Basket, Wicker Products

🧺 Basket & Wicker Products (Woven Materials & Articles)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for US Imports
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Wicker"?

Basket and Wicker products are ubiquitous in home decor, storage, and agriculture. However, under international trade rules, they are not a single category. They are strictly divided based on manufacturing process (woven mats vs. shaped structures) and material composition.

Woven Products (Chapter 4601):
Flat woven mats, screens, or unfinished woven materials (e.g., reed mats, woven baskets not fully shaped).

Wickerware/Basketry (Chapter 4602):
Shaped articles made by weaving, plaiting, or braiding (e.g., finished baskets, trunks, hatboxes). This is the most common classification for consumer baskets.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a flat mat, screen, or unfinished woven sheet → Likely 4601.
- If the item is a finished basket, box, or shaped container → Likely 4602.
- Material Matters: "Willow" (柳) and "Rattan" (藤) are specific plant fibers. Misclassifying material can lead to errors in duty calculation if specific sub-rules apply.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority对照)

Based on the provided data, here are the 6 specific HS Codes applicable to Wicker/Basket products, ranging from 35.0% to 41.6% total duty for imports from China to the US.

🔍 Key Insight:
- Lowest Duty: 4602.11.07.00 and 4602.19.17.00 (Base 0% → Total 35%). These typically apply to specific willow products classified under "Wickerware."
- Highest Duty: 4601.93.20.00 and 4601.94.20.00 (Base 6.6% → Total 41.6%). These fall under "Woven Products," which often carry higher base tariffs before附加税.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharge & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 4601.93.20.00 & 4601.94.20.00 —— Woven Baskets (Plant Material)

📌 Explanation:
- These codes classify as "Woven Products" rather than finished wickerware.
- The 6.6% base rate is significant. Combined with the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% Section 122 tariff, the total burden is high.
- Risk: High. Customs may scrutinize if the item is truly "woven mat-like" vs. "finished basket."

🎯 2. 4602.12.16.00 —— Willow/Rattan Basket

📌 Note:
- Slightly lower total duty than 4601 codes.
- Specifically identifies "Rattan/Willow" as material. Ensure materials match exactly; using mixed materials might trigger reclassification.

🎯 3. 4602.11.07.00 & 4602.19.17.00 —— Willow Basket (Best Rate Options)

📌 Advantage:
- Lowest total duty (35%) among all listed codes.
- Applies to "Willow" specifically.
- Crucial: The item must be clearly identified as Willow (柳) and not generic "plant material" or "Rattan" if it doesn't fit the specific sub-heading.

🎯 4. 4601.94.05.00 —— Other Plant Material Basket

📌 Note:
- Used for "Other plant materials" not specifically willow/rattan.
- Mid-range duty cost. Useful if material is ambiguous (e.g., bamboo mixed with other fibers).

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)

🔥 "Willow is 35%, Rattan is 40%, Woven Mat is 41.6%! Check Material, Check Shape!"

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)

📌 Conclusion:
- US Market is the most expensive for Chinese wicker products due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) tariffs.
- Duty Saving Strategy:
1. Ensure precise material declaration (Willow = 35% vs. Woven = 41.6%).
2. Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam, India, or Indonesia) to avoid China-specific surcharges.
3. Apply for HTS Code Exclusions if applicable (though rare for wicker).

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Calling "Plastic Wicker" a "Wicker Basket"
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code (Chapter 39 vs. 46). Penalty + Re-classification Fee.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring "Section 122"
👉 Consequence: Forgetting the 10% additional tax leads to underpayment. Customs will demand back-taxes + interest.

❌ Error 3: Vague Material Description ("Plant Material")
👉 Consequence: Customs may assign the highest base rate (6.6%) if they cannot verify it's "Willow" (0% base). Cost Increase: 1.7-6.6%.

❌ Error 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) Applies
👉 Consequence: False. Chinese origin wicker baskets are excluded from de minimis. You pay duty on every box.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Handmade Willow Basket, 12-inch, Round, Flat-Bottom, Made in China. Material: 100% Salix (Willow)."

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:

🔹 "Willow 35%, Rattan 40%, Woven 41.6%! No De Minimis for China!"
🔹 "Material is King: Specify Willow, Not Generic 'Plant'!"
🔹 "Plastic is NOT Wicker: Chapter 39 vs. 46!"

📌 Pro Tip:

• If your sales volume is high, calculate the $0.35-$0.42 duty per $1.00 of value. It significantly impacts margin.
• Consider pre-classification rulings from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if your product is unique (e.g., hybrid materials).
• Supply Chain Check: Can you source from non-China countries to bypass the 35-41.6% surcharge? (Duty may drop to 4-6%).

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify Material: Is it 100% Willow? Or Mixed?
📞 Check Shape: Is it a Basket (4602) or Woven Mat (4601)?
🚀 Accurate Declaration: Use the correct HS Code to avoid seizure, delay, and massive penalties.

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every 1% of duty saved is pure profit!