How to Avoid US Tariffs When Importing Belts From China?

For importers sourcing leather or synthetic belts from China, the U.S. tariff system can be a hidden cost. Since the U.S.-China trade tensions escalated, many accessories—including belts—have faced higher duties, especially under Section 301.

To avoid or reduce U.S. tariffs on belts from China, importers must classify HS codes accurately, explore FTA options, consider transshipment logistics, and understand tariff exclusions or special country-of-origin labeling.

At StylishBelts, we've worked closely with North American clients to legally minimize their tariff exposure while ensuring smooth customs clearance. Here’s how to protect your margins in 2025.

What HS Codes Should You Use for Belt Imports?

The Harmonized System (HS) code determines the base duty rate. Belt types fall under multiple subheadings depending on their materials, purpose, and composition.

Choosing the correct HS code can reduce your tariffs significantly—especially between leather, textile, and PU belts.

What Are Common HS Codes for Belts?

Verify codes using the U.S. ITC database.

What Happens If the Code Is Misclassified?

• Higher or unnecessary duties
• Delays in clearance
• Possible penalties

StylishBelts works with customs brokers to assign the least-duty-appropriate HS code, ensuring full accuracy and legal compliance.

Can You Use Duty-Free Alternatives Like FTAs or GSP?

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or preferential duty programs allow importers to avoid standard tariff rates if their goods qualify under the rules of origin.

While China doesn’t have an active FTA with the U.S., routing belts through eligible FTA countries (with value-added processing) can reduce or eliminate tariffs.

What Are Viable FTA Workarounds?

• USMCA (Mexico): Final assembly or buckling in Mexico
• Cambodia/Vietnam: Production relocation or blending
• CAFTA or GSP countries: Source PU/textile components there

See eligibility on the USTR site.

What Is the Minimum Requirement for Re-Origin?

You must prove:

• Substantial transformation in the 3rd country
• Minimum value-add (usually 35%)
• Valid Certificate of Origin (COO)

We’ve helped clients reprocess belts in Cambodia and Vietnam with correct COO documentation to claim 0% duty on entry.

Are There Any Section 301 Exclusions Still Valid?

In response to trade tensions, the U.S. imposed Section 301 tariffs on many Chinese products, including belts. Some exclusions were granted temporarily and periodically reinstated.

Check if your product type is included in the current list of reinstated exclusions. If so, you can apply to refund or avoid the additional tariff layer.

Where Can You Check Current Exclusions?

• Federal Register notices
• USTR.gov for official exclusion list
• Partner with legal or customs consultants

What Is the Process for Filing Exclusion?

• Provide product specs and photos
• Include importer and exporter info
• File through the CBP ACE portal
• Await approval or confirmation

Some StylishBelts clients recovered over $25,000 in duties by filing retroactive exclusion claims during Section 301 windows.

Can Country of Origin Labeling Reduce Tariff Impact?

Labeling your belts correctly based on production steps can legally shift the country of origin. This changes the tariff category and allows lower or waived duties under non-China origin status.

By outsourcing final belt assembly or packaging to eligible countries, you may relabel the COO—if transformation rules are met.

What Constitutes “Substantial Transformation”?

Defined by:

• Change in HS code
• Major assembly (e.g., buckle attachment, stitching)
• Non-trivial value added

Learn more from CBP COO guidance

Is It Legal to Label Chinese-Made Belts as “Made in Mexico”?

Only if:

• You do final assembly in Mexico
• The transformation justifies COO shift
• You can document and prove it under CBP inspection

StylishBelts partners with processing centers in Vietnam and Mexico to support this compliance structure for clients.

Conclusion

U.S. tariffs on belt imports from China can significantly impact your cost structure—but they’re not unavoidable. From choosing the right HS code to exploring FTA routes and Section 301 exclusions, importers have multiple legal strategies to reduce duties.

At StylishBelts, we work behind the scenes with logistics providers, customs consultants, and global trade experts to help clients lower import costs without cutting corners. If you're looking to protect your margin while sourcing high-quality belts from China, we're ready to assist—every step of the way.