Aquarium
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8539310070 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405490000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513904000 | 38.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8539520091 | 12.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Aquarium (Aquariums & Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Aquarium"?
The term "Aquarium" in international trade is not a single entity. It is categorized based on material composition and functional integration. Misclassification is the #1 cause of customs delays and unexpected tax bills.
1. Plastic Tanks (The Container)
If the item is a simple plastic tank, basin, or container without integrated lighting/electronics, it falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
2. Lighting Systems (The Light)
If the item is specifically a light fixture designed for aquariums, it falls under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery). The key question is: Is it a standalone light unit, an LED bulb, or a part of a lamp?
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If it is a raw plastic container β Classify under 3926.90
- If it is an integrated lighting system β Classify under 8539 or 9405
- Note: Do not mix "Tank" and "Light" into one HS Code unless they are sold as a pre-assembled, non-separable unit.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise mapping for Aquarium components:
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 3926.90.99.89 | Plastic Water Tanks | Classified as "Other Plastic Articles" (e.g., simple plastic tanks, basins). |
| 3926.90.10.00 | Plastic Tanks/Jars | Classified as "Barrels, Jars, Casks, and Similar Containers" (e.g., large plastic water storage vessels). |
| 8539.31.00.70 | Aquarium Lights | Classified as "Other Electric Lamps" (e.g., complete fluorescent or HID lamp units). |
| 9405.49.00.00 | Aquarium Lights | Classified as "Other Electric Lamps and Lighting Fittings" (e.g., decorative or specialized aquatic lighting fixtures). |
| 8513.90.40.00 | Aquarium Lights | Classified as "Parts of Portable Electric Lamps" (e.g., spare bulbs or lamp heads). |
| 8539.52.00.91 | Aquarium Lights | Classified as "LED Lamps or Light Sources" (e.g., standalone LED modules or bulbs). |
π Key Insight:
- Plastic Tanks are taxed significantly lower than Electric Lights.
- LED Lights (8539.52) have the lowest total tax burden among lighting options.
- Traditional/Electric Lamps (8539.31/9405) incur high "Section 301" and "Section 122" duties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply to imports from China.
π― 1. Plastic Tanks & Containers (Low Risk, Low Tax)
A. 3926.90.99.89 β Plastic Water Tanks (Other Plastic Articles)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.3% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High risk of audit if split) |
| Legal Path | Base: 3926.90 β 301: 7.5% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
This is the standard classification for generic plastic aquarium tanks or water basins. The tax is moderate. Ensure the product is not classified as a "jar/container" under 3926.90.10 if it lacks specific container features.
B. 3926.90.10.00 β Plastic Jars/Tanks
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base: 3926.90 β 301: 7.5% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
Use this code if the plastic item is strictly defined as a "Jar, Cask, or Barrel" (e.g., large industrial-style water tanks). It is 1.9% cheaper than the "Other Plastic Articles" code.
π― 2. Aquarium Lighting Systems (High Tax, High Compliance)
C. 8539.52.00.91 β LED Lamps/Light Sources (β BEST OPTION FOR LIGHTS)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 2.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% (Exempt) |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 12.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base: 8539.52 β 301: 0% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
THIS IS THE MOST TAX-EFFICIENT LIGHTING CODE.
- LED lights under8539.52are exempt from the 25% Section 301 surtax.
- Only Base (2.0%) + Section 122 (10%) apply.
- Recommendation: If your product is an LED aquarium light, ALWAYS classify here if technically possible.
D. 8539.31.00.70 β Other Electric Lamps
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 2.4% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base: 8539.31 β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
This applies to non-LED electric lamps (e.g., older fluorescent, HID, or halogen aquarium lights). The 25% Section 301 surtax makes this highly expensive.
E. 9405.49.00.00 β Other Electric Lamps/Lighting Fittings
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.9% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base: 9405.49 β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
This is for decorative or specialized lighting fittings not classified elsewhere. It has the highest total tax rate (38.9%) due to the 25% surtax. Avoid unless technically necessary.
F. 8513.90.40.00 β Parts of Portable Electric Lamps
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.5% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base: 8513.90 β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
Used for spare parts like lamp heads or replacement bulbs for portable lights. High tax burden due to Section 301.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of the item, labeling, and packaging. |
| β Technical Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (Plastic type), Power Source, Light Type (LED vs. Non-LED). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plastic Aquarium Tank" OR "LED Aquarium Light" (NOT just "Aquarium"). |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure commodity description matches Invoice. |
| β FCC Certificate | βοΈ | Mandatory for all Lighting (85xx codes). No FCC = No Entry. |
| β CPC/CPD | βοΈ | If applicable for plastic toxicity compliance. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "Tax Saving" Script)
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Plastic Tank Only | 3926.90.10.00 or 3926.90.99.89 |
Lower tax (20.9%β22.8%). No FCC needed. |
| Selling LED Light Only | 8539.52.00.91 |
Lowest Tax (12.0%). No Section 301 surtax. |
| Selling Non-LED Light | 8539.31.00.70 |
High tax (37.4%). Consider switching to LED. |
| Selling Full Set (Tank + LED Light) | Split Declaration | Declare Tank under 3926.xx and Light under 8539.52. β οΈ Do NOT try to bundle into one high-tax code. |
π₯ "Pro Tip":
If you sell a "Tank + Light" combo, ship them separately or declare them as two distinct items in one invoice.
- If you classify the whole unit as a "Lighting Device," you may face the 37.4%+ tax on the entire value.
- By separating: Tank (22.8%) + Light (12.0%), you save ~25% on the light portion.
β 3. Common Mistakes & Fixes
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Aquarium" generically.
π Fix: Be specific. "Plastic Aquarium Tank" vs. "LED Aquarium Lamp."
β Mistake 2: Using 9405 for simple LED bulbs.
π Fix: Use 8539.52. It saves 26.9% in taxes (38.9% vs 12.0%).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring FCC for lights.
π Fix: No FCC, no entry. Ensure your LED lights are certified.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Market | Recommended Code | Est. Total Tax (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.10.00 / 8539.52.00.91 |
20.9% (Tank) / 12.0% (LED Light) | FCC, CBP Audit Risk High |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90 / 8539.52 |
~5-13% | CCC (for lights) |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 / 8539.52 |
~3-4% | CE, RoHS, REACH |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90 / 8539.52 |
~3-4% | UKCA, RoHS |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most complex due to Section 301 and Section 122 surtaxes.
- LED lights (8539.52) are the most tax-efficient lighting option in the US.
- Plastic tanks are relatively low-risk but require accurate material description.
π VI. Final Checklist for Smooth Clearance
- Confirm Material: Is the tank plastic? β Use
3926. - Confirm Light Type: Is it LED? β Use
8539.52(Save 25% tax!). - Certifications: Do you have FCC? β Mandatory for lights.
- Invoice Description: Separate Tank and Light if sold together.
- Value Allocation: Assign realistic values to each item to avoid CBSA/CBP valuation disputes.
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification = Higher Profit
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "LED Lights under 8539.52 are TAX-FREE from Section 301!"
πΉ "Plastic Tanks are under 23% β No FCC Needed."
πΉ "Never bundle lights and tanks into a high-tax code!"
π Action Item:
π Audit your current HS Codes.
πΈ Upload product specs for pre-classification.
π Optimize for 8539.52 (LED) and 3926 (Plastic) to maximize profit margins.
β¨ Precision Classification, Maximum Savings!
πΌ Your Tax Bill Should Be Predictable, Not Surprising.
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.