HS Code Heading

Glass mirrors; whether or not framed, including rear-view mirrors

70.09 Heading
Section XIII — Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware

About HS Code 7009

Heading 7009 encompasses 'Glass mirrors; whether or not framed, including rear-view mirrors,' positioning it within Section XIII, Chapter 70, which covers glass and glassware. This classification is broad, covering both functional and decorative mirrors made predominantly of glass. The 'whether or not framed' clause is crucial, indicating that both unframed mirror sheets and finished, framed products fall under this heading. It includes a wide array of mirrors, from large architectural mirrors to small cosmetic ones, and specifically calls out rear-view mirrors, highlighting its relevance to the automotive industry. The scope of 7009 focuses on the silvered or metal-coated glass surface that creates the reflective property. It excludes optical mirrors used in scientific instruments (Chapter 90) and mirrors that are integral parts of furniture (which would typically classify with the furniture). This classification is vital for trade compliance due to varying duties and regulations based on mirror type, size, and intended use (e.g., automotive safety standards). Historically, mirrors have been significant decorative and functional items, and their trade reflects evolving design trends and industrial demands. This heading clarifies that the primary material, glass, and its specific treatment for reflection, is the classifying characteristic, rather than the framing material or the application (unless it's an optical instrument).

Products Under This Code

Unframed wall mirrors, decorative framed mirrors, bathroom vanity mirrors, full-length dressing mirrors, rear-view mirrors for cars, side-view mirrors for trucks, motorcycle mirrors, blind spot mirrors, surveillance convex mirrors, shaving mirrors (non-magnifying), makeup mirrors (non-magnifying), antique-style mirrors, mirror tiles, security mirrors for shops, dance studio mirrors, gym wall mirrors, bespoke cut mirror panels, ornamental glass mirrors, silvered glass sheets for mirrors, salon mirrors, cheval mirrors, car visor mirrors.

Real World Examples

A Spanish furniture manufacturer imports large, unframed silvered glass sheets from China to be cut and framed into decorative wall mirrors for their European market. Concurrently, a Japanese automotive parts supplier exports a significant volume of side-view and rear-view mirrors to an assembly plant in Mexico, benefiting from the USMCA trade agreement. Separately, artisans in India craft intricate, hand-carved wooden framed mirrors, exporting them to the United States for the high-end home decor market, navigating specific import duties on finished goods.

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification involves confusing unframed mirror sheets with unworked float glass under 7005 ('Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets'). The key distinction is that 7009 specifically covers glass that has been silvered or otherwise treated to become a mirror. Another error occurs when classifying magnifying mirrors; if they are simple cosmetic mirrors, they might fall here, but if they are optical instruments designed for precise magnification (e.g., certain dentist mirrors or specialized inspection mirrors), they would be classified under Chapter 90, specifically 9005. Mirrors with integrated lighting or complex electrical features might also be misclassified, potentially falling under 9405 (lamps and lighting fittings) if the lighting is the primary function.

Subheadings 3

7009.10 Glass; rear-view mirrors for vehicles 7009.91 Glass mirrors; unframed, excluding rear-view mirrors for vehicles 7009.92 Glass mirrors; framed, excluding rear-view mirrors for vehicles

Related Codes

70.01 Glass; cullet and other waste and scrap of glass, excluding glass from cathode ray tubes or other activated glass of heading 85.49, glass in the mass 70.02 Glass in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018), rods or tubes, unworked 70.03 Glass; cast glass and rolled glass in sheets or profiles, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked 70.04 Glass; drawn glass and blown glass, in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked 70.05 Glass; float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked 70.06 Glass of heading no. 7003, 7004 or 7005, bent, edge-worked, engraved, drilled, enamelled or otherwise worked, not framed or fitted with other materials 70.07 Safety glass, consisting of toughened (tempered) or laminated glass 70.08 Glass; multiple-walled insulating units of glass 70.10 Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules, containers of glass of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods; preserving jars of glass; stoppers, lids and other closures of glass 70.11 Glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes), open and glass parts thereof, without fittings, for electric lamps and light sources, cathode-ray tubes or the like

Industry

This code belongs to the Automotive & Vehicles industry.

Trade Overview

China is a dominant exporter of mirrors, from raw silvered glass to finished framed products, due to its manufacturing capacity. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and other EU countries, driven by demand in automotive, construction, and home decor sectors. Countries like Mexico and Canada are significant in automotive mirror trade with the US due to regional supply chains. Tariffs can vary significantly based on whether the mirror is framed, the material of the frame, and its specific application (e.g., automotive mirrors might have different duty rates or safety standards). Free trade agreements often reduce duties, making accurate origin declaration crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 7009?

HS code 7009 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glass mirrors; whether or not framed, including rear-view mirrors. Heading 7009 encompasses 'Glass mirrors; whether or not framed, including rear-view mirrors,' positioning it within Section XIII, Chapter 70, which covers glass and glassware. This classification is broad, covering both functional and decorative mirrors made predominantly of glass. The 'whether or not framed' clause is crucial, indicating that both unframed mirror sheets and finished, framed products fall under this heading. It includes a wide array of mirrors, from large architectural mirrors to small cosmetic ones, and specifically calls out rear-view mirrors, highlighting its relevance to the automotive industry. The scope of 7009 focuses on the silvered or metal-coated glass surface that creates the reflective property. It excludes optical mirrors used in scientific instruments (Chapter 90) and mirrors that are integral parts of furniture (which would typically classify with the furniture). This classification is vital for trade compliance due to varying duties and regulations based on mirror type, size, and intended use (e.g., automotive safety standards). Historically, mirrors have been significant decorative and functional items, and their trade reflects evolving design trends and industrial demands. This heading clarifies that the primary material, glass, and its specific treatment for reflection, is the classifying characteristic, rather than the framing material or the application (unless it's an optical instrument).

What products fall under HS code 7009?

Unframed wall mirrors, decorative framed mirrors, bathroom vanity mirrors, full-length dressing mirrors, rear-view mirrors for cars, side-view mirrors for trucks, motorcycle mirrors, blind spot mirrors, surveillance convex mirrors, shaving mirrors (non-magnifying), makeup mirrors (non-magnifying), antique-style mirrors, mirror tiles, security mirrors for shops, dance studio mirrors, gym wall mirrors, bespoke cut mirror panels, ornamental glass mirrors, silvered glass sheets for mirrors, salon mirrors, cheval mirrors, car visor mirrors.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 7009?

A common misclassification involves confusing unframed mirror sheets with unworked float glass under 7005 ('Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets'). The key distinction is that 7009 specifically covers glass that has been silvered or otherwise treated to become a mirror. Another error occurs when classifying magnifying mirrors; if they are simple cosmetic mirrors, they might fall here, but if they are optical instruments designed for precise magnification (e.g., certain dentist mirrors or specialized inspection mirrors), they would be classified under Chapter 90, specifically 9005. Mirrors with integrated lighting or complex electrical features might also be misclassified, potentially falling under 9405 (lamps and lighting fittings) if the lighting is the primary function.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 7009?

China is a dominant exporter of mirrors, from raw silvered glass to finished framed products, due to its manufacturing capacity. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and other EU countries, driven by demand in automotive, construction, and home decor sectors. Countries like Mexico and Canada are significant in automotive mirror trade with the US due to regional supply chains. Tariffs can vary significantly based on whether the mirror is framed, the material of the frame, and its specific application (e.g., automotive mirrors might have different duty rates or safety standards). Free trade agreements often reduce duties, making accurate origin declaration crucial.

How is HS code 7009 structured?

HS code 7009 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 70 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (70) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.