Import duty notes · checked 22 October 2026
Headphones and earbuds import from China to US: HTS duty, Section 301 & sourcing notes
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Estimate only, not a customs ruling. AI-assisted. Drafted with AI help from public US government data. Duty figures were checked against the official sources linked next to each number on 22 October 2026. Your exact rate depends on the 10-digit classification of your product, which only US Customs (CBP) can rule on.
Duty at a glance
| Item | Figure and source |
|---|---|
| HTS subheading | 8518.30.20 USITC HTS |
| General (MFN) duty | Free USITC HTS, 2026 HTS Revision 21 |
| Section 301 (China) | Not on the Section 301 list USITC China Tariffs list |
| Section 301, 9903.05.31 (China) | May be subject to an additional 12.5% (9903.05.31); whether it stacks with other Section 301 duties should be confirmed by a licensed customs broker. 9903.05.31 in HTS · CBP CSMS #69326983 |
| Summary | Base rate Free; no Section 301 duty for this subheading. With 9903.05.31: 12.5% if stacked, 12.5% if not stacked |
Headphones and earphones, other than line telephone handsets.
Section 301 list status is taken from the USITC "China Tariffs" reference (last updated July 28, 2026). Background on the lists is on USTR's Section 301 tariff actions page. Other duties on goods from China, such as IEEPA duties under U.S. notes 2(u)/2(v) to chapter 99, change often and are not included here; check the current HTS chapter 99 before you price. Exclusions, if any, are listed in U.S. note 20.
Sourcing notes
- Bluetooth models need FCC ID; look the grantee code up on fcc.gov before ordering.
- Lithium cells inside earbuds bring shipping rules (UN38.3 test summary).
- Ask who owns the app and firmware if the earbuds use one.
These are common checks, not a full compliance list. Requirements depend on your exact product and sales channel.
Want this for your own product?
The China Sourcing Feasibility Report covers supplier hubs, US/EU certification, risks, landed cost and margin for one product, as a PDF. See what's in the report.
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