Headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds Import Duty Rate
Headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds (Bluetooth)
Customs Duty Summary
The HTS code for headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds is 8518.30.2000, carrying a standard Column 1 General MFN US import duty rate of 0%. Commercial shipments originating from China are subject to additional USTR Section 301 tariffs (Subject to Section 301 (7.5% - 25% if China origin)), bringing total tariff exposure to approximately 7.5% – 25.0%.
Tariff & Duty Rate Breakdown
Official USITC duty components applicable to HTS 8518.30.2000
No.
Free under MFN Column 1
Chapter 85
⚠️ Customs Notice: Illustrative reference — verify exact classification against USITC.gov before filing. Always verify binding rulings and final classification codes with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker prior to commercial entry filing.
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Electronics & Hardware
Computers, smartphones, wearables, audio gear, printed circuit boards, and electronic components.
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Frequently Asked Questions for HTS 8518.30.2000
Official tariff rules, origin differences, and regulatory compliance for importing headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds
What is the US customs duty rate for importing Headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds under HTS 8518.30.2000?
Under standard US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Column 1 General MFN rates, HTS Code 8518.30.2000 enters duty-free at 0.0% base customs duty. However, if your shipment originates from China, tariff treatment depends on USTR Section 301 rules: currently subject to section 301 (7.5% - 25% if china origin). When importing commercial entries via formal customs processing, standard customs user fees (such as the 0.3464% Merchandise Processing Fee) still apply regardless of the 0% duty rate.
Can I avoid Section 301 tariffs on HTS 8518.30.2000 by importing from countries other than China?
Yes. Section 301 punitive tariffs are country-of-origin specific and apply only to goods originating in the People's Republic of China. If you import headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds from manufacturing hubs such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or Mexico, you pay only the standard Column 1 MFN duty rate of 0.0% (plus standard MPF/HMF user fees).
What partner government agency (PGA) rules apply when importing 8518.30.2000 into the United States?
Electronic goods under Chapter 85 that contain wireless radio frequency emitters, Bluetooth, or microprocessors typically require compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC Form 740 / Title 47 CFR) equipment authorization regulations. Lithium-ion batteries (such as HTS 8507.60) must also meet DOT/UN 38.3 hazardous material transport packaging and testing safety standards before commercial entry.
Can shipments of Headphones, earphones & wireless earbuds enter duty-free under Section 321 De Minimis?
Under 19 U.S.C. § 1321 (Section 321), individual commercial shipments imported by one person on one day with a fair retail value of $800 or less historically qualified for duty-free and informal clearance. However, importers should note that active trade enforcement rules and restrictions for goods subject to partner government agency oversight or Section 301 trade remedies may require formal filing regardless of value. Always check with a licensed customs broker before relying on de minimis exemptions.