Wreath

🌿 Wreath (Artificial Floral, Leaf, and Fruit Garlands for Festive Decorations)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Pro-Level Import Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Wreath"?

A wreath is a circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, fruits, or decorative elements—typically made from artificial materials such as plastic, wire, fabric, or synthetic fibers. It serves both ornamental and ceremonial purposes, especially during holidays like Christmas, weddings, and seasonal celebrations.

In international trade, wreaths are classified based on material composition, intended use, and functional design. The key distinction lies in whether the wreath is: - Made from artificial floral/leaf/fruit components (non-plastic or plastic-based), - Used specifically for holiday decoration (especially Christmas), - Or designed as a headwear accessory (e.g., wreath headband).

⚠️ Critical Classification Trigger Points: - If made from plastic/synthetic materials → likely falls under 6702.10.40.00 or 6702.90.65.00 - If used for Christmas or festive decoration → may qualify under 9505.10.50.20 or 9505.10.25.00 - If worn on the head (e.g., as a crown or headband) → may be classified under 6214.90.00.90 (as headwear)

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Table)

🔍 Important Note:
- Same product, different HS codes depending on intended use and design.
- A plastic Christmas wreath can be classified under 9505.10.50.20 if used for holiday decor — even if made from plastic.
- A wreath headband made from fabric and wire, worn at parties or weddings, must be declared under 6214.90.00.90, not as a decorative item.

💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (With Detailed Duty Clauses)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 6702.10.40.00 — Artificial Floral, Leaf & Fruit Items (Plastic-Based Wreaths)

📌 Explanation:
- This code applies to plastic-based artificial wreaths used as general decor.
- The 10% Section 122 duty is part of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), targeting Chinese-origin goods.
- Despite the low base tariff, the 10% IEEPA surcharge makes this rate higher than expected.
- De Minimis applies, so small shipments (under $800) may avoid duty entirely.

🎯 2. 9505.10.50.20 — Christmas & Festive Decorative Items (Wreaths)

📌 Explanation:
- This code applies only to wreaths intended for Christmas or holiday use.
- No base tariff, but still subject to 10% IEEPA duty.
- Highly favorable for seasonal products (e.g., December shipments).
- De Minimis applies — ideal for e-commerce and small-batch holiday orders.

🎯 3. 6702.90.65.00 — Other Artificial Floral Items (Non-Plastic Materials)

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to non-plastic artificial wreaths (e.g., made from paper, felt, wire, fabric).
- Highest tariff due to three layers of duties:
1. 17% base tariff (standard for non-plastic artificial floral items),
2. 7.5% Section 301 (USITC) duty,
3. 10% IEEPA (Section 122) duty.
- No de minimis relief — even small shipments (under $800) must pay full duty.
- High-risk for eco-friendly or sustainable decor — if materials are non-plastic, taxes skyrocket.

🎯 4. 9505.10.25.00 — Christmas Decorative Items (Specifically for Christmas)

📌 Explanation:
- Most favorable rate for Christmas wreaths.
- Same as 9505.10.50.20 — both apply to Christmas-specific decor.
- Use this code only if the product is clearly marketed and used for Christmas (e.g., red/green, snowflakes, Santa motifs).
- De Minimis applies — perfect for holiday e-commerce.

🎯 5. 6214.90.00.90 — Other Headwear (Wreath Headbands)

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to wreath-style headbands worn as headwear (e.g., at weddings, parties, cosplay).
- Highest tariff among all codes due to multiple surcharges:
- 11.3% base + 7.5% Section 301 + 10% IEEPA = 28.8%
- No de minimis — even small shipments must pay full duty.
- Must be declared as headwear, not as decoration.

🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)

✅ 2.申报技巧 (Key Rules to Remember)

🔥 “Use the Right Code, Pay the Right Tax — One Mistake = 34.5% Duty!”

✅ 3. Special Cases & Solutions

🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Takeaway:
- USA has the most complex and punitive tariff structure for wreaths.
- China, EU, Australia, Japan are much more favorable for exporters.
- US importers must be hyper-accurate in classification.

📌 Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Risks)

❌ Mistake 1: Calling a non-plastic wreath “plastic” to get lower tariff
👉 Result: 34.5% duty — and possible penalties for misdeclaration.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring a wreath headband as a decoration
👉 Result: 28.8% duty instead of 10% — cost overruns.

❌ Mistake 3: Using 6702.10.40.00 for a Christmas wreath
👉 Result: 13.4% vs 10% — $340 extra on $10k shipment.

❌ Mistake 4: Not providing photos or material proof
👉 Result: CBP may reclassify and levy higher duty.

✅ Correct Approach:

“Christmas Wreath, 18-inch, plastic, red/green, with pine cones, intended for holiday decoration, Model XYZ, FCC & RoHS Certified”

🎯 Seven, Final Verdict: Accuracy Wins!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:

🔹 “Material + Use + Design = Correct HS Code”
🔹 “One wrong code = 34.5% duty instead of 10%”

📌 Pro Tip:

If your wreath is made in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption — tariff drops to 0%.
✅ Apply for Advance Ruling before shipping to lock in the correct HS code and tariff.

📣 Act Now:

📞 Contact a customs broker + provide product photos + material sheet
🚀 Get HS Code pre-approval and avoid costly delays or rejections

✨ Precision Classification = Smooth Clearance = Profit Protection!
💼 Your next shipment starts with the right HS code — don’t gamble with duty!