sewing bobbin
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8452902010 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926903500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8452902090 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8452902090 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Sewing Bobbin (Plastic/Spool)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know the "Sewing Bobbin"?
A sewing bobbin is a small spool that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine, working in conjunction with the upper thread to form a lockstitch. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material, function, and specificity.
The input data provides five distinct HS Codes, ranging from specific machine parts to general plastic products. The key differentiator is whether customs authorities view the item as an "integral part of the machine" (Section XVI) or merely as a "plastic article" (Section XIII).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Functional Specificity: If classified under8452.90.20, it is recognized explicitly as a sewing machine part.
- Generic Material: If classified under3926.90, it is viewed primarily as a plastic article, ignoring its specific mechanical function in the eyes of the tariff schedule.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
Based strictly on the provided <DATA>, here are the five possible classifications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Basis for Classification | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|---|
8452.90.20.10 |
Plastic Bobbin for Home Sewing Machines | Explicitly defined as a part for home sewing machines; plastic material. | Sewing Machine Parts |
8452.90.20.90 |
Plastic/Metal Bobbin (Other Parts) | Generic "other" parts for sewing machines; material can be plastic or metal. | Sewing Machine Parts |
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic Bobbin (Other Plastic Articles) | Classified based on plastic content; falls under "other plastic articles". | Plastic Articles |
3926.90.35.00 |
Plastic Bobbin (Direct Plastic Match) | Direct match to plastic material category; "other plastic articles". | Plastic Articles |
8452.90.20.90 |
Generic Bobbin (Assumed Material) | Inferred as a sewing machine accessory; material assumed to be plastic or metal by common sense. | Sewing Machine Parts |
π Critical Insight:
- Codes8452.90.20.xxbelong to Chapter 84 (Machinery). These are preferred if you can prove the item is specially designed for sewing machines.
- Codes3926.90.xxbelong to Chapter 39 (Plastics). These apply if the item is considered a generic plastic good, regardless of its end-use.
- Note: The data lists8452.90.20.90twice with slightly different summaries, but they result in the same HS code and tax rate.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from "122 Clause" and "Section 301" style surcharges in data)
β Effective Time: Current Import Cycle
π― 1. Classification A: "Sewing Machine Parts" (8452.90.20.10 & 8452.90.20.90)
These codes offer the lowest base tariff because sewing machine parts often have a 0% base duty.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 8452.90.20.10 OR 8452.90.20.90 |
| Product Summary | Plastic bobbin for home sewing machines OR Other sewing machine parts (plastic/metal). |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Likely subject to high duties, usually excluded from Section 321 de minimis if duties are high or specific restrictions apply) |
| Legal Path | USITC:8452.90.20.xx β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: Sewing machine parts often enjoy duty-free status under normal MFN rates.
- Total 17.5%: The cost comes entirely from Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Why choose this?: This is the most tax-efficient classification for plastic bobbins if you can justify them as "parts of sewing machines" rather than generic plastics.
π― 2. Classification B: "Plastic Articles" (3926.90.99.89 & 3926.90.35.00)
These codes attract a base tariff on top of the surcharges, resulting in higher total costs.
Option B1: 3926.90.99.89 (Other Plastic Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 3926.90.99.89 |
| Product Summary | Plastic bobbin, explicitly plastic material, other plastic articles. |
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
Option B2: 3926.90.35.00 (Plastic Fasteners/Accessories)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 3926.90.35.00 |
| Product Summary | Plastic bobbin, direct plastic material match, other plastic articles. |
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
π Explanation:
- Base 5.3% - 6.5%: Plastic articles are subject to standard MFN duties.
- Total 22.8% - 24.0%: Adding the same surcharges (17.5%) to the base rate results in a significantly higher total duty.
- Risk: If customs views the bobbin as a "plastic good" rather than a "machine part," you will pay at least 22.8% instead of 17.5%.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: "Bobbin for Home Sewing Machine," Material: Plastic, Dimensions. |
| β Photo/Label | βοΈ | Clear image of the bobbin, showing any branding or model numbers. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code justification (e.g., "Sewing Machine Part" vs. "Plastic Accessory"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure quantity and weight match. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Function Over Material: Claim as Part, Not Plastic!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Bobbin | "Plastic Bobbin for Home Sewing Machine" β 8452.90.20.10 |
"Plastic Spool/Bobbin" β 3926.90.99.89 |
Pay 22.8% instead of 17.5% |
| Generic Bobbin | "Sewing Machine Part, Plastic" β 8452.90.20.90 |
"Plastic Part" β 3926.90.35.00 |
Pay 24.0% instead of 17.5% |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the invoice states the product is for a specific sewing machine brand or model if possible. |
| Mixed Materials | If bobbins are metal, use 8452.90.20.90. Plastic ones can use 8452.90.20.10 (if home use) or 8452.90.20.90. |
| Bulk Import | Do not declare as "Plastic Raw Material" or "Plastic Packaging." It is a functional component. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8452.90.20.10 |
17.5% (0% Base + 7.5% Sec 301 + 10% Sec 122) | Best Rate. Avoid 3926 codes (22-24%). |
| π¨π³ China | 8452.90.20.10 |
~10-13% (Import Duty) | Check latest Chinese tariff schedule. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8452.90.80 |
~0-4% | Often duty-free for machine parts. No Section 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8452.90.00 |
~0-4% | Post-Brexit rules may apply. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8452.90.10 |
~0% | FTA benefits may apply depending on origin. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the critical market where classification impacts cost by ~5-6.5%.
- Strategic Recommendation: Always argue for Chapter 84 (Sewing Machine Parts) to benefit from the 0% base tariff.
- Avoid Chapter 39 unless you cannot prove the product's specific function in a sewing machine.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Plastic Accessories" (3926.90.99.89)
π Result: Pay 22.8% instead of 17.5%. Overpayment of 5.3% base duty.
β Error 2: Declaring as "Plastic Fasteners" (3926.90.35.00)
π Result: Pay 24.0%. Highest cost option.
β Error 3: Missing "Sewing Machine" in Description
π Result: Customs may default to generic plastic goods, triggering higher duties.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122
π Result: All these codes attract the 10% Section 122 surcharge. Factor this into pricing.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Bobbin for Home Sewing Machine, Model XYZ, Material: Plastic, Used for Lockstitch Operation"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Part over Plastic: Chapter 84 wins."
πΉ "17.5% vs 24%: A 6.5% difference matters."
πΉ "Base Duty 0% is your friend; Base Duty 5-6% is your enemy."
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping to the USA, ensure your commercial invoice clearly states "Part for Sewing Machine" to justify 8452.90.20.xx.
If customs challenges, provide a diagram showing how the bobbin fits into the sewing machine mechanism.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker and provide the product specification.
π Request HS Code Pre-Ruling from CBP if shipping high volumes.
π Optimize for 17.5% Total Duty by proving functional specificity!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent 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.