triangle buckle
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308906000 | 13.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326200090 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8308100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926301000 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926902500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΊ Triangle Buckle (Metal & Plastic Fasteners)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Triangle Buckle"?
Triangle buckles are ubiquitous fastening components used in bags, belts, luggage, sportswear, and industrial applications. In international trade, they are strictly divided by material and function, leading to drastically different tariff treatments.
Metal Triangle Buckles: Typically made of steel, iron, or zinc alloy. They fall under Chapter 83 (Base Metal Articles) or Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel).
Plastic Triangle Buckles: Made of ABS, Nylon, or Polypropylene. They fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is primarily a clasp, hook, eye, or ring made of base metal β Chapter 83 (Lower Tax)
- If the item is a general metal structural part (not specifically a hook/clasp) β Chapter 73 (High Tax due to 122 Clause)
- If the item is plastic β Chapter 39 (Moderate Tax)
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8308.10.00.00 |
Hooks, Eyes, Eyelets, and Hooks and Eyes, of Base Metal | Metal buckles specifically designed as hooks/eyes/clasps | Metal (Iron/Steel/Alloy) | 1.1Β’/kg + 2.9% + 35.0% |
8308.90.60.00 |
Other Fasteners and Parts, of Base Metal; Clasps and Frames with Clasps | Metal triangle buckles not specifically hooks, general metal fasteners | Metal | 13.9% |
3926.30.10.00 |
Articles of Plastics for Furnishings and Toilet/Healthcare | Plastic handles, knobs, and small plastic fittings | Plastic | 24.0% |
3926.90.25.00 |
Other Articles of Plastics | General plastic accessories, not specified elsewhere | Plastic | 24.0% |
7326.20.00.90 |
Other Articles of Iron or Steel Wire | Wire-based metal fittings, steel wire products | Iron/Steel Wire | 88.9% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other Articles of Iron or Steel (Not Elsewhere Specified) | Generic metal structural parts, non-specific metal hardware | Iron/Steel | 87.9% |
π Critical Warning:
- Chapter 83 (8308) is generally the preferred category for metal buckles if they can be classified as "hooks, eyes, or clasps."
- Chapter 73 (7326) attracts heavy additional tariffs (Section 301 + Section 232/122) because it falls under "Other Articles of Iron/Steel." The total tax can exceed 87-88%.
- Plastic (Chapter 39) has a moderate but consistent rate of 24.0%.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-ons & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current trade policies (Section 301 & Section 232 apply)
π― 1. 8308.10.00.00 β Hooks, Eyes, etc. (Base Metal)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.1Β’/kg (Specific) + 2.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / Aluminum/Steel Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | 1.1Β’/kg + 37.9% |
| Calculation Method | (CIF Value Γ 37.9%) + (Weight_kg Γ $0.011) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8308.10.00.00 β SECTION301:9903.01.24 β SECTION122:Steel/Aluminum |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable metal classification if the buckle is clearly a "hook/eye/clasp."
- The base rate is low, but the 35% total add-on (25% + 10%) still makes it costly compared to non-China origins.
π― 2. 8308.90.60.00 β Other Metal Fasteners/Clasps
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% (Note: Some interpretations may vary, but data indicates 0% for this specific subheading in some contexts, or potentially subject to standard 301. Per provided data: 0%) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | 13.9% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 13.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8308.90.60.00 β SECTION122 |
π Explanation:
- This classification applies if the triangle buckle is not strictly a "hook/eye" but a "clasp" or "frame."
- Significantly lower tax (13.9%) compared to generic steel parts (87.9%).
- Crucial: Ensure the product description emphasizes "Clasps" or "Fasteners" rather than "Structural Parts."
π― 3. 3926.30.10.00 / 3926.90.25.00 β Plastic Accessories
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | 24.0% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.xxxxxx β SECTION301:9903.01.24 β SECTION122 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic buckles are simpler to classify but face a flat 24% total tax.
- No specific weight-based fee like Chapter 83.
- Ideal for lightweight plastic hardware to avoid weight-based surcharges.
π― 4. 7326.20.00.90 / 7326.90.86.88 β Generic Steel/Iron Parts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% - 3.9% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 25.0% |
| Section 122 / Aluminum/Steel Surcharge | 50.0% (For 7326.90) or 10% (For 7326.20) |
| Total Effective Tax | 87.9% - 88.9% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ ~88% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.xxxxxx β SECTION301 β SECTION232/122 |
π Explanation:
- DANGER ZONE.
- If the triangle buckle is classified as a general "metal article" (not a fastener/clasp), it triggers Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) tariffs of up to 50% plus Section 301 (25%).
- Total tax approaches 90%. Avoid this classification unless necessary.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Metal/Plastic), Dimensions, Weight |
| β Clear Photos | βοΈ | Show the buckle from multiple angles; highlight the "hook/eye" structure if applicable |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm if it's Stainless Steel, Zinc Alloy, or Plastic |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Triangle Metal Clasp" or "Plastic Buckle," NOT "Metal Part" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net/Gross weight for precise tax calculation (especially for 8308.10) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Define Function, Not Just Shape!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Buckle with Hook/Eye Structure | 8308.10.00.00 (Hooks/Eyes) |
Declare as "Metal Fastener" β 8308.90 or 7326 β Higher Tax |
| General Metal Triangle Buckle | 8308.90.60.00 (Other Clasp) |
Declare as "Steel Wire Product" β 7326.20 β 88.9% Tax |
| Generic Metal Hardware | 7326.90.86.88 |
Declare as "Buckle" β Risk of Re-classification to 7326 β 87.9% Tax |
| Plastic Buckle | 3926.90.25.00 |
Declare as "Metal Buckle" (Wrong Material) β Penalty |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Plastic insert with Metal frame) | Declare based on Essential Character. If metal frame dominates, use Chapter 83/73. If plastic dominates, use Chapter 39. |
| OEM Custom Buckles | Provide design files to prove it is a "fastener/clasp" and not a "structural component." |
| Lightweight vs. Heavy | For 8308.10, the 1.1Β’/kg specific fee adds up for heavy metal parts. Compare total cost with 8308.90 (ad valorem only). |
| Plastic vs. Metal Choice | If tax burden is critical, consider switching to Plastic (24%) vs. Generic Metal (88%). Metal 8308 (13.9% or 38%) is competitive if correctly classified. |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8308.10.00.00 |
~38% (with specific fee) | No special certs | Avoid 7326 due to 88% tax |
| πΊπΈ USA | 8308.90.60.00 |
13.9% | No special certs | Best for general metal clasps |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.25.00 |
24.0% | No special certs | Best for plastic |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8308.10.00 |
0-1.7% (Varies) | REACH | No Section 301/232 |
| π¨π³ China | 8308.10.00 |
5-10% (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower burden |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging due to Section 301 + Section 232.
- Correct Classification is Key:8308.10(Hooks) vs.7326(Generic Parts) is a 50%+ tax difference.
- Plastic offers a stable, moderate 24% rate.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a metal triangle buckle as a "Structural Part" (7326)
π Consequence: Tax jumps from 13.9% to 87.9% β Profit wiped out!
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the Specific Fee in 8308.10
π Consequence: For heavy metal batches, the 1.1Β’/kg fee may exceed the ad valorem benefit. Calculate total landed cost carefully.
β Mistake 3: Using "Buckle" as a vague description
π Consequence: Customs may re-classify to the highest duty rate (7326) due to ambiguity.
β
Correct Description:
"Triangle Metal Clasp, Zinc Alloy, Used for Bag Fastening, HS 8308.10.00.00"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Hooks & Eyes: 8308.10 (Low Base, High Add-on)"
πΉ "Other Clasps: 8308.90 (Mid Tax)"
πΉ "Generic Steel: 7326 (HIGH TAX - AVOID)"
πΉ "Plastic: 3926 (Stable 24%)"
π Pro Tip:
If your triangle buckle has a distinct "hook" or "eye" structure, insist on 8308.10.00.00 or 8308.90.60.00. Never let it be classified under 7326 unless you have no other choice.
For plastic buckles, 3926.90.25.00 is straightforward and predictable.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point 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.