HS 731940 Safety pins and other pins

Quick Answer: Safety pins and other pins imported under HS 731940 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US with a range of rates from 4.5% to 35%, with many countries benefiting from duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers safety pins, as well as other types of pins such as straight pins, bobby pins, and hairpins, typically made of base metal. Importers should be aware of the significant duty variations across major markets, particularly the broad range of rates in the United States which necessitates careful verification based on the country of origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification and origin determination for accurate duty assessment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
7319400000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
7319400000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
73194020 4.5% Free (17 programs) —
7319403000 4.1% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
7319405010 — — ["kg"]
731940 — — —
7319402010 — — ["gross"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7319.40?

Imports of Safety pins and other pins may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 731940 cover?

This subheading covers safety pins and other pins, specifically those made of iron or steel, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes common safety pins used for fastening fabrics, as well as other types of pins such as straight pins or dressmaker pins, provided they are not specifically classified elsewhere. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category is for pins of base metal, excluding those with precious metal components or those designed for specific industrial applications like sewing machine needles.

What falls outside HS 731940?

The following products are excluded from HS 731940: sewing needles (classified under HS 731930), knitting needles, crochet hooks, and similar articles for tatting, lace-making, embroidery, or other textile crafts (classified under HS 731930). Also excluded are pins made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal, which fall under Chapter 71. Pins designed for specific technical uses, such as drawing pins or thumbtacks, may also be classified under different headings depending on their specific characteristics and intended use, often found in Chapter 39 or Chapter 83.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 731940?

A common error is misclassifying sewing needles or other textile craft tools under HS 731940. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. For instance, sewing needles, despite being pins, are specifically provided for under HS 731930. Importers may also incorrectly classify decorative pins or pins with plastic heads if they do not carefully consider the material composition and intended use as per the WCO Explanatory Notes.

How should importers classify products under HS 731940?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 731940 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition, form, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. They should verify that the product is indeed a safety pin or another type of pin made of iron or steel, and not specifically excluded by a more precise heading or note. Cross-referencing with the WCO Explanatory Notes provides further clarity on the scope of the heading.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 731940?

A shipment of 10,000 standard steel safety pins, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $100 USD, would attract a US duty of $3.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($100 USD × 0.035 = $3.50). However, if the pins were sold by weight and the tariff specified a rate per kilogram, for example, $0.60 per kg, the duty would be $3.00 (5 kg × $0.60/kg). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 731940?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 731940, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, pins originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from a preferential rate of Free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which can offer reduced or Free duty rates, often requiring a GSP Form A. Documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction and the specific trade agreement.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 731824 HS 731990 HS 730719 HS 730240 HS 732119 HS 731823

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 731940 (Safety pins and other pins) into the United States?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 731940 into the United States is 2.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply for imports from countries with which the U.S. has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). For example, imports from Australia (AU) and South Korea (KR) may be eligible for duty-free entry under specific conditions. Always verify the current tariff schedule and applicable trade agreements on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How is the import duty for HS code 731940 calculated for a shipment of safety pins to the U.S.?

The duty for HS code 731940 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For instance, if you import 10,000 safety pins valued at $0.10 each, the total declared value is $1,000. With an MFN duty rate of 2.70%, the import duty would be $1,000 * 0.0270 = $27.00. Ensure your customs invoice clearly states the value, quantity, and description of the pins.

What are the classification criteria for goods under HS code 731940?

HS code 731940 covers 'Safety pins and other pins of iron or steel'. This includes common safety pins used for fastening fabric, as well as other types of pins made from iron or steel, such as straight pins, drawing pins (thumbtacks), and hairpins. The key classification criteria are that the item must be a pin, and it must be manufactured from iron or steel. Items made from other materials, or pins with specific functions that place them in other HS chapters (e.g., sewing needles in 7319.30), would be classified elsewhere.

Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 731940 into the U.S.?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 731940 into the United States. Based on the provided sample rates, countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and potentially others listed (e.g., CL, CO, IL, JO, MA, OM, PA, PE, SG) may benefit from reduced or duty-free entry. Importers should consult the specific terms of each trade agreement, such as the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) or agreements with Central American nations, and ensure they meet all rules of origin requirements to claim preferential treatment. The USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provides detailed information on these preferential rates.

Are there any specific documentation requirements for importing safety pins (HS 731940) into the EU?

When importing goods under HS code 731940 into the European Union, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. The commercial invoice must accurately declare the value, quantity, and origin of the goods. Depending on the origin country, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under the EU's trade agreements. Importers should consult the EU's TARIC database for specific duty rates, potential import controls, and any other documentation requirements relevant to the specific member state of entry and the exporting country.