Find HS Code and trade information for chopsticks+chopstick assist

Chopsticks and Chopstick Assist Devices

Chopsticks

Chopsticks are traditional eating utensils originating in East Asia, primarily used in cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and others. They are typically slender, tapered sticks made from a variety of materials and used to pick up food.

Material:

• Wood: The most common material, offering a good balance of affordability, grip, and heat resistance. Bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood, and ebony are frequently used.
• Plastic: Often used for disposable chopsticks or reusable, affordable sets.
• Metal: Stainless steel or alloys are used for durability, ease of cleaning, and a more substantial feel.
• Ivory/Bone: Historically used, but increasingly rare and often restricted due to ethical concerns.
• Composite Materials: Modern chopsticks may incorporate fiberglass or other materials for strength and unique aesthetics.

Purpose:

• Primarily used for conveying food to the mouth.
• Cultural significance in many East Asian cultures, often associated with etiquette and tradition.

Function:

• Operated using a pincer grip between the thumb and fingers to manipulate food items.
• Requires coordination and dexterity to effectively pick up and hold various textures and sizes of food.

Usage Scenarios:

• Eating a wide range of dishes, including rice, noodles, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
• Formal and informal dining settings.
• Cooking and food preparation (e.g., stir-frying, deep-frying).

Common Types:

• Chinese Chopsticks: Typically longer and thicker, with a blunt, square tip.
• Japanese Chopsticks: Generally shorter and tapered to a finer point. Often lacquered or decorated.
• Korean Chopsticks: Often made of metal (stainless steel), flatter and sometimes with a slight curve.
• Disposable Chopsticks: Usually made of wood or plastic, intended for single use.

Chopstick Assist Devices

Chopstick assist devices, also known as chopstick trainers or aids, are tools designed to help individuals who have difficulty using traditional chopsticks, often due to physical limitations or lack of experience.

Material:

• Plastic: The most common material, offering affordability and ease of manufacturing.
• Metal: Stainless steel or aluminum for increased durability.
• Silicone: Used for grips and components requiring a non-slip surface.

Purpose:

• To enable individuals with limited hand dexterity, tremors, or other physical challenges to use chopsticks.
• To assist beginners in learning the proper technique for using chopsticks.

Function:

• Mechanical Assists: These devices use levers, springs, or other mechanisms to help hold and manipulate the chopsticks.
• Stabilizing Grips: These grips provide a more secure and comfortable hold on the chopsticks, reducing strain and improving control.
• Spring-Loaded Mechanisms: Some devices use springs to automatically open and close the chopsticks, requiring minimal effort from the user.

Usage Scenarios:

• Individuals with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, or other conditions affecting hand mobility.
• People learning to use chopsticks who struggle with coordination.
• Elderly individuals with reduced hand strength.

Common Types:

• U-Shaped Assists: These devices hold the chopsticks in a U-shape, requiring the user to only control the opening and closing movement.
• Spring-Loaded Assists: These devices automatically open and close the chopsticks with a button or trigger.
• Ergonomic Grips: These grips are designed to fit comfortably in the hand and provide a secure hold.
• Adjustable Assists: These devices allow users to customize the grip and tension to suit their individual needs.

Based on the provided information, the following HS codes may be relevant to “chopsticks+chopstick assist”:

• 3924104000: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other. This code covers articles made of plastics used as tableware or kitchenware. Chopsticks, if made of plastic, would fall under this category.
• 3924101000: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Salt, pepper, mustard and ketchup dispensers and similar dispensers. While primarily for dispensers, this code could potentially apply if the “chopstick assist” component functions as a holder or dispenser for the chopsticks.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'chopsticks+chopstick assist' are limited, with only the following 2 found.

Regarding HS code 3924104000 and 3924101000, the tax rate is a base tariff of 3.4%, with no additional tariffs currently applied, but a 30% additional tariff will be applied after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 33.4%.