Arc Lighter
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9613802010 | 21.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9613802090 | 21.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
β‘ Arc Lighters & Electric Lighters (Plasma/Flameless)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for US Market
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What is an "Arc Lighter"?
An Arc Lighter (also known as Plasma Lighter, Flameless Lighter, or Electric Multipurpose Lighter) is a modern ignition device that uses an electric arc or plasma beam generated between two tungsten electrodes instead of a flammable gas or flint.
In international trade, these fall under Chapter 96, specifically within the category of "Cigarette lighters and other lighters... electrical". They are distinct from traditional disposable (butane) or Zippo-style (windproof/mechanical) lighters.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- Arc/Plasma Lighters: Must be classified as Electrical Lighters.
- Gas/Butane Lighters: Classified as Mechanical/Gas Lighters (e.g., HS 9613.10 or 9613.20).
- Parts: Only specific parts like battery packs or electrode assemblies are listed; general "plastic housing" is often considered integral and not separately classified.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, Arc Lighters are classified under 9613.80.20, which covers "Other: Electrical". The specific classification depends on whether the lighter has "Multipurpose" functionality (e.g., for charcoal/gas grills) or is for general use.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tariff Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
9613.80.20.10 |
Electrical Multipurpose Lighters | β’ Used for charcoal/gas grills β’ Fireplaces β’ High-intensity arc for outdoor/heavy-duty ignition |
0.0% |
9613.80.20.90 |
Electrical Other Lighters | β’ Standard arc lighters for smoking/candles β’ Desktop electric lighters β’ General-purpose plasma lighters |
0.0% |
π Critical Distinction:
- If the lighter is marketed specifically for grilling, fireplaces, or heavy-duty ignition (often with a longer handle or specific tip design), it falls under.10.
- If it is a standard handheld arc lighter for personal use (smoking, candles), it falls under.90.
- Both categories currently have a 0% total tariff rate for imports into the US (from eligible origins).
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assuming standard manufacturing origin)
β Effective Date: 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 9613.80.20.10 β Electrical Multipurpose Lighters
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 / IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (for shipments < $800) |
| Legal Basis | HS 9613.80.20.10 |
π― 2. 9613.80.20.90 β Electrical Other Lighters
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 / IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (for shipments < $800) |
| Legal Basis | HS 9613.80.20.90 |
π Explanation:
- Unlike electronics (Section 85) or steel (Section 72), lighters (Chapter 96) are currently exempt from the additional Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs in this specific subheading.
- This makes Arc Lighters a high-margin, low-tariff opportunity for cross-border e-commerce.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Electric Arc Lighter", "Plasma Ignition", "No Gas/Flint". |
| β Technical Diagram | βοΈ | Show electrode structure to prove it's electrical, not gas/mechanical. |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the product, packaging, and any warning labels (e.g., "Keep away from children"). |
| β Safety Certifications | βοΈ | FCC (USA), CE (EU), UL or ETL (Safety Standard). Crucial for electrical products. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Value must be accurate. Use "Arc Lighter" or "Plasma Lighter" β DO NOT use "Gas Lighter". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity and weight. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "No Gas, No Flint, Purely Electrical!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Arc Lighter | 9613.80.20.90 - Electric Lighter |
9613.10.00.00 (Gas Lighter) |
Misclassification β Potential audit or duty reassessment. |
| Grill/Fireplace Arc Tool | 9613.80.20.10 - Multipurpose Electric Lighter |
8205.90 (Hand Tools) |
Misclassification β Incorrect HS code. |
| Lighter with USB-C Charger | Declare as one unit (Lighter + Charger) | Separate HS codes for charger | Splitting may trigger different duty rates or inspection. |
β 3. Special Considerations for Arc Lighters
| Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Most arc lighters use Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Ensure batteries are UN38.3 certified for shipping. |
| Dangerous Goods (DG) | Generally not DG if <100Wh, but must be declared properly. |
| Labeling | Must have warning labels in English (e.g., "Do not point at eyes", "Flameless but hot"). |
| E-commerce (De Minimis) | For shipments < $800, use Section 321 (De Minimis) to bypass detailed entry filing. Still need correct HS code. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9613.80.20.90 / .10 |
0.0% | FCC, UL/ETL (Recommended) | No additional tariffs on this HS. |
| π¨π³ China | 9613.80.20 |
0%~5% | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic sales may have different standards. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9613.80 |
0% | CE, RoHS, WEEE | Strict safety standards for electrical appliances. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9613.80 |
0% | UKCA, BS Standards | Post-Brexit standards apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9613.80 |
0%~2% | PSE (Electrical Appliance) | PSE diamond mark required for rechargeable. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most tariff-friendly market for these goods at 0%.
- Certifications (FCC/CE/UL) are more critical than tariffs. Without them, customs will block entry regardless of duty rate.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Arc Lighters as "Gas Lighters" (9613.10)
π Consequence: Wrong HS code. Customs may reject or audit. Gas lighters have different safety rules (flammable).
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Battery Regulations
π Consequence: Shipment detained for UN38.3 or DOT violations. Rechargeable arc lighters contain lithium batteries.
β Mistake 3: Missing Safety Labels
π Consequence: Customs seizure or fines. Arc lighters can cause burns or eye damage. Mandatory warnings are required.
β Mistake 4: Using "Lighter" without specifying "Electric"
π Consequence: Ambiguity leads to manual examination, delays, and potential reclassification with higher duties or penalties.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Electric Arc Lighter, Rechargeable, USB-C, Flameless Plasma Ignition for Smoking/Candles, Model XYZ, FCC Certified"
π― 7. Conclusion: Smart Clearing for High-Margin Goods
π― Remember:
πΉ "Arc Lighters = 0% Duty in US (if classified correctly)"
πΉ "No Gas, No Flint, Just Electricity!"
πΉ "FCC/CE is King, HS Code is Queen!"
π Pro Tip:
- For B2C Cross-Border E-commerce, ensure your platform (Amazon, AliExpress, Temu) supports de minimis clearance for these items.
- For B2B Wholesale, prepare FCC/UL reports in advance.
- Always declare "Electric Arc Lighter" β never just "Lighter".
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder with:
1. Product Photos (showing electrodes & USB port)
2. FCC/CE Certification Documents
3. Correct HS Code:9613.80.20.90(Standard) or.10(Multipurpose)
π Clear customs smoothly, avoid tariffs, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every 0% tariff saved is pure profit!
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.