Find HS Code and trade information for cigar humidor

Cigar Humidor

A cigar humidor is a storage container specifically designed to maintain a consistent temperature and, more importantly, humidity level for cigars. This is crucial as proper humidity prevents cigars from drying out, becoming brittle, or absorbing unwanted odors, thus preserving their flavor and quality.

Materials

Humidors are constructed from a variety of materials, each with varying degrees of effectiveness and cost:

• Wood: The most common material, particularly Spanish cedar. Cedar possesses aromatic properties that naturally repel tobacco beetles and contribute to the cigars’ flavor. Other woods like mahogany, rosewood, and cherry are also used, though often lined with cedar.
• Glass: Used for display cases, typically requiring a separate humidification system.
• Acrylic/Plastic: Less common, generally for travel humidors or budget options.
• Metal: Occasionally used for travel humidors, often with internal wood linings.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a humidor is to create a microclimate ideal for long-term cigar storage. This involves:

• Humidity Control: Maintaining a relative humidity between 65-72%, ideally around 70%.
• Temperature Stability: Keeping temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C).
• Protection: Shielding cigars from excessive dryness, sunlight, and pests.

Function

A humidor functions through a combination of its airtight construction and a humidification system.

• Airtight Seal: The humidor’s lid creates a seal to prevent external air from affecting the internal environment.
• Humidification: This is achieved through:
  • Humidification Device: Typically a sponge, gel, or crystalline substance saturated with distilled water.
  • Hygrometer: Measures the relative humidity within the humidor.
  • Thermometer: Measures the temperature inside the humidor.
• Cedar Lining: Absorbs excess moisture, helping to regulate humidity and imparting flavor.

Usage Scenarios

• Long-Term Storage: Keeping a collection of cigars for aging or future enjoyment.
• Daily Storage: Maintaining cigars after opening a box or purchasing individual cigars.
• Travel: Portable travel humidors allow for short-term cigar preservation on trips.
• Display: Glass-top humidors showcase collections while maintaining proper storage conditions.

Common Types

• Desktop Humidors: Smaller, often holding 20-50 cigars, suitable for individual use.
• Cabinet Humidors: Larger, can hold hundreds of cigars, ideal for collectors.
• Countertop Humidors: Mid-sized, offering a balance between storage capacity and space requirements.
• Travel Humidors: Compact and portable, designed for short-term storage during travel.
• Cooladors: Refrigerated humidors for precise temperature and humidity control, used for aging valuable cigars.
• Acrylic Humidors: Often used for display, require external humidification.

Cigar humidors are containers designed to maintain a specific humidity level for the proper storage of cigars. Based on the provided reference material, determining the precise HS code requires a detailed understanding of the humidor's composition and materials. Here are potential HS codes based on the information available:

• 4416009020: Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including staves: Other New. This code applies if the humidor is primarily constructed of wood and is a new item. The total tax rate is 58.2%, comprising a 3.2% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 4416009040: Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including staves: Other Used. If the humidor is constructed of wood and is a used item, this code applies. The total tax rate is 58.2%, consisting of a 3.2% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3926901000: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Buckets and pails. If the humidor is constructed of plastic, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 40.9%, including a 3.4% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, with a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3923900080: Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics: Other Other. If the humidor is made of plastic and functions as a packing container, this code could be relevant. The total tax rate is 58.0%, consisting of a 3.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, with a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.

Important Considerations:

• If the humidor incorporates components of multiple materials (e.g., a wooden body with plastic hinges and a glass lid), it may be necessary to classify it based on the material that determines its essential character.
• For HS code 3926901000 and 3923900080, the humidor must be constructed of plastic to be applicable.
• For HS code 4416009020 and 4416009040, the humidor must be constructed of wood.
• The additional tariff of 30.0% will be effective from April 2, 2025.