text mold
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8480718020 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8480799010 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π¨ Text Mold (εθ―ζ¨‘ε ·) β HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide 2026
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | Professional Classification Analysis
π 1. Product Definition: What is a "Text Mold"?
A "Text Mold" (often referred to as word molds, letter molds, or stamping dies) is a tool used in manufacturing or crafting to create text-based patterns, embossing, or casting. These are typically used in: * Plastic Injection Molding: For creating plastic letters/words. * Metalsmithing/Casting: For casting metal words. * Packaging/Printing: For embossing text on boxes or paper.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
The classification depends heavily on the Material and Specific Use of the mold. Since the input "Text Mold" is generic, we must analyze the three most likely scenarios provided in the dataset.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, there are three potential HS Codes depending on the material and specific application.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Matching Criteria | Total Tax Rate (US Import from China) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8480.71.80.20 | Molds for rubber or plastic materials | Material Inference: Assumed to be for plastic/rubber processing. "Text Mold" matches the category "Molds". No conflict in material (non-metal/non-plastic exclusion). Falls under "Other" default. | 38.1% |
| 8480.79.90.10 | Other molds for working metal, hard rubber, hard plastics | Form & Use: Matches the form of a mold. Since material isn't specified, it falls under the "Other/N.E.S." (Not Elsewhere Specified) logic within the mold category. | 38.1% |
| 3926.90.10.00 | Other articles of plastic | Material Inference: If the mold itself is made of plastic (e.g., silicone molds, plastic stamping tools), it is classified as a plastic article. | 20.9% |
π Key Distinction:
- 8480 Series: Applies if the item is a die/mold used in industrial manufacturing (metal or rigid plastic tools).
- 3926 Series: Applies if the item is a plastic product itself (e.g., a flexible plastic mold or a plastic stamp tool not classified as an industrial die).
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Policy)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025/2026 Trade Policies (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 8480.71.80.20 & 8480.79.90.10 β Industrial Molds
Total Tax Rate: 38.1%
| Tax Component | Rate | Source/Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.1% | HTSUS Base Rate | Standard import duty for molds. |
| Section 301 Duty | 25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Additional tariff on Chinese-origin goods under Section 301 investigation. |
| IEEPA Duty | 10.0% | IEEPA:9903.01.25 | "122 Clause" Tariff β Additional levy on Chinese imports under International Emergency Economic Powers Act. |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.1% | Base (3.1%) + Sec 301 (25%) + IEEPA (10%) |
π Note:
- Both 8480.71.80.20 and 8480.79.90.10 carry the same total rate of 38.1%.
- These are considered high-duty items for Chinese-origin goods.
- De Minimis Exemption: β Not Available. Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs generally do not apply to de minimis shipments (under $800), but for formal entry, this rate applies.
π― 2. 3926.90.10.00 β Other Plastic Articles
Total Tax Rate: 20.9%
| Tax Component | Rate | Source/Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.4% | HTSUS Base Rate | Standard import duty for plastic articles. |
| Section 301 Duty | 7.5% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Lower Section 301 rate for certain plastic articles compared to industrial molds. |
| IEEPA Duty | 10.0% | IEEPA:9903.01.25 | Same "122 Clause" levy applies. |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.9% | Base (3.4%) + Sec 301 (7.5%) + IEEPA (10%) |
π Note:
- If the "Text Mold" is clearly a plastic product (e.g., silicone baking molds for words, plastic stamp sets), this classification offers significant tax savings (38.1% β 20.9%).
- However, industrial-grade metal or hard-plastic molds used in injection molding cannot use this code.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specifications | β | Must specify Material (Metal, Plastic, Silicone, etc.) and Intended Use (Industrial Molding vs. Crafts). |
| Technical Drawings | β | If claiming 8480, provide drawings showing it is a "die" or "mold" for shaping materials. |
| Photos | β | Clear images showing the itemβs structure (e.g., cavity for plastic injection). |
| Commercial Invoice | β | Clearly state "Text Mold for Plastic Injection" or "Plastic Word Stamps". Avoid vague terms like "Tool". |
| Certificate of Origin | β | To confirm Chinese origin and apply correct Section 301/IEEPA rates. |
β 2. Classification Strategy: How to Save Taxes?
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Use (Metal/Hard Plastic Die) | 8480.71.80.20 | 38.1% | Accept higher rate; provide technical proof it's a "mold". |
| Craft/Plastic Use (Silicone/Soft Plastic Stamp) | 3926.90.10.00 | 20.9% | Save $17.2%. Declare as "Plastic Article" not "Industrial Mold". |
| Unclear Material | 8480.79.90.10 | 38.1% | Risky. If material is plastic, you may face audits. |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"If itβs plastic and used for crafts/stamping, classify as Plastic Article (3926). If itβs for industrial injection molding, classify as Mold (8480)."
Misclassification can lead to back duties + penalties.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Vague Description "Text Mold" | Customs may ask for clarification. Provide detailed specs: "Silicone Mold for Casting Plastic Words". |
| Section 301 Exclusions | Check if your specific HS code has an exclusion list. As of 2026, most 8480 molds have no exclusion. |
| De Minimis Shipments | For packages < $800, Section 301 and IEEPA duties are often not collected, but base duty may still apply. However, commercial shipments will face full tax. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Total Tax (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8480.71.80.20 / 3926.90.10.00 | 38.1% / 20.9% | IEEPA + Section 301 apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 8480.71.80.20 / 3926.90.10.00 | 0% - 5% | Import Duty only; no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8480.71 / 3926.90 | 0% - 4.5% | No Section 301. CE marking may be required. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8480.71 / 3926.90 | 0% - 3.2% | No Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
The USA is the most expensive market for "Text Molds" due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- Industrial Molds (8480): 38.1%
- Plastic Articles (3926): 20.9%
Consider supply chain diversification if exporting large volumes to the US.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Classifying Industrial Metal Molds as Plastic Articles (3926)
π Consequence: Customs audit, back taxes of ~17%, and potential fines for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 2: Using "Text Mold" without specifying Material
π Consequence: Customs may default to the highest duty category (38.1%) or hold the shipment for inspection.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% Tariff
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost. Total tax is not just Base + 301, but Base + 301 + IEEPA.
β Best Practice:
Always specify material and use.
Example: "Plastic Text Mold, Silicone, for Craft Use, Not for Industrial Injection Molding" β 3926.90.10.00 (20.9%)
Example: "Metal Die Mold for Injection Molding Plastic Words" β 8480.71.80.20 (38.1%)
π― 7. Final Recommendation
- Identify Material: Is it metal, hard plastic, or soft plastic/silicone?
- Identify Use: Is it for industrial production or crafts?
- Choose Code:
- Industrial/Metal/Hard Plastic Die β 8480.71.80.20 (38.1%)
- Craft/Plastic/Silicone Stamp β 3926.90.10.00 (20.9%)
- Prepare Docs: Include specs, photos, and clear description to avoid delays.
πΌ Pro Tip: If the product is borderline, consult a customs broker for an Advance Ruling to secure the lower 20.9% rate if applicable.
β¨ Precision in Classification = Savings in Taxes!
π Clear the customs barrier with confidence.
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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.