Find HS Code and trade information for matcha bowl

Matcha Bowl

A matcha bowl, known as chawan (茶碗) in Japanese, is a specific type of bowl used for preparing and drinking matcha, a powdered green tea. Its design and characteristics are deeply rooted in Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu 茶の湯) and influence the experience of consuming matcha.

Material

Traditionally, chawan are made from ceramic, though the specific clay and glaze vary considerably. Common materials include:

• Raku Ware: Known for its low-firing temperature and often imperfect, rustic appearance. Raku bowls are frequently used in informal tea gatherings.
• Hagi Ware: Characterized by a soft, warm texture and subtle crackling in the glaze ( kannyū 貫入). The appearance of Hagi ware changes over time with use, developing a patina.
• Karatsu Ware: A more robust style, often featuring a coarser texture and natural ash glazes.
• Shino Ware: Recognizable by its thick, opaque white glaze, often with reddish areas.
• Porcelain: While less common for formal tea ceremonies, porcelain chawan are sometimes used, offering a smoother, more refined aesthetic.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a chawan is to facilitate the preparation and consumption of matcha. Its design supports several key functions:

• Whisking: The bowl’s shape – typically wider than it is tall – allows for efficient whisking of the matcha powder with hot water using a chasen (茶筅, bamboo whisk).
• Temperature Retention: The ceramic material helps maintain the temperature of the tea.
• Aesthetic Appreciation: Chawan are often considered works of art, and their aesthetic qualities are integral to the tea ceremony experience. The bowl's form, glaze, and texture are carefully considered.
• Tactile Experience: The bowl’s weight, texture, and shape contribute to the overall sensory experience of drinking matcha.

Usage Scenarios

• Formal Tea Ceremony ( chanoyu ): Highly specific chawan are used depending on the season, occasion, and style of the ceremony.
• Informal Tea Gatherings: More rustic and less formal chawan are used.
• Daily Use: Chawan are also used for preparing and enjoying matcha at home.

Common Types

• Wa-chawan (和茶碗): The most common type, generally used for both thick tea (koicha 濃茶) and thin tea (usucha 薄茶).
• Koicha-chawan (濃茶碗): Specifically designed for preparing koicha, a thick, concentrated tea. These bowls are typically deeper and have a smaller opening to maintain the tea’s consistency.
• Usucha-chawan (薄茶碗): Designed for usucha, a lighter, frothier tea. These bowls are often shallower and wider.
• Hishaku-shaped Chawan: A rarer type shaped like a hishaku (ladle).
• Raku Chawan: A type of chawan made using the Raku ware technique, often characterized by its rustic appearance and unique glaze effects.

Matcha bowls are typically used for preparing and drinking matcha, a powdered green tea. Based on the provided information, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the material of the bowl.

• 7323993000: This HS code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Coated or plated with precious metal: Other”. If the matcha bowl is made of iron or steel and coated or plated with precious metal, this code applies. The first two digits (73) indicate articles of iron or steel. The next two digits (23) specify table, kitchen or other household articles. The final digits (993000) further refine the category to other articles coated or plated with precious metal.
• 7323999030: This HS code covers “Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Kitchen or tableware suitable for food or drink contact”. If the matcha bowl is made of iron or steel and not coated or plated with precious metal, and is suitable for food or drink contact, this code applies.
• 3924102000: This HS code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Plates, cups, saucers, soup bowls, cereal bowls, sugar bowls, creamers, gravy boats, serving dishes and platters”. If the matcha bowl is made of plastics, this code applies.
• 6911108010: This HS code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of porcelain or china: Tableware and kitchenware: Other: Other: Other Suitable for food or drink contact”. If the matcha bowl is made of porcelain or china, this code applies.
• 6912005000: This HS code covers “Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, other than of porcelain or china: Other”. If the matcha bowl is made of ceramic but not porcelain or china, this code applies.
• 6912004810: This HS code covers “Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, other than of porcelain or china: Tableware and kitchenware: Other: Other: Other Suitable for food or drink contact”. If the matcha bowl is made of ceramic but not porcelain or china, and is suitable for food or drink contact, this code applies.

Regarding HS code 7323993000 and 7323999030, please note that the material needs to be verified as iron or steel.