Find HS Code and trade information for nutcrackers

Nutcrackers

Nutcrackers are tools used to crack the shells of nuts. While functionally simple, they exist in a variety of designs and have a rich cultural history.

Material

Traditionally, nutcrackers were made from metal, particularly iron or steel, due to the force required to break nut shells. Wood, often hardwoods like maple or beech, is also common, frequently used for the body and handles of the tool. Modern nutcrackers utilize materials such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and plastic for lightweight construction and durability. Some decorative nutcrackers feature ceramic or other ornamental components.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a nutcracker is to efficiently and safely break the hard outer shell of nuts to access the edible kernel within. This allows for consumption of nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and others.

Function

Nutcrackers function by applying concentrated force to the nut shell, exceeding its breaking point. Different designs achieve this through varying mechanical advantages. Common mechanisms include:

• Leverage: Many nutcrackers use a lever system, where force applied to a long handle is amplified at the point of contact with the nut.
• Screw Action: Screw-type nutcrackers apply gradual, increasing pressure to the nut shell until it cracks.
• Impact: Some designs rely on a swift impact force to break the shell.
• Pressure: Pincer-style nutcrackers apply direct pressure to the nut.

Usage Scenarios

Nutcrackers are used in a variety of settings:

• Household: Commonly found in kitchens for cracking nuts for snacks, baking, or cooking.
• Commercial: Used in food processing facilities for large-scale nut processing.
• Holiday Decoration: Decorative wooden nutcrackers, particularly those originating from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, are popular holiday ornaments and collectibles.
• Crafts & Hobbies: Used in some crafts or as part of traditional practices involving nuts.

Common Types

• Lever-Type Nutcrackers: The most common type, featuring two handles connected by a pivot point and jaws to hold the nut.
• Screw-Type Nutcrackers: Employ a screw mechanism to gradually apply pressure. Often used for harder nuts.
• Pincer Nutcrackers: Feature two jaws that directly clamp onto the nut.
• Ball Nutcrackers: Utilize a metal ball bearing to apply force to the nut shell.
• Decorative Nutcrackers: Often made of wood and painted as soldiers or other figures, primarily for display. These typically function as lever-type nutcrackers, though their primary value is aesthetic.
• Electric Nutcrackers: Automated devices that use a motor to crack nuts.

Nutcrackers fall under various classifications depending on their material and specific features. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 8201906000: This code covers “Other handtools of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and parts thereof: Other”. While not explicitly stated, nutcrackers could be classified here if they are considered hand tools for horticultural use (e.g., cracking nuts from a garden). The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 0.0%, Additional duty: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 55.0%.

• 7323997000: This 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: Cookingware”. If the nutcracker is made of iron or steel and used as cookingware, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 5.3%, Additional duty: 0.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 60.3%.

• 7323999080: This 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: Other Other”. If the nutcracker is made of iron or steel and doesn't fall under the 'Cookingware' category, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 3.4%, Additional duty: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 83.4%.

• 7326908688: This code covers “Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other Other”. If the nutcracker is made of iron or steel and doesn't fall under the previous categories, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 2.9%, Additional duty: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 82.9%.

• 3926901000: This code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Buckets and pails”. If the nutcracker is made of plastic, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 3.4%, Additional duty: 7.5%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 40.9%.

• 3924104000: This code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other”. If the nutcracker is made of plastic and is considered tableware or kitchenware, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 3.4%, Additional duty: 0.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 33.4%.

• 3924905650: This code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Other: Other”. If the nutcracker is made of plastic and doesn't fall under the 'Tableware and kitchenware' category, this code applies. The tax rate details are: Basic duty: 3.4%, Additional duty: 7.5%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional duty: 30.0%, Total rate: 40.9%.

Regarding HS codes 7323997000, 7323999080, and 7326908688, please note the 25% additional duty applicable to steel and aluminum products.