When the "Gacha" Culture Meets International Trade

As a seasoned foreign trade veteran with 20 years of experience, I've witnessed countless products circulating in the global market. In recent years, an interesting phenomenon has caught my attention—more and more young people are starting to "eat goods"! Here, "goods" isn't referring to grain, but rather a transliteration of the English word, specifically denoting those irresistible anime merchandise and collectibles.

From Akihabara in Japan to Taobao in China, from comic conventions in Europe and America to e-commerce platforms in Southeast Asia, the "merchandise economy" is forming a consumption wave that cannot be ignored. As foreign trade professionals, we not only need to understand the preferences of young people but also master the customs clearance "codes" for these special goods. Today, let me guide you in unlocking these adorable little items.Classification of CustomsMysteries.

When merch collecting culture meets international trade

Among all types of "merchandise," enamel pins can be considered the "veteran" products. These small round discs, typically ranging from 55mm to 90mm in diameter, may appear simple at first glance, but they actually conceal hidden intricacies.

• Material Structure: Tinplate base + glitter paper + PET printing layer + laminated layer
• Functional Features: Highly decorative, with a pin on the back
• Classification Key Points: According to General Rules of Classification 1 and 6 of Customs, it should be classified under7117.1900

I remember last year when a client exported a batch of anime pins and mistakenly classified them under base metal products during declaration. Fortunately, we caught it in time, avoiding customs delays due to misclassification. This reminds us:Seemingly simple products require even more professional scrutiny.

Badges may be small, but classification matters

Anime keychains are another popular category, but their classification is not as "cute" as their appearance.

These products consist of three parts: a keyring, a chain, and a pendant, andthe key factor determining their classification is the material of the keyring:

• Steel keyring → 7326.9090
• Zinc alloy keyring → 7907.0090
• Copper keyring → 7419.8099

Last year, we handled a batch of Genshin Impact-themed keychains where the client initially provided unclear material information. Only after professional testing confirmed it was zinc alloy could we accurately determine the tariff code. This teaches us:In import and export, product details make all the difference.

Keychains: Material determines fate

Among the "Grains" family, trading cards are undoubtedly one of the most collectible members. But did you know? Different types of cards also have vastly different paths to completion.

Game Cards: More Than Just Pieces of Paper

Those plastic game cards that can interact with game belts and have barcodes, although they look like ordinary cards,are classified under 9503.0090 due to their functionality. This reminds me of a client who insisted that game cards should be declared as printed matter, only to have them detained by customs at the destination port. Later, we assisted with re-declaration, and the goods were cleared smoothly.

Blind Box Cards: The Classification Logic Behind the Surprise

In todays booming blind box economy, card blind boxes have become a new favorite among young people. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System in Chapter 49,ordinary printed cards should be classified under 4911.9100. However, its important to note that if the blind box contains gifts made of other materials, the classification method may need to be reconsidered.

Doll Models: Even Cute Things Have Their "ID Cards"

From plush stuffed animals to exquisite figurine models, these three-dimensional "merchandise" each have their own classification methods.

Plush Toys: A Soft Journey Home

Those irresistibly huggable plush toys,are classified under 9503.0029. But pay attention to the filling material composition, as some countries have special requirements for animal hair fillings.

Figure Models: Details Make All the Difference

Exquisite figurine models are the favorites of seasoned "merch collectors." These meticulously crafted artworks, made from materials like resin and PVC,are classified under 9503.0089. I once encountered a case: a client exported a batch of limited edition figurines that were almost considered smuggling due to discrepancies between declared and actual values. This reminds us:High-value models require special attention to declaration details.

Professional Advice for "Grain Merchants"

Drawing on 20 years of foreign trade experience, I'd like to offer some suggestions to fellow professionals engaged in the import and export of "millet economy."

• Material confirmation: Verify the main material of the product and conduct professional testing when necessary
• Function clarification: Accurately describe the products purpose and functional features
• Packaging differentiation: Note whether the product is individually packaged or sold as a set
• Value declaration: Limited edition and collectors edition products must declare their true value
• Policy tracking: Pay attention to the special regulations of destination countries on anime derivatives

I remember a young entrepreneur once asked me, "Do these adorable little things really require such professional customs clearance knowledge?" My answer was:Its precisely these small things that often hide big business opportunities and are most likely to stumble during customs clearance."

With the globalization of the "merchandise economy," mastering professional customs classification knowledge is like obtaining a passport to the international market. We hope this "clearance guide" can help more "merch collectors" smoothly expand overseas, allowing anime fans worldwide to happily "collect merch"!

Finally, Id like to share a foreign trade saying:Correct classification makes customs clearance effortless; attention to details keeps profits from escapingMay you ride the waves in the blue ocean of the "Millet Economy"!