Importing hair accessories seems simple—until you’re faced with duty rates, HS codes, and material classifications. For mixed-material products like plastic clips with metal springs, one wrong declaration can lead to overpaying duties or shipment delays.
To correctly calculate duty for hair accessories made with plastic and metal, you must understand harmonized system codes, dominant material principles, and U.S. Customs classification rules.
As a manufacturer exporting to the U.S. daily, I’ve helped dozens of clients save time and money by getting this step right the first time.
What is the harmonization code for hair clip?
Every product imported into the U.S. needs a Harmonized System (HS) code, also called an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code. This determines your duty rate and import eligibility.
The most commonly used HS code for plastic or metal hair clips is 9615.11.10.00, which covers hair slides and similar articles. However, exact codes vary depending on materials and construction.
How do hair clips get classified under HS Code 9615?
The HTSUS (U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule) Chapter 96 includes:
- 9615.11.10.00 – Hair slides and similar articles of plastics, valued not over $5 per dozen
- 9615.11.30.00 – Same, but valued over $5 per dozen
- 9615.19.60.00 – Hair accessories of other materials (e.g., metals)
U.S. Customs uses both the material and declared value per dozen as key factors.
If your plastic clip includes a metal spring, you must determine whether the plastic is the main component—or if the metal outweighs it in function or value.
How U.S. Customs Classifies Mixed-Material Accessories?
Hair accessories with both plastic and metal parts must follow the “essential character” rule.
U.S. Customs applies General Rule of Interpretation 3(b), which says that if a product is made of different materials, it is classified according to the component that gives it its essential character.
How is "essential character" determined for plastic/metal clips?
Customs looks at factors like:
- Which material makes up more of the item by weight or volume
- Which material plays the dominant functional role
- Which material is visible or drives consumer perception
- Manufacturing cost of each material
For example:
- A resin hair clip with a small hidden spring = plastic-dominant
- A metal clip with plastic trim on top = metal-dominant
We help buyers determine this during pre-shipment. If needed, we provide material composition sheets, factory declarations, and sample invoices.
Why does it matter? Because classification changes duty rates.
| HS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9615.11.10.00 | Plastic hair slides ≤$5/doz | 2.8% |
| 9615.11.30.00 | Plastic hair slides >$5/doz | 5.3% |
| 9615.19.60.00 | Metal hair accessories | 11.2% |
Incorrectly classifying a plastic clip as metal could double your duty.
HS Code Guidelines for Plastic and Metal Combinations
Mixed-material items are common in fashion accessories, but customs codes were built with singular materials in mind.
The key guideline is to identify the dominant material or function, then use explanatory notes from the World Customs Organization (WCO) or CBP rulings for similar items.
What documents help clarify HS codes for mixed accessories?
We recommend these resources:
- HTSUS online search: https://hts.usitc.gov/
- CBP Informed Compliance rulings: Public customs rulings based on real product cases
- Binding Rulings from CROSS: https://rulings.cbp.gov/
For example, in ruling HQ H192254, CBP confirmed that a hair clip with a decorative plastic top and a spring clip base was classifiable under the plastic code, because the plastic dominated the appearance and consumer use.
We use these rulings as references when creating commercial invoices and packing lists.
What’s the best approach for custom accessory designs?
If you’re unsure, ask your factory to:
- Break down the product into % plastic and % metal by weight
- State the primary material in the product description
- Avoid vague terms like “mixed clip”—be specific
On our end, we support this with high-res product photos and sample declarations in every customs document set.
Tips for Declaring Dominant Material in Your Product
Even if your product is truly 50/50 plastic and metal, U.S. Customs needs you to choose a classification.
To declare dominant material correctly, provide clear product descriptions, avoid ambiguous naming, and support your claim with consistent documentation across invoice, packing list, and label.
What mistakes cause shipment delays or reclassification?
Some common issues include:
- Using product names like “metal clip with resin decoration” when the item is mostly resin
- Declaring the same item under two different codes on separate invoices
- Skipping the customs value breakdown per dozen (for 9615 items)
To avoid this:
- Align the HS code with the item’s description
- Keep invoice unit consistent (per piece vs. per dozen)
- Add a material note like “Main material: Plastic (80% by weight)”
We review all shipping docs internally before booking freight, catching any mismatches between item name and HS code.
How does correct material declaration support faster customs clearance?
When customs officers see:
- Matching HS code and product name
- Consistent material declarations
- Comparable prior import records
—they’re more likely to process your shipment without inspection.
One U.S. buyer told us their clearance time dropped from 3 days to 12 hours after we restructured their invoice layout and labeling based on our QC and product specs.
Conclusion
For mixed-material hair clips, the key to smooth importing is clarity. Identify the dominant material, choose the right HS code, and back it up with consistent documentation. At AceAccessory, we make sure your paperwork works as hard as your products.
