钥匙牌
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908610 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🗝️ Key Tags (Labels & Identifiers)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Key Tag"?
Key tags (also known as key fobs, key tags, or identification labels) are small accessories attached to keys for identification, security, or aesthetic purposes. In international trade, the primary determinant for HS Code classification is the MATERIAL, not just the function.
Key Classification Scenarios: 1. Paper/Cardboard Tags: Flat, printed labels attached to keys. * Classification Logic: Classified as paper articles/labels. 2. Plastic Tags: Rigid or flexible plastic tags, often with printed text or logos. * Classification Logic: Classified as other plastic articles. 3. Metal Tags: Durable metal (steel/iron) tags, often used for industrial or high-security keys. * Classification Logic: Classified as other articles of iron or steel.
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If it is flat paper → 4821
- If it is shaped plastic → 3926
- If it is rigid metal → 7326
- Misclassification can lead to severe tariff penalties (e.g., misclassifying metal as plastic reduces tax from 87.9% to 22.8%).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the four specific HS Codes for Key Tags, categorized by material:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.90.20.00 |
Key Tags, Paper/Cardboard | Paper or Paperboard | Flat labels, printed paper tags, simple identification tags. |
4821.90.40.00 |
Key Tags, Paper/Cardboard | Paper or Paperboard | Alternative subheading for paper labels; same tax treatment as above. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Key Tags, Plastic | Plastic | Shaped plastic key fobs, plastic accessories, other plastic articles. |
7326.90.86.10 |
Key Tags, Metal | Iron or Steel | Metal key tags, durable industrial tags, steel/iron components. |
7326.90.86.88 |
Key Tags, Metal | Iron or Steel | Alternative subheading for metal tags; same tax treatment as above. |
🔍 Key Insight:
- Paper Tags (4821) and Plastic Tags (3926) have significantly lower base tariffs compared to Metal Tags (7326). - Metal Tags incur the highest total tax burden due to higher base duties and additional surcharges.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Context)
🎯 1. 4821.90.20.00 & 4821.90.40.00 —— Paper/Cardboard Key Tags
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (Section 122/EEA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (High tariff rates usually exclude small package exemptions) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff 0% → Section 301: 25% → IEEPA: 10% |
📌 Explanation:
- Paper tags benefit from a 0% base tariff, but the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% IEEPA tariff apply due to Chinese origin. - Total effective rate: 35%.
🎯 2. 3926.90.99.89 —— Plastic Key Tags
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (Section 122/EEA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff 5.3% → Section 301: 7.5% → IEEPA: 10% |
📌 Explanation:
- Plastic tags have a 5.3% base tariff, which is higher than paper but lower than metal. - The Section 301 surcharge is 7.5% (lower than the 25% for some other goods), resulting in a total of 22.8%. - Best Option for Cost Efficiency if the product can be made of plastic.
🎯 3. 7326.90.86.10 & 7326.90.86.88 —— Metal (Iron/Steel) Key Tags
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (Section 122/EEA) | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff 2.9% → Section 301: 25% → IEEPA: 10% → Steel Surcharge: 50% |
📌 Explanation:
- ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Metal tags are subject to a 50% additional surcharge on top of the standard 301 and IEEPA tariffs. - Total effective rate: 87.9%. - This is an extremely high tariff. Any misclassification of metal tags as plastic or paper will result in significant duty evasion penalties. - The high tax is due to combined policies: Section 301 (25%) + IEEPA (10%) + Specific Steel Surcharge (50%).
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Clearly state material (Paper, Plastic, Metal). |
| ✅ Material Composition Certificate | ✔️ | Essential to prove if the tag is paper, plastic, or metal. |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show the tag’s shape, thickness, and any metal components. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must match the HS Code and material description exactly. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail the quantity and type of tags. |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
🔥 “Material is King: Paper 35%, Plastic 22.8%, Metal 87.9%!”
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Misclassified |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Tag | 4821.90.20.00 / 4821.90.40.00 |
If declared as Plastic → Overpay 12.2% |
| Plastic Tag | 3926.90.99.89 |
If declared as Metal → Overpay 65.1%! |
| Metal Tag | 7326.90.86.10 / 7326.90.86.88 |
If declared as Plastic → Customs Audit, Fines, Back Taxes |
📌 Note:
- Even if a metal tag has a plastic coating, if the primary material is metal, it must be classified under 7326. - If the tag is mixed material (e.g., paper with a metal eyelet), customs may still classify it based on the essential character. However, pure metal tags are strictly 7326.
✅ 3. Special Handling for Metal Tags
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| High Tariff Impact | Consider redesigning the tag to use plastic instead of metal if durability allows. Savings: ~65% tax reduction. |
| Industrial Use | If the metal tag is a functional part of a larger machine, ensure it is declared as a machine part, not a generic "key tag," to potentially qualify for different tariffs (if applicable). |
| Small Quantities | Due to the 87.9% tax, small shipments of metal tags are not cost-effective for direct import into the US. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
22.8% | Plastic is the most cost-effective. |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7326.90.86.10 (Metal) |
87.9% | Avoid unless necessary. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3926.90.99 |
~2.7% + VAT | No US-style Section 301 tariffs. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3926.90.99 |
~5% | Lower export barriers. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA Market: The tariff gap between Plastic (22.8%) and Metal (87.9%) is massive.
- Cost-Saving Tip: If your product can be made of plastic, do it. The tax savings are nearly 65% of the CIF value.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Metal Key Tags as "Plastic" to save taxes
👉 Consequence: Customs audit, fine, back taxes + interest. The 50% steel surcharge is strictly enforced.
❌ Error 2: Using vague descriptions like "Key Accessories"
👉 Consequence: Customs will inspect the physical sample. If it’s metal, they will reclassify and charge 87.9%.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring the Material Composition Certificate
👉 Consequence: Delayed clearance. Customs may hold the goods for further verification.
✅ Correct Approach:
- Plastic Tags: Declare as "Plastic Key Tags, Model XYZ, 100% PVC" → HS
3926.90.99.89→ 22.8%- Paper Tags: Declare as "Paper Key Tags, Model XYZ" → HS
4821.90.20.00→ 35.0%- Metal Tags: Declare as "Steel Key Tags, Model XYZ" → HS
7326.90.86.10→ 87.9%
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Maximize Profit!
🎯 Remember the Rule:
🔹 "Plastic is King (22.8%), Paper is Queen (35%), Metal is the Enemy (87.9%)"
🔹 "Material defines the Tariff. Check the Material First."
🔹 "One cent of savings in design = 65% tax saved in duties."
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing a mixed batch of key tags, separate them by material in your declaration. Do not mix metal and plastic in one HS Code line item.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your customs broker with material samples and product photos.
🚀 Optimize your product design to use plastic or paper where possible to avoid the 87.9% metal tariff.
✨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
💼 Your profit margin depends on accurate HS Codes!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.