Find HS Code and trade information for onigiri mold

Onigiri Mold

An onigiri mold (おにぎり型, onigiri-gata) is a tool used to shape cooked rice into the traditional Japanese rice ball known as onigiri. These molds facilitate the creation of consistently shaped onigiri, which can be challenging to achieve by hand.

Material:

• Plastic: The most common material due to its affordability, ease of cleaning, and variety of shapes. Food-grade plastic is essential.
• Wood: Traditional molds are often made of wood, particularly cypress (hinoki) or bamboo. These require more care in cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold growth.
• Metal: Stainless steel molds offer durability and ease of sterilization.
• Silicone: Increasingly popular, silicone molds are flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of an onigiri mold is to efficiently and consistently form onigiri. They are used to create visually appealing and easily portable rice balls for a variety of occasions.

Function:

Onigiri molds typically consist of two or more parts that press and compact the rice into the desired shape. The process generally involves:

1. Moistening the mold with water to prevent sticking.
2. Filling the mold with a layer of cooked rice.
3. Adding fillings (optional).
4. Covering with another layer of rice.
5. Pressing the mold firmly together.
6. Releasing the mold to reveal the shaped onigiri.

Usage Scenarios:

• Bento Boxes (弁当): Onigiri are a staple component of Japanese bento boxes, providing a convenient and filling carbohydrate source.
• Picnics & Outdoor Activities: Their portability makes onigiri ideal for on-the-go meals.
• School Lunches: A common item packed for children’s lunches.
• Convenience Stores (コンビニ): Pre-made onigiri are widely available in Japanese convenience stores.
• Home Cooking: Used by home cooks for quick and easy meals or snacks.

Common Types:

• Triangle (三角, sankaku): The most classic and widely recognized shape.
• Round (丸, maru): A simple and traditional shape.
• Cylinder (俵, tawara): Resembles a small rice bale.
• Animal Shapes: Popular molds are available in the shapes of animals (bears, cats, penguins, etc.) to appeal to children.
• Character Molds: Molds featuring popular anime or cartoon characters.
• Multiple Cavity Molds: Allow for the simultaneous creation of several onigiri.
• Press-Type Molds: Require pressing a lid onto the rice, often used for more complex shapes.
• Hand-Press Molds: Smaller molds designed to be held and pressed by hand.

Based on the material, use, and application scenarios, an onigiri mold is a tool used to shape rice balls, typically for food preparation and consumption.

Here are the potentially relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 3923300010: Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics: Carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles Of a capacity not exceeding 50 ml. This code covers plastic articles used for packing goods, and an onigiri mold, if made of plastic and of a small capacity, could fall under this classification.
• 3924104000: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other. If the onigiri mold is made of plastic and is considered kitchenware, this code may be applicable.
• 7326908688: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other Other. If the onigiri mold is made of iron or steel, this code could be relevant.
• 7323995030: 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: Of tinplate Kitchen or tableware suitable for food or drink contact. If the onigiri mold is made of tinplate iron or steel and is used for food contact, this code may apply.

Important Considerations:

• Regarding HS code 3923300010, 3924104000, 7326908688 and 7323995030, the material composition of the onigiri mold is crucial for accurate classification. If made of plastic, 3923300010 or 3924104000 would be more appropriate. If made of iron or steel, 7326908688 or 7323995030 should be considered.
• Regarding HS code 7323995030, please note the requirement for the mold to be made of tinplate iron or steel and suitable for food or drink contact.