| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4601990500 | Doc | 57.7% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 4602900000 | Doc | 58.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3926400010 | Doc | 35.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3923900080 | Doc | 58.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are decorative lanterns constructed from thin, translucent paper, often stretched over a frame of bamboo, wood, or metal. They originated in East Asia, particularly China, and have become widely used globally for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Materials and Construction
Traditionally, paper lanterns are made using rice paper or washi paper (Japanese paper). Modern variations may utilize plastic or nylon for increased durability and weather resistance. The paper is typically supported by a framework of thin bamboo strips, wire, or metal rings. The frame provides the lantern's shape, while the paper diffuses the light source within.
Purpose and Function
- Illumination: Historically, paper lanterns served as a primary source of light, employing candles or oil lamps.
- Decoration: Currently, the primary function is decorative. They are used for ambiance, creating a festive atmosphere, and visual appeal.
- Symbolism: In many Asian cultures, lanterns symbolize good fortune, celebration, and remembrance. They are often associated with festivals, religious ceremonies, and special occasions.
Usage Scenarios
- Festivals & Celebrations: Commonly used during the Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese New Year, and other cultural events.
- Events & Parties: Popular for weddings, birthdays, garden parties, and outdoor gatherings.
- Home Décor: Used to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in homes, patios, and gardens.
- Commercial Display: Used in restaurants, shops, and hotels to enhance the aesthetic environment.
Common Types
- Chinese Lanterns (Traditional Lanterns): Typically red, often featuring intricate paintings, calligraphy, or cut-out designs. Can be spherical, cylindrical, or shaped like animals or objects.
- Japanese Lanterns (Chochin): Often made of washi paper, frequently cylindrical with painted designs or calligraphy. Variations include Bonbori (stone lanterns with paper coverings) and Tōrō (stone lanterns, sometimes with paper elements).
- Sky Lanterns (Kongming Lanterns): Floating lanterns made of thin paper, released into the air with a small flame. Used for wishes, remembrance, or celebratory purposes. Note: Sky lanterns are banned in many areas due to fire hazards.
- LED Paper Lanterns: Modern lanterns incorporating LED lights for safety and convenience. These can be battery-operated or plug-in.
- String Lanterns (Fairy Lanterns): Small paper lanterns connected by a string, often used for decorative lighting.
- Globe Lanterns: Spherical lanterns, often white or colored, commonly used for events and parties.
Paper lanterns fall under articles made directly to shape from plaiting materials or made up from articles of heading 4601, and other articles. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided information:
- 4601990500: Plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, whether or not assembled into strips; plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, bound together in parallel strands or woven, in sheet form, whether or not being finished articles (for example, mats, matting, screens): Other: Other: Plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, whether or not assembled into strips. This code covers plaited materials used in the construction of the lanterns. The base tariff is 2.7%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% currently, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 57.7%.
- 4602900000: Basketwork, wickerwork and other articles, made directly to shape from plaiting materials or made up from articles of heading 4601; articles of loofah: Other. This code applies to lanterns constructed directly from plaiting materials or assembled from articles of heading 4601. The base tariff is 3.5%, with an additional tariff of 25.0% currently, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.5%.
- 3926400010: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Statuettes and other ornamental articles Bows and similar products for decorative purposes including gift-packaging and the like. If the lanterns contain significant plastic components or are primarily ornamental, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 5.3%, with no additional tariff currently, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 35.3%.
It is important to determine the primary material and construction method of the paper lanterns to select the most accurate HS code. If the lanterns incorporate plastic elements, consider HS code 3926400010.