Guide
Custom Pins Import Duty USA 2026: Will I Get a Customs Bill?
US import duty on custom enamel pins from China in 2026: HS 7117.19.90 at 11% MFN plus 7.5% and 12.5% Section 301, about 31%. De minimis is gone.
Yes, unless your quote is DDP. Custom metal pins from China enter the US under HS 7117.19.90 at 11% MFN duty plus 7.5% (Section 301 List 4A) plus a further 12.5% (Section 301, from July 24, 2026), about 31% in total. The $800 de minimis exemption was withdrawn indefinitely under the June 24, 2026 rule, so every shipment is dutiable. As of September 2026, subject to change.
The tariff stack, line by line
Metal pins with no precious metal are classified as imitation jewelry under HS 7117.19.90.
| Layer | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| MFN (normal) duty | 11% | HTSUS 7117.19.90 |
| Section 301, List 4A | 7.5% | Goods of China, in force since 2019 |
| Section 301, additional | 12.5% | Goods of China, from July 24, 2026 |
| Total, approximate | ~31% | On the customs value of the goods |
Customs value is normally the price you paid for the pins (FOB value), not including international freight for the duty calculation. Brokerage, entry fees and any port charges come on top.
As of September 2026, subject to change. Section 301 rates have changed twice in the last two years. Check the current HTSUS before you budget a large order.
De minimis is gone
Until 2025, a shipment valued under $800 could enter the US without duty. That exemption was suspended for China-origin goods and then withdrawn for all origins under the rule effective June 24, 2026. A carton of 500 pins now goes through formal or informal entry and pays the full stack regardless of value. Splitting an order into small parcels no longer avoids duty and can trigger scrutiny.
Who pays, under each term
- FOB Shenzhen. You pay freight, insurance, duty, brokerage and delivery. The carrier or broker sends you a bill before release. This is the "customs bill."
- CIF or CIP US port. We pay freight and insurance to the port. You pay duty, brokerage and onward delivery.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to your address. We pay everything, including the roughly 31% duty, and it is inside the quoted price. Nothing to pay on arrival. See our guide on DDP vs FOB for the trade-offs.
What a DDP quote from us looks like
One line for the pins. One line for the mold. One line for packaging if any. One line for DDP delivery covering freight, insurance, US duty at the current stack, brokerage and delivery to the door. The Incoterm and the address are written on the quote. If the duty rate changes between quote and shipment, we tell you before dispatch and re-issue the DDP line.
Other US rules that touch pins
- Magnets. Magnetic backs are adult use only. US 16 CFR 1262 sets requirements for products containing loose or separable magnets. Tell us the end use before choosing a magnetic back.
- California. Proposition 65 warnings may be required for lead or cadmium content on products sold in California; California HSC §25214.1 restricts lead and cadmium in jewelry. If your retailer needs lead or cadmium test reports, tell us with your brief and we will arrange testing for your order.
- Country of origin. Every pin or its packaging must be marked "Made in China." Under FTC 16 CFR 323, a pin made here cannot be marketed as "Made in USA" or with similar claims. We can mark the back or the packaging as you prefer.
- Children. If pins are intended for children under 12, tell us in the quote form; we arrange CPSIA testing for that order and include the cost in the quote.
Budgeting a first US order
- Get the FOB quote and the DDP quote for the same order. The gap is your landed cost of import.
- Decide whether you have a broker. If not, DDP.
- Add the duty rate to your unit cost before you set a resale or event budget.
- Confirm the HS code on the commercial invoice reads 7117.19.90 so the entry matches.
Product options are on the custom enamel pins page.
This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Order Facts
- From 100 pcs per design · better price at 500+, best at 1,000+
- Free artwork proof within 2 working days
- Sample 10–14 working days · bulk 30–60 days · rush from 10–15 days
- DDP door-to-door available: duties and taxes included in the quote
- Bella replies within 12 hours
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you under-declare the value to lower the duty?
No. The invoice states the price paid. Under-declaration is customs fraud and the importer of record is liable.
Does duty apply to the mold charge?
The mold stays in China. Whether tooling paid by the buyer is an "assist" that must be added to customs value is a question for your broker. Tell them the mold charge exists.
If I order DDP, who is the importer of record?
Our forwarder's US entity or a nominated broker acts as importer. You receive the goods with duty settled. Ask us for the entry documents if your accountant needs them.