Find HS Code and trade information for tea coasters

Tea Coasters

Tea coasters are small, often circular, mats or pads designed to protect surfaces from damage caused by hot, cold, wet, or otherwise potentially damaging beverages, particularly tea. They serve both a practical and aesthetic function, preventing rings, stains, and heat marks on furniture.

Material

Coasters are manufactured from a wide variety of materials, each offering different levels of protection, durability, and aesthetic appeal:

• Cork: A lightweight, naturally heat-resistant material providing good grip and a rustic appearance. Common for everyday use.
• Wood: Offers a classic, often more formal look. Different wood types (oak, maple, rosewood) vary in density, durability, and finish. Requires protective coatings to resist water damage.
• Ceramic: Durable and heat-resistant, often decorated with intricate designs. Can be prone to chipping or cracking.
• Stone (Slate, Marble, Granite): Provides excellent heat resistance and a sophisticated appearance. Can be heavy and may scratch delicate surfaces.
• Glass: Offers a modern aesthetic and is easy to clean. Can be fragile.
• Metal (Stainless Steel, Aluminum): Durable and easy to clean, but can conduct heat and may require a protective base.
• Plastic: Inexpensive and water-resistant, but generally less durable and aesthetically pleasing than other materials.
• Fabric (felt, cotton): Often used as a base for other materials or as a simple, absorbent layer.
• Acrylic: A lightweight and durable plastic alternative offering a wide range of colors and designs.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a tea coaster is protection. Specifically:

• Heat Protection: Prevents damage to wood, glass, and other surfaces from hot beverages.
• Water Ring Prevention: Absorbs condensation and prevents water rings from forming.
• Stain Prevention: Protects surfaces from spills and stains.
• Surface Scratch Prevention: Provides a barrier between the beverage container and the surface.

Function

Coasters function by:

• Insulation: Materials like cork, wood, and felt provide insulation, reducing heat transfer.
• Absorption: Absorbent materials (felt, cotton) soak up condensation and small spills.
• Barrier: A physical barrier between the container and the surface.
• Grip: Providing a non-slip surface for the beverage container.

Usage Scenarios

• Home Use: Protecting furniture in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
• Office Use: Protecting desks and tables in office environments.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Providing protection for tables in commercial settings.
• Outdoor Use: Protecting patio furniture.
• Formal Events: Used as part of table settings during parties and gatherings.

Common Types

• Individual Coasters: Single units, typically sold in sets of four or six.
• Coaster Sets: Collections of coasters, often with a matching holder.
• Absorbent Coasters: Made from materials like sandstone or diatomaceous earth, known for their high absorbency.
• Double-Sided Coasters: Featuring a different design on each side.
• Personalized Coasters: Customized with names, initials, or images.
• Coaster Holders: Containers designed to hold and display coasters. Materials vary widely (wood, metal, ceramic).
• Under-cup Saucers: While technically saucers, these often serve a similar function to coasters, especially with tea sets.

Tea coasters can be categorized based on their material and intended use. The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided information:

• 4419909100: This HS code falls under Chapter 44, which covers Wood and articles of wood. Specifically, it covers “Other” articles of wood, and further specifies “Other”. This would include tea coasters made of wood not otherwise specified. The two-digit sections represent: 44 (Wood), 19 (Articles of wood), 90 (Other articles of wood), 91 (Other). The tax rate is 3.2% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total of 40.7%.

• 6912005000: This HS code is under Chapter 69, covering Ceramic articles. It specifically covers “Other” ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, other than of porcelain or china. This could apply to tea coasters made of ceramic materials. The two-digit sections represent: 69 (Ceramic articles), 12 (Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, etc.), 00 (Other), 50 (Other). The tax rate is 6.0% basic tariff, 0.0% additional tariff, and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total of 36.0%.

• 3924104000: This HS code falls under Chapter 39, covering Plastics and articles thereof. It specifically covers Tableware and kitchenware, of plastics, and further specifies “Other”. This would include tea coasters made of plastic. The two-digit sections represent: 39 (Plastics), 24 (Tableware, kitchenware, etc.), 10 (Tableware and kitchenware), 40 (Other). The tax rate is 3.4% basic tariff, 0.0% additional tariff, and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total of 33.4%.

• 4419901100: This HS code is under Chapter 44, covering Wood and articles of wood. Specifically, it covers “Other” articles of wood, and further specifies Forks and spoons. While not directly tea coasters, if the coasters are designed like small wooden plates or have a utensil-like function, this code might be applicable. The two-digit sections represent: 44 (Wood), 19 (Articles of wood), 90 (Other articles of wood), 11 (Forks and spoons). The tax rate is 5.3% basic tariff, 0.0% additional tariff, and 30.0% after April 2, 2025, for a total of 35.3%.

Regarding HS code 4419909100, please note that the material needs to be verified as wood.