The following is a guide framework for optimizing export tariffs on digital accessories and using free trade agreements (FTAs) to reduce costs for your reference:
Export Tariff Guide for Digital Accessories: How to Use Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to Reduce Costs?
- Understand key concepts
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Bilateral or multilateral agreements that promote trade by reducing tariffs and simplifying customs clearance procedures. For example:
RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)
China-ASEAN FTA
US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
China-EU Bilateral Investment Agreement (if applicable)
HS Code (Harmonized System Code)
Digital accessories must have a clear HS code (e.g., headphones 8518.30.00, chargers 8504.40.00), and different codes correspond to different tariff rates.
- Core steps to reduce tariffs
Confirm product origin qualifications
Rules of origin: must meet the “wholly acquired” or “substantially changed” standards stipulated in the FTA (e.g., regional value content ≥ 40%).
Case: Bluetooth headsets produced in China are exported to ASEAN. If 60% of the raw materials come from China, you can apply for a FORM E certificate to enjoy zero tariffs.
Apply for a certificate of origin (CO/FTA certificate)
Common certificates in China:
FORM E (ASEAN)
RCEP certificate of origin
China-Korea FTA certificate
Process: Apply through CCPIT or e-port, and provide production process, raw material procurement certificate, etc.
Target market tariff query
Tools:
China Free Trade Zone Service Network (http://fta.mofcom.gov.cn)
WTO Tariff Database
Official websites of customs of various countries (such as US HTS, EU TARIC)
III. Common FTA preferential cases for digital accessories
Product Target market Ordinary tariff rate FTA preferential tariff rate Applicable agreement
Mobile phone case Vietnam 15% 0% RCEP
Wireless charger South Korea 8% 0% China-Korea FTA
Data cable Australia 5% 0% ChAFTA
IV. Other optimization suggestions
Supply chain adjustment
Purchase raw materials (such as electronic components in ASEAN) in FTA member countries to meet the rules of origin.
Tariff classification optimization
Subdivide product HS codes (such as headphones with microphones and ordinary headphones may have different tariff rates).
Use tariff exemption
Some countries exempt small digital accessories (such as unit price <$10) from tariffs.
V. Risk avoidance
Document compliance: Ensure that the certificate of origin is consistent with the invoice and bill of lading information.
Dynamic tracking: FTA terms may be adjusted (such as the US 301 tariff exemption list for China).
Anti-dumping investigation: Some digital accessories (such as batteries) may face special tariffs.
VI. Practical tool recommendations
China Electronic Port: One-stop certificate of origin application
Global Trade Link: HS code intelligent query
Third-party services: SGS, DHL tariff consulting services
Next action suggestions:
Check the product HS code and the target country’s FTA list;
Contact the local trade promotion council to apply for a certificate of origin;
Consult professional customs agents to optimize supply chain solutions.
If you need detailed analysis of a specific country/product, you can provide more information to further customize the solution.