Generic plastic cover for Toyota/Lexus keys | 3926.90 or 3926.90.99.89 |
Misdeclare as 8543.70 β Tax Error Risk |
| Custom-molded shell for a specific Bluetooth remote | 8543.70 |
Misdeclare as 3926.90 β May be rejected if deemed "integral part" |
| Leather/Plastic Wallet containing a key fob | 4202.39.90.00 |
Misdeclare as 3926.90 β May miss 0% tariff benefit |
| Electronic Key Fob (with circuitry inside) | NOT 3926/8543 | Must declare as Electronic Device (e.g., 8543.70.90 or similar) |
β 3. Special Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment | Separate plastic shells from electronic key fobs. Do not mix. |
| OEM Custom Shells | Provide a design patent or supplier letter confirming the shell is a "part" of the device, not a standalone article. |
| Tax Error Codes | For 3926.90 and 8543.70, use 3926.90.99.89 or 4202.39.90.00 if the product fits those descriptions, to secure the 0% tax rate. |
| Origin Matters | If the plastic is imported from China to the US, check for Section 301 tariffs on plastic articles, even if the code shows 0% in the data. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (Est.) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 |
0% (Base) + Potential Section 301 | None | Verify if "Key Fob Shells" are excluded from 301 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90 |
Varies | CCC (if electronic) | Plastic shells alone usually low tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 |
~4-6% | CE (if electronic) | Plastic articles are standard. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90 |
~4-6% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90 |
~5-6% | PSE (if electronic) | Strict on plastic components. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Watch out for Section 301 on Chinese plastic goods. The 0% rate in data may not include additional US tariffs.
- EU/UK/Japan: Standard tariffs apply. No major surprises.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a plastic shell as an electronic device (8543.70)
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or apply incorrect tax rates due to "Tax Error" in the system.
β
Fix: Use 3926.90.99.89 (0% tax) if itβs a generic plastic case.
β Error 2: Mixing key fobs with circuitry and empty shells in one package
π Consequence: The entire shipment may be classified as electronic, triggering higher taxes and certifications (FCC/CE).
β
Fix: Ship separately. Clearly label "Plastic Accessories Only".
β Error 3: Using "Wallet" description for a technical shell
π Consequence: If not structured as a personal carrier, 4202.39.90.00 may be rejected.
β
Fix: Use "Protective Case" or "Shell" for technical items; "Wallet" or "Pouch" for personal accessories.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Generic Plastic = 3926 (Check Tax Error), Custom Part = 8543 (Verify Rate), Wallet Style = 4202 (0% Tax)."
πΉ "Donβt guess the tax on 3926.90/8543.70. Use 3926.90.99.89 or 4202.39.90.00 for 0% certainty if applicable."
π Tips:
- If your plastic shell is generic (fits multiple models), declare as 3926.90.99.89 for 0% tax.
- If it is a personal accessory (wallet-style), declare as 4202.39.90.00 for 0% tax.
- Avoid 3926.90 and 8543.70 unless you have verified the tax rate with a customs broker, as the data shows "Error".
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a customs broker + Provide product photos + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling for
8543.70
π Ensure your plastic shells clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and with minimal tax burden!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Every Cent Saved is Calculated Precisely!
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.