Find HS Code and trade information for aluminum foil covers

Aluminum Foil Covers

Aluminum foil covers are protective sheets made from thin layers of aluminum, typically used in food storage, cooking, and various industrial applications.

Material

The primary component is aluminum, chosen for its malleability, barrier properties (blocking light, oxygen, and moisture), and recyclability. Foil is produced through a rolling process, creating sheets of varying thicknesses. Household foil is significantly thinner than industrial-grade foil. Alloys of aluminum are sometimes used to enhance strength or other properties.

Purpose

The core purpose of aluminum foil covers is to provide a barrier against external elements, preserving the quality of the item being covered. This encompasses:

• Food Preservation: Maintaining freshness, preventing contamination, and extending shelf life.
• Cooking: Facilitating even heat distribution, preventing sticking, and creating a sealed environment for roasting, baking, or grilling.
• Packaging: Protecting products from damage, light, and moisture during storage and transport.
• Insulation: Reflecting heat and maintaining temperature.

Function

• Barrier Properties: Aluminum’s inherent resistance to light, oxygen, and moisture prevents spoilage, oxidation, and flavor loss.
• Heat Reflection: Reflects radiant heat, useful in cooking (e.g., baking potatoes) or insulation.
• Conduction: Conducts heat, allowing for even cooking or warming.
• Malleability: Easily shaped to conform to various containers and objects.
• Non-toxicity: Generally safe for food contact.

Usage Scenarios

• Kitchen: Wrapping food for storage (leftovers, sandwiches), lining baking pans, roasting meats, grilling fish, covering dishes during microwaving.
• Food Industry: Packaging for snacks, confectionery, dairy products, and prepared meals.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Blister packs for pills and medications.
• Cosmetics Industry: Packaging for creams, lotions, and powders.
• DIY/Crafts: Creating molds, decorating, or insulating small projects.
• Scientific Applications: Shielding materials from electromagnetic interference.

Common Types

• Household Foil: Thin, typically 0.012-0.024 mm thick, available in rolls of varying widths and lengths. Often available with a non-stick coating.
• Heavy-Duty Foil: Thicker than household foil (0.024 mm or greater), more resistant to tearing and punctures, suitable for heavier cooking applications.
• Aluminum Foil Containers: Pre-formed trays and containers used for baking, roasting, and takeout food.
• Aluminum Foil Lids: Used to seal containers, often with a peelable membrane for easy opening.
• Industrial Foil: Significantly thicker and stronger, used in specialized applications like insulation, packaging, and electronics.
• Patterned Foil: Embossed or printed foil for decorative purposes or improved handling.

Aluminum foil covers, based on the provided information, can be classified under several HS codes depending on their specific characteristics, such as whether they are backed with other materials or decorated. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 7607201000: This code covers aluminum foil (whether or not printed, or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm, specifically those that are backed and covered or decorated with a character, design, fancy effect or pattern. Chapter 76 relates to aluminum and articles thereof. Heading 7607 specifically covers aluminum foil. Subheading 760720 further specifies foil not exceeding 0.2mm in thickness, and 7607201000 denotes backed foil with printing or decoration. The current total tax rate is 33.7%, with a base tariff of 3.7% and an additional tariff of 0.0% currently, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

• 7607205000: This code also covers aluminum foil (whether or not printed, or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm, but for those that are backed and not covered or decorated. Similar to the previous code, Chapter 76 is for aluminum, Heading 7607 is for foil, and Subheading 760720 specifies foil under 0.2mm. The total tax rate is 37.5%, with a base tariff of 0.0% and an additional tariff of 7.5% currently, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

It is important to determine whether the aluminum foil covers are decorated or not, as this significantly impacts the applicable tariff rate. If the foil is thicker than 0.2mm, these HS codes are not applicable.