Find HS Code and trade information for insulation kettle

Insulation Kettle

An insulation kettle, also known as a vacuum flask or thermos, is a specialized container designed to maintain the temperature of its contents for extended periods. This is achieved through vacuum insulation technology.

Material

• Inner Vessel: Typically constructed from stainless steel (grades 304 or 316) due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to maintain flavor neutrality. Glass was historically used but is less common due to fragility.
• Outer Vessel: Often stainless steel, plastic, or other impact-resistant materials.
• Insulation: A double-walled construction with a vacuum between the walls is the core of the design. Some models incorporate copper plating on the inner wall to enhance thermal reflectivity.
• Lid/Seal: Constructed from plastic, stainless steel, or silicone to create an airtight seal. The lid material significantly impacts heat retention.
• Exterior Coating: Often powder-coated or painted for durability and aesthetics.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an insulation kettle is temperature retention. This allows for keeping beverages (hot or cold) at a desirable temperature for hours, minimizing temperature fluctuations.

Function

The function relies on three key principles:

• Vacuum Insulation: The vacuum between the inner and outer walls eliminates conductive and convective heat transfer.
• Reduced Radiation: The reflective inner surface minimizes radiative heat transfer.
• Airtight Seal: Prevents heat loss/gain through air exchange.

Usage Scenarios

• Travel: Maintaining beverage temperature during commutes, road trips, or outdoor adventures.
• Outdoor Activities: Keeping drinks hot during camping, hiking, or picnics.
• Office/Workplace: Keeping beverages at a preferred temperature throughout the workday.
• Home Use: Storing hot water for tea or coffee, or keeping cold drinks chilled.
• Food Storage: Some larger models are designed for storing soups, stews, or other food items.

Common Types

• Stainless Steel Thermoses: Durable, impact-resistant, and widely available.
• Glass-Lined Thermoses: Offer better flavor retention but are more fragile.
• Plastic Thermoses: Lightweight and affordable, but may not retain temperature as effectively as stainless steel.
• Pump Thermoses: Feature a pump mechanism for easy dispensing.
• Pouring Thermoses: Designed for traditional pouring.
• Smart Thermoses: Incorporate temperature displays or Bluetooth connectivity.
• Food Thermoses: Larger capacity with wider openings for food storage.
• Sports Thermoses: Designed for active use, often with leak-proof lids and convenient carrying handles.

Based on the provided information, an “insulation kettle” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its material composition. Here's a breakdown of potential classifications:

• 7615109100: This code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of aluminum; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of aluminum; sanitary ware and parts thereof, of aluminum: Other: Other”. If the insulation kettle is made of aluminum, this HS code is applicable. The total tax rate is 65.6%, comprising a 3.1% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 25% additional tariff on steel/aluminum products effective April 2, 2025.
• 3924102000: If the insulation kettle is made of plastics and is categorized as tableware or kitchenware – specifically plates, cups, saucers, soup bowls, cereal bowls, sugar bowls, creamers, gravy boats, serving dishes, or platters – this HS code applies. The total tax rate is 44.0%, consisting of a 6.5% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3924104000: If the insulation kettle is made of plastics and falls under the category of tableware or kitchenware but is not specifically listed in 3924102000 (i.e., it's another type of plastic kitchenware), this HS code is relevant. The total tax rate is 33.4%, including a 3.4% base tariff and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3926901600: If the insulation kettle is made of other plastics and is categorized as “Other: Pacifiers”, this HS code applies. The total tax rate is 40.6%, consisting of a 3.1% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.

Important Considerations:

The classification depends heavily on the material of the kettle. If the kettle is made of aluminum, 7615109100 is the appropriate code. If it's plastic, the distinction between 3924102000 and 3924104000 depends on whether it falls into the specifically listed tableware/kitchenware categories.