Clay Bead

🌿 Clay Bead – Comprehensive HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Expert Clearance Strategy

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Blueprint | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Pro-Level Import Planning

📌 One Product, Multiple Classifications – Why This Matters
The term "Clay Bead" may seem simple, but its classification depends on material, form, and intended use. Misclassification can trigger 40%+ tariffs, delays, or even seizure.

This guide breaks down four distinct HS codes from the latest U.S. tariff schedule, with detailed tax logic, legal references, and real-world clearance tips — all based strictly on the provided data.

📦 HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 U.S. Tariff Authority)

⚠️ Critical Insight:
- "Clay Bead" is NOT a single product — it can be raw material, craft bead, or jewelry component.
- The correct HS code depends on processing level and end use.

💰 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (Including All附加 Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (with ongoing tariffs)

🎯 1. 6914.10.80.00 – Raw Ceramic Material (Clay)

For unprocessed, unfired clay in primary form

📌 Why This Applies:
- The product is raw clay — not fired, not shaped, not processed.
- Matches "ceramic raw material" under HS 6914.10.80.00.
- No conflict with ceramic category — fully compliant.

🔗 Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:6914.10.80.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01

🎯 2. 6914.90.80.00 – Ceramic Beads (Granular/Pellet Form)

Fired or processed clay in bead-like granules

📌 Why This Applies:
- The bead shape and processed form (likely fired) place it under "other ceramic articles".
- No material conflict — clay is fully acceptable in this category.
- Granular/pellet form fits the "bead-shaped" subcategory.

🔗 Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:6914.90.80.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01

🎯 3. 7117.90.55.00 – Imitation Jewelry (Non-Metal, Non-Precious)

Clay beads used as jewelry components or decorative parts

📌 Why This Applies:
- "Bead" shape suggests jewelry accessory use.
- Clay is non-metal, non-precious — fully compliant with "imitation jewelry" rules.
- No conflict with non-metallic category.

🔗 Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:7117.90.55.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01

🎯 4. 7117.90.90.00 – Other Imitation Jewelry (Unspecified)

Generic imitation jewelry components, including clay beads

📌 Why This Applies:
- If the intended use is decorative or accessory, and not clearly raw material, this code applies.
- "Bead" shape confirms jewelry accessory nature.
- Clay ≠ metal → no conflict with non-precious material rule.

🔗 Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:7117.90.90.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01

🎯 5. 9602.00.50.80 – Other Molded/Carved Articles (Plant/Mineral Materials)

Processed clay beads made from natural/artificial mineral materials

📌 Why This Applies:
- "Bead" shape + clay/mineral origin = fits "molded or carved articles" category.
- Processed clay qualifies as "mineral-based material".
- No material conflict — fully compliant.

🔗 Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:9602.00.50.80 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01

🛠️ Pro-Level Clearance Strategy (2026 Edition)

✅ 1. Pre-申报必备材料 (Must-Have Documents)

✅ 2.申报技巧（Golden Rules）

🔥 "Shape, Material, Use = Duty"
- Raw clay? → 6914.10.80.00 → 44%
- Fired beads? → 6914.90.80.00 → 40.6%
- Jewelry use? → 7117.90.55.00 → 24.7%
- Decorative? → 7117.90.90.00 → 28.5%
- Artisanal craft? → 9602.00.50.80 → 20.2%

🚫 Never do this:
- Splitting a single package into multiple items → each may face 89.5%+ tariffs.
- Using generic name like "beads" without context → triggers higher scrutiny.

✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation

📌 Best Practice:
- Use the most specific HS code that matches material, form, and end use.
- Avoid "jewelry" if not intended for wear — can trigger higher scrutiny.

🌍 Global Market Comparison (2026)

✅ Insight:
- The U.S. is the only market with IEEPA + Section 301 on clay beads.
- China, EU, Japan, Australia have lower or zero附加 duties.

📌 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid (Costly Errors!)

❌ Mistake 1: Using 7117.90.55.00 for raw clay → Wrong!
👉 Result: 24.7% duty on raw material → overpay by 19.3%

❌ Mistake 2: Splitting beads into "packaging" and "beads" → Each item taxed at 89.5%
👉 Result: Total duty > 179% → Seizure risk

❌ Mistake 3: Not specifying if beads are fired or unfired → Customs may default to highest tariff

❌ Mistake 4: Claiming "jewelry" when not intended for wear → May trigger anti-fraud audit

❌ Mistake 5: Using "clay" without material proof → May be reclassified as plastic or synthetic

🎯 Final Verdict: Choose Wisely, Pay Less, Ship Faster

🔥 The lowest tariff?
✅ 9602.00.50.80 (20.2%) — if beads are processed, non-metal, used in crafts.

🔥 The highest tariff?
❌ 6914.10.80.00 (44.0%) — if beads are raw, unfired clay.

📌 Pro Tip:
- Label clearly: "Clay Beads, Fired, for Craft Use" → helps customs assign correct code.
- Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Review) if shipping large volumes.

📣 Act Now: Secure Your Shipment & Slash Tariffs!

📞 Contact a U.S.-licensed customs broker + provide:
- Product photos
- Material specs
- Intended use
- Commercial invoice

🚀 Get a pre-approval on HS code → avoid delays, overpayment, and penalties.

✨ Your Clay Beads. Your Duty. Your Control.
💼 One accurate HS code = thousands saved in duty.

🎯 Remember:

"Shape determines use. Use determines tax. Tax determines profit."
Don’t guess. Classify. Win.