road stud
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8531809051 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8531809026 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908635 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909925 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Road Studs (Cat's Eyes / Raised Pavement Markers)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is a "Road Stud"?
Road studs, often known as "Cat's Eyes" or Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs), are critical safety devices embedded in road surfaces to guide drivers at night or in poor weather. In international trade, they are classified based on their primary material and function, leading to two distinct tariff categories.
1. Plastic/Reflective Road Studs: The majority of modern road studs are made of engineering plastics (polycarbonate, ABS) with reflective prisms or glass beads. These fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
2. Metal/Iron or Steel Road Studs: Older, industrial, or heavy-duty studs made primarily of iron or steel, often with corrosion-resistant coatings, fall under Chapter 73 (Iron or Steel Articles).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the stud is primarily plastic with reflective elements β Chapter 39
- If the stud is primarily iron/steel (even with reflectors) β Chapter 73
- Note: The presence of reflective tape or plastic caps does not always shift the classification from steel to plastic if the structural integrity comes from the metal base.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes and their specific descriptions:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Composition | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.25 |
Reflective triangular warning signs for road use (Also covers plastic road studs/reflectors) | Plastics (Headings 3901β3914) | Standard highway markers, plastic cat's eyes, reflective road studs |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel: Other | Iron or Steel | Steel-based road studs, heavy-duty metal markers, generic steel fittings |
7326.90.86.35 |
Fence posts, studded with corrugations... (Other articles of iron or steel) | Iron or Steel | Steel studs/posts used in road/traffic infrastructure (specific structural form) |
π Critical Note:
- Plastic Road Studs are clearly categorized under3926.90.99.25(specifically mentioning road use reflectors).
- Steel Road Studs generally fall under7326.90.86.88(Other articles of iron or steel) unless they have a specific structural shape like a corrugated fence post, in which case7326.90.86.35may apply.
- Avoid misclassification: Do not classify steel road studs as plastics just because they have reflective lenses. The base material determines the chapter.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Tariff Period
π― 1. 3926.90.99.25 ββ Plastic Road Studs / Reflective Markers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (No additional 25% tariff applied to this specific subheading) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Subject to standard de minimis rules, but rate is 0 anyway) |
π Explanation:
- This is a highly favorable classification for plastic road studs.
- Unlike many other plastic goods, this specific code (3926.90.99.25) for road-use reflective signs/studs is currently exempt from the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Result: Duty-free entry into the US.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.90.86.35 ββ Steel/Iron Road Studs
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | 50.0% (Specific additional tariff on steel products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High value tariff items often scrutinized) |
π Explanation:
- Steel road studs face multiple layers of tariffs:
1. Base Rate: 2.9%
2. Section 301: 25% (China-specific)
3. Steel Surcharge: 50% (Specific to steel articles under certain provisions)
- Total Burden: 77.9%. This is an extremely high cost, significantly eroding profit margins.
π οΈ 4. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Material Declaration is Key
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Studs | "Plastic Road Studs with Reflective Lenses" | "Steel Road Markers" | 77.9% Tax instead of 0%! |
| Steel Studs | "Iron/Steel Road Studs, Galvanized" | "Plastic Road Studs" | 77.9% Tax + Potential Fraud Penalty |
| Mixed Material | Declare by primary structural material | Vague "Traffic Safety Devices" | Customs reclassification β 77.9% |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Plastic Base = 0% Tax | Steel Base = 77.9% Tax. Material is everything!"
β 2. Documentation Requirements
| Document | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Material Composition (e.g., "Polycarbonate Body, Glass Bead Reflector") |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | For plastic components, to prove no restricted substances |
| Photographs | βοΈ | Clear images showing the base material (cutaway view if possible) |
| Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Consistent description with commercial invoice |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Road Studs" and NOT generic "Plastic Parts" |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dual-Material Studs | If the stud is steel base + plastic cap, it is still classified as Steel (7326). Declare as such. |
| Reflective Tape Only | If the product is purely reflective tape/stud without plastic housing, it may still fall under steel or textile. Check specific ruling. |
| Customs Ruling | For large volumes, apply for an International Trade Commission (ITC) Ruling or CBP Advance Ruling to confirm classification. |
| Packaging | Ensure packaging does not contain steel components (e.g., steel straps) that might trigger separate steel tariffs. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.25 (Plastic) |
0.0% | Best option for plastic studs |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 (Steel) |
77.9% | Avoid if possible; high cost |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 (Plastic) |
~0β2% | Lower tariffs than US |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99 |
~5β10% | Export from China has moderate duty |
| π²π½ Mexico | 3926.90.99 |
0% (under USMCA) | Consider near-shoring for US market |
π Conclusion:
- For the US Market, Plastic Road Studs (3926.90.99.25) are duty-free.
- Steel Road Studs are heavily taxed (77.9%).
- Strategy: If you are exporting steel studs to the US, consider switching to plastic alternatives or sourcing from non-China origins if possible.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Classifying plastic road studs as "Steel" because they have a metal base plate.
π Consequence: Paying 77.9% instead of 0%.
π Fix: Declare by primary material. If >50% by weight/value is plastic, argue for Chapter 39.
β Error 2: Vague description "Traffic Safety Equipment".
π Consequence: Customs assigns the highest possible duty (Steel) for audit safety.
π Fix: Use precise description: "Plastic Road Studs, Model XYZ, Reflective".
β Error 3: Ignoring the 50% Steel Surcharge.
π Consequence: Unexpected bill of 77.9% at customs.
π Fix: Always verify the "Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge" applicability for the specific HS Code.
π― 7. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximum Savings
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Plastic Road Studs = 0% Duty
πΉ Steel Road Studs = 77.9% Duty
πΉ Material Declaration is the most critical document!
π£ Immediate Action:
π For Plastic Studs: Ensure your invoice explicitly states "Plastic Road Studs" and HS Code
3926.90.99.25.
π For Steel Studs: Re-evaluate your supply chain. Consider plastic alternatives for the US market to save 77.9% in tariffs.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Don't let steel tariffs eat your profits! Go Plastic!
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.