November 10, 2025

Headline: Tariffs on China/Hong Kong hobby goods drop from 30% to 20% (effective 12:01 a.m. ET, Nov 10)

The short version

• Starting today, most toy and hobby products under HTS 9503 from China or Hong Kong are charged a total 20% surcharge at the border. That 20% = 10% under 9903.01.24 (IEEPA China/HK) + 10% under 9903.01.25 (Reciprocal).

• That’s down from 30% yesterday. The normal base tariff for most 9503 items remains 0%.

Who is affected

• Importers bringing HTS 9503 goods from China or Hong Kong.

• Shipments from other countries are not affected by this change (the global 10% reciprocal tariff continues as before).

What changed

• Yesterday: total surcharge ≈ 30% (20% + 10%).

• Today: total surcharge 20% (10% + 10%).

• Filing process is unchanged—only the rate on one surcharge (9903.01.24) changed.

If you import products

• For entries on/after 12:01 a.m. ET, Nov 10, your broker should apply two 10% lines on each China/HK item: 9903.01.24 = 10% and 9903.01.25 = 10%.

• Double-check: (1) origin is China/Hong Kong, (2) the HTS code is correct (9503 subheading), (3) the entry timestamp is on/after Nov 10 so you get the new 20% rate.

• Keep origin paperwork (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin if used). Ask your broker to confirm in writing that both surcharge lines were transmitted.

Quick example

• Customs value: $1,000

• Yesterday at 30%: $300 in surcharges

• Today at 20%: $200 in surcharges

• Difference: $100 per $1,000 of customs value

Why it matters

• Landed cost drops 10 percentage points for China/HK hobby goods.

• Revisit quotes, open POs, and price files. Coordinate any possible downstream price moves with distributors/retailers.

What’s next

• We’re watching for any further changes, including potential product-specific Section 301 exclusions. 

Glossary

• HTS 9503: The customs category for most toys and hobby goods.

• IEEPA China/HK surcharge (9903.01.24): 10% effective Nov 10, 2025 (reduced from 20%).

• Reciprocal tariff (9903.01.25): 10% global surcharge that continues.

• Section 301 tariffs: Separate China-specific duties that, when applicable, are filed as 9903.88.xx (rates vary by list).

• MFN/base duty: The “normal” tariff rate. For most 9503 goods, it remains 0%.

Disclaimer

Information is believed accurate as of the date above and provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, or business advice. Please verify details independently before acting.

HIC note

The Hobby Industry Coalition is advocating for targeted relief for HTS 9503 goods based on their educational value and the role of small businesses in our sector. We’ll keep members updated as developments occur.

Source

• White House Executive Order (Nov 4, 2025) — Reduces the China/Hong Kong IEEPA surcharge under HTS 9903.01.24 from 20% to 10%, effective 12:01 a.m. ET, Nov 10, 2025. 

• CBP CSMS #66749380 (Nov 7, 2025) — Filing guidance: 9903.01.24 = 10% effective Nov 10 and 9903.01.25 = 10% continues; confirms China/HK goods are subject to both surcharges absent an exception. 

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