Find HS Code and trade information for straw thickness

Straw Thickness

Straw thickness refers to the diameter of a drinking straw, impacting its suitability for various beverages and users. It is a key specification influencing flow rate, durability, and intended application.

Materials & Relation to Thickness

The material of a straw significantly affects achievable and typical thicknesses.

• Plastic (Polypropylene): The most common material, allowing for a wide range of thicknesses, from very thin (for cold drinks) to thicker gauges for smoothies.
• Paper: Generally produced in a limited range of thicknesses, typically thicker than thin plastic straws to maintain structural integrity when wet.
• Stainless Steel: Available in consistent, relatively narrow thickness ranges, offering a durable, reusable option. Thickness is measured by gauge (number) or diameter (in mm or inches).
• Glass: Typically thicker than plastic or paper straws for strength and reusability.
• Silicone: Offers flexibility and durability, usually in a medium thickness range.

Purpose & Function

Thickness directly impacts the straw’s primary function: conveying liquid.

• Flow Rate: Thicker straws allow for faster flow rates, ideal for viscous liquids like smoothies, milkshakes, or boba tea. Thinner straws restrict flow, suitable for water, juice, or other less viscous beverages.
• Structural Integrity: Thicker straws are more resistant to bending, collapsing, or deformation during use, particularly with thicker drinks or prolonged use.
• User Preference: Some users prefer thicker straws for ease of sipping, while others prefer thinner straws for controlled consumption.
• Intended Beverage: The viscosity and temperature of the drink dictate appropriate thickness.

Usage Scenarios

• Cold Beverages (Water, Juice, Soda): Typically utilize thinner straws (e.g., 0.5mm - 0.7mm diameter).
• Smoothies & Milkshakes: Require thicker straws (e.g., 0.8mm - 1.2mm diameter or larger) to accommodate the density.
• Boba Tea: Specialized, very wide diameter straws (6mm - 12mm diameter) are essential to draw up the tapioca pearls.
• Hot Beverages: Thicker straws, often made of heat-resistant materials like polypropylene or stainless steel, are preferred to prevent melting or deformation.
• Reusable Straws: Often made of stainless steel or silicone, available in various thicknesses based on user preference and intended use.

Common Types & Thickness Ranges (Approximate)

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific thicknesses can vary between manufacturers and product lines.

The provided reference material does not contain specific information regarding “straw thickness” as a defining characteristic for HS code classification. However, several HS codes relate to straw and similar vegetable products, and their classification depends on the form and processing of the straw.

Here are the relevant HS codes found within the reference material:

• 4601294000: 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): Mats, matting and screens of vegetable materials: Other: Woven or partly assembled: Of willow. This code applies to mats, matting, and screens made from vegetable materials, specifically willow.
• 4601296000: 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): Mats, matting and screens of vegetable materials: Other: Woven or partly assembled: Other. This code covers other woven or partly assembled mats, matting, and screens of vegetable materials.
• 1401100000: Vegetable materials of a kind used primarily for plaiting (for example, bamboos, rattans, reeds, rushes, osier, raffia, cleaned, bleached or dyed cereal straw, and lime bark): Bamboos. This code applies to bamboos and also includes cleaned, bleached, or dyed cereal straw used for plaiting.
• 1404904000: Vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other. This code covers other vegetable products not specifically classified elsewhere.
• 1404909090: Vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other Other. This code covers other unspecified vegetable products.

Chapter Breakdown:

• Chapter 46: Manufacture of articles of plaiting or basketry, hat-making, and wattle-making; articles of brushwood, straw, esparto or other plaiting materials. This chapter covers products made from plaiting materials.
• Chapter 14: Vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included. This chapter covers raw vegetable materials.

Heading and Subheading Breakdown:

• 4601: Plaits and similar products of plaiting materials. This heading covers products made from plaiting materials, whether assembled into strips or not.
• 1401: Vegetable materials used for plaiting. This heading covers raw materials used for making plaiting products.
• 1404: Other vegetable products. This heading covers vegetable products not specifically classified elsewhere.

Important Note:

The thickness of the straw itself is not a determining factor in the HS code classification based on the provided reference material. The key factors are the form of the straw (raw material vs. finished product) and its intended use (plaiting vs. other applications).

Regarding HS code 1401100000, please note that it specifically includes cleaned, bleached, or dyed cereal straw. If the straw has undergone these processes, this code may be applicable.