Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, wire, plates and other semi-finished and finished products, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, etc. made of iron or steel (classified in Chapters 84-87). This chapter ranges from 7301 to 7326 and covers cast, forged, stamped, welded and other processed products of iron or steel, as well as daily necessities, tools, needles and similar articles of iron or steel. Heading 7319 specifically includes sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc., and is the concentrated classification heading for needle products of iron or steel. Heading 7319 covers sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, bodkins and similar needles of iron or steel, whether or not surface-treated (such as nickel-plated or chrome-plated), and whether for hand use or machine use. However, this heading does not include medical injection needles or suture needles (classified in 9018), nor safety pins, pins, etc. (classified in other headings outside 7319, such as 7318 or 7326). The core characteristic is needles used for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other textile-related purposes. Code 731990 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4 '19' represent heading 7319 (sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc. of iron or steel); digits 5-6 '90' represent the subheading 'other', i.e., needles other than subheading 7319.10 (sewing needles). Therefore, 731990 specifically refers to other needles of iron or steel besides sewing machine needles and hand sewing needles, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, bodkins, etc. This product is a needle of iron or steel, and is not a sewing needle (7319.10), nor a medical needle (9018) or safety pin (7326). Its use is for knitting, embroidery, crochet, etc., which conforms to the description of heading 7319, and it is not specifically named in other subheadings, so it is classified under 7319.90. If it were a sewing machine needle, it would be classified under 7319.10; if it were a needle for textile machinery, it might be classified under 8448.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, wire, plates and other semi-finished and finished products, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, etc. made of iron or steel (classified in Chapters 84-87). This chapter ranges from 7301 to 7326 and covers cast, forged, stamped, welded and other processed products of iron or steel, as well as daily necessities, tools, needles and similar articles of iron or steel. Heading 7319 specifically includes sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc., and is the concentrated classification heading for needle products of iron or steel.
Heading
Heading 7319 covers sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, bodkins and similar needles of iron or steel, whether or not surface-treated (such as nickel-plated or chrome-plated), and whether for hand use or machine use. However, this heading does not include medical injection needles or suture needles (classified in 9018), nor safety pins, pins, etc. (classified in other headings outside 7319, such as 7318 or 7326). The core characteristic is needles used for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other textile-related purposes.
Digit Breakdown
Code 731990 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4 '19' represent heading 7319 (sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc. of iron or steel); digits 5-6 '90' represent the subheading 'other', i.e., needles other than subheading 7319.10 (sewing needles). Therefore, 731990 specifically refers to other needles of iron or steel besides sewing machine needles and hand sewing needles, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, bodkins, etc.
Classification Basis
This product is a needle of iron or steel, and is not a sewing needle (7319.10), nor a medical needle (9018) or safety pin (7326). Its use is for knitting, embroidery, crochet, etc., which conforms to the description of heading 7319, and it is not specifically named in other subheadings, so it is classified under 7319.90. If it were a sewing machine needle, it would be classified under 7319.10; if it were a needle for textile machinery, it might be classified under 8448.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'knitting needle', 'crochet hook', 'embroidery needle', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's use and material. Material: The material of the declared needle, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'alloy steel', etc., with the main components noted. Use: Explain the specific use of the needle, such as 'hand knitting', 'embroidery', 'crochet', etc., which should correspond to the heading description. Processing Method: Describe the processing method of the needle, such as 'stamping', 'turning', 'polishing', etc., as well as surface treatment (such as nickel plating). Brand: Declare the brand name (if any); if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Declare the model or specification of the product, such as '2.0mm×80mm', for easy identification. Packaging Specification: Declare the packaging method, such as 'plastic bag, 100 pieces/bag', which affects the tax unit. Product Name: Stainless steel knitting needle; Material: Stainless steel (304); Use: Hand knitting sweaters; Processing Method: Stamping, nickel-plated surface; Brand: No brand; Model: 3.0mm×200mm; Packaging Specification: 10 pieces/card, 100 cards/carton. Misdeclaring knitting needles as sewing needles, resulting in classification under 7319.10, which may have a different tax rate. Declaring the material as 'iron' when it is actually alloy steel, affecting classification and the application of anti-dumping duties. Filling in the use as 'industrial' when it is actually household, which may result in classification under other headings.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'knitting needle', 'crochet hook', 'embroidery needle', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's use and material.
⚠️ Filling in only 'needle' or 'steel needle' is too general and easily leads to classification disputes.
Material
The material of the declared needle, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'alloy steel', etc., with the main components noted.
⚠️ Filling in 'metal' or 'iron' without specifying the exact steel type, which affects classification.
Use
Explain the specific use of the needle, such as 'hand knitting', 'embroidery', 'crochet', etc., which should correspond to the heading description.
⚠️ Filling in 'for sewing' when it is actually a knitting needle, resulting in incorrect classification under 7319.10.
Processing Method
Describe the processing method of the needle, such as 'stamping', 'turning', 'polishing', etc., as well as surface treatment (such as nickel plating).
⚠️ Ignoring surface treatment, such as failure to declare 'gold plating', which may affect classification or tax rate.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if any); if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual product, or failure to declare the brand leads to infringement risk.
Model
Declare the model or specification of the product, such as '2.0mm×80mm', for easy identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual product.
Packaging Specification
Declare the packaging method, such as 'plastic bag, 100 pieces/bag', which affects the tax unit.
⚠️ The packaging unit is inconsistent with the transaction unit, resulting in incorrect quantity declaration.
Misdeclaring knitting needles as sewing needles, resulting in classification under 7319.10, which may have a different tax rate.
Declaring the material as 'iron' when it is actually alloy steel, affecting classification and the application of anti-dumping duties.
Filling in the use as 'industrial' when it is actually household, which may result in classification under other headings.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 7319. 7319 includes sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc. of iron or steel, but sewing machine needles are separately listed under 7319.10. Other needles (such as knitting needles and crochet hooks) are classified under 7319.90. Attention must be paid to the distinction from medical needles (9018), safety pins (7326) and needles for textile machinery (8448). Classification requires comprehensive consideration of material, use and processing method. 731910 Sewing needles: 731910 specifically refers to sewing machine needles and hand sewing needles, used for sewing; while 731990 covers other needles, such as knitting needles and crochet hooks, with different uses. 732620 Articles of iron or steel wire: 732620 includes other articles of iron or steel wire not elsewhere specified or included, such as safety pins and pins; while 731990 covers needles, but safety pins are not classified under 7319. 844851 Needles for textile machinery: 844851 covers needles specifically for textile machinery, such as knitting machine needles, which are machine parts; while 731990 covers hand-use needles, not for machines. 901832 Medical needles: 901832 covers medical needles such as injection needles and suture needles, belonging to medical devices; 731990 covers textile needles, with different uses. Is it clearly made of iron or steel? Is it used for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other textile purposes? Is it not a sewing machine needle or hand sewing needle? Is it not equipped with other mechanical devices? Is it not classified as medical or textile machinery-specific?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 7319. 7319 includes sewing needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, embroidery needles, etc. of iron or steel, but sewing machine needles are separately listed under 7319.10. Other needles (such as knitting needles and crochet hooks) are classified under 7319.90. Attention must be paid to the distinction from medical needles (9018), safety pins (7326) and needles for textile machinery (8448). Classification requires comprehensive consideration of material, use and processing method.
Confused Codes：
731910 - Sewing needles
731910 specifically refers to sewing machine needles and hand sewing needles, used for sewing; while 731990 covers other needles, such as knitting needles and crochet hooks, with different uses.
732620 - Articles of iron or steel wire
732620 includes other articles of iron or steel wire not elsewhere specified or included, such as safety pins and pins; while 731990 covers needles, but safety pins are not classified under 7319.
844851 - Needles for textile machinery
844851 covers needles specifically for textile machinery, such as knitting machine needles, which are machine parts; while 731990 covers hand-use needles, not for machines.
901832 - Medical needles
901832 covers medical needles such as injection needles and suture needles, belonging to medical devices; 731990 covers textile needles, with different uses.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly made of iron or steel?
✓ Is it used for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other textile purposes?
✓ Is it not a sewing machine needle or hand sewing needle?
✓ Is it not equipped with other mechanical devices?
✓ Is it not classified as medical or textile machinery-specific?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tax rate for 731990? You can check through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff by entering HS code 731990 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT and consumption tax. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest version should prevail. What is the difference in HS codes between knitting needles and sewing needles? Knitting needles are classified under 731990, and sewing needles (including hand and machine use) are classified under 731910. The two have different uses: knitting needles are used for knitting sweaters, etc., while sewing needles are used for sewing clothes. The use must be accurately filled in when declaring. What elements should be declared for stainless steel crochet hooks? It is necessary to declare the product name (crochet hook), material (stainless steel), use (hand crochet), processing method (stamping, polishing), brand, model and packaging specification. Ensure consistency with the actual product to avoid classification errors. Does 731990 require commodity inspection? According to the Catalogue of Import and Export Commodities Subject to Inspection and Quarantine by Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Institutions, 731990 generally is not a statutory inspection commodity, but it may involve export quality licensing or import safety requirements. It is recommended to check the latest catalogue or consult the local customs. If the needle is made of copper, can it still be classified under 731990? No. 731990 applies only to needles of iron or steel. Copper needles should be classified under Chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof), and the specific subheading should be determined according to use; for example, copper knitting needles may be classified under 7419. What should be noted for cross-border e-commerce retail export of 731990? It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, material and use to avoid order rejection or fines due to classification errors. At the same time, pay attention to intellectual property issues, such as providing authorization for branded needles. Retail exports may enjoy simplified declaration, but must meet the list requirements. How to distinguish 731990 from 844851? 731990 covers hand-use needles, not for machines; 844851 covers needles specifically for textile machinery, such as knitting machine needles, which are machine parts. If the needle is installed on a machine for use, it should be classified under 844851. Are brand and model mandatory when declaring? Brand and model are optional elements, but it is recommended to fill them in to facilitate customs identification. If there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'; if the model is unknown, fill in 'no model'. If brand infringement is involved, it must be declared truthfully.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for 731990?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff by entering HS code 731990 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT and consumption tax. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest version should prevail.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between knitting needles and sewing needles?
A: Knitting needles are classified under 731990, and sewing needles (including hand and machine use) are classified under 731910. The two have different uses: knitting needles are used for knitting sweaters, etc., while sewing needles are used for sewing clothes. The use must be accurately filled in when declaring.
Q: What elements should be declared for stainless steel crochet hooks?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name (crochet hook), material (stainless steel), use (hand crochet), processing method (stamping, polishing), brand, model and packaging specification. Ensure consistency with the actual product to avoid classification errors.
Q: Does 731990 require commodity inspection?
A: According to the Catalogue of Import and Export Commodities Subject to Inspection and Quarantine by Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Institutions, 731990 generally is not a statutory inspection commodity, but it may involve export quality licensing or import safety requirements. It is recommended to check the latest catalogue or consult the local customs.
Q: If the needle is made of copper, can it still be classified under 731990?
A: No. 731990 applies only to needles of iron or steel. Copper needles should be classified under Chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof), and the specific subheading should be determined according to use; for example, copper knitting needles may be classified under 7419.
Q: What should be noted for cross-border e-commerce retail export of 731990?
A: It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, material and use to avoid order rejection or fines due to classification errors. At the same time, pay attention to intellectual property issues, such as providing authorization for branded needles. Retail exports may enjoy simplified declaration, but must meet the list requirements.
Q: How to distinguish 731990 from 844851?
A: 731990 covers hand-use needles, not for machines; 844851 covers needles specifically for textile machinery, such as knitting machine needles, which are machine parts. If the needle is installed on a machine for use, it should be classified under 844851.
Q: Are brand and model mandatory when declaring?
A: Brand and model are optional elements, but it is recommended to fill them in to facilitate customs identification. If there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'; if the model is unknown, fill in 'no model'. If brand infringement is involved, it must be declared truthfully.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.