CANDLE MOLD
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909905 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8480718045 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016990500 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8480799090 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π―οΈ Candle Mold (Silicone) β The Ultimate Import & Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Protocol
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Silicone Candle Mold"?
A Candle Mold is a tool used in manufacturing or crafting to shape molten wax into specific forms. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on two factors:
1. Material Composition: Is it primarily plastic (synthetic resin) or rubber (silicone elastomer)?
2. Functional Purpose: Is it classified as a general industrial mold (HS Chapter 84) or a general article of plastic/rubber (HS Chapter 39 or 40)?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If classified as a general article of plastic/rubber (e.g., simple silicone casting mold) β It often falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics) or Chapter 40 (Rubber).
- If classified as an industrial tool/mold (specifically for metal, plastic, or rubber molding) β It may fall under Chapter 84 (Machinery).
Note: For candle molds, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) frequently debates whether they are "molds" (Ch. 84) or "articles" (Ch. 39/40). This leads to significant tariff differences.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided data, here are the five possible HS Codes for Silicone Candle Molds, along with their descriptions and tariff implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Function Basis | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.05 |
Silicone Candle Mold, Plastic Attribute | Silicone viewed as Plastic/Synthetic Resin; classified as "Other plastic articles" | 22.8% |
8480.71.80.45 |
Silicone Candle Mold, Rubber/Plastic Mold | Silicone viewed as Rubber/Plastic Molding Tool; classified under Chapter 84 (Molds) | 38.1% |
4016.99.05.00 |
Silicone Candle Mold, Vulcanized Rubber | Silicone viewed as Vulcanized Rubber/Elastomer; classified as "Other vulcanized rubber articles" | 20.9% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Silicone Candle Mold, Plastic Article | Silicone viewed as Plastic/Synthetic Material; "Other plastic articles" (different subheading) | 22.8% |
8480.79.90.90 |
Silicone Candle Mold, Other Mold | Silicone viewed as Rubber/Plastic Mold; "Other molds" under Chapter 84 | 38.1% |
π Critical Insight:
- Chapter 84 Codes (8480...) carry a 38.1% total tax rate due to high Section 301/122 tariffs.
- Chapter 39/40 Codes (3926...,4016...) carry lower rates (20.9% - 22.8%).
- Strategy: Aim for Chapter 39 or 40 classification if the mold is not a specialized industrial tool for metal/precise polymer injection molding, but rather a flexible silicone casting mold.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. Classification under Chapter 39 (Plastics)
(Codes: 3926.90.99.05 & 3926.90.99.89)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301/122 Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 10% (Targeting China-origin goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Denied due to additional tariffs) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301:7.5% β USITC:3926.90.99 |
π Explanation:
- These codes treat silicone as a plastic/synthetic resin.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is mandatory for China-origin goods under current executive orders.
- Total burden: 22.8%.
π― 2. Classification under Chapter 40 (Rubber)
(Code: 4016.99.05.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301/122 Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301:7.5% β USITC:4016.99.05 |
π Explanation:
- This is the lowest tax rate among the options.
- Requires proving silicone is treated as vulcanized rubber/elastomer rather than plastic.
- Total burden: 20.9%.
π― 3. Classification under Chapter 84 (Machinery/Molds)
(Codes: 8480.71.80.45 & 8480.79.90.90)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.1% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301/122 Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301:25% β USITC:8480.71/79 |
π Explanation:
- Chapter 84 molds are subject to a much higher 25% additional tariff (vs. 7.5% for plastics/rubber).
- Even though the basic tariff is lower (3.1%), the additional duties make this the most expensive option.
- Total burden: 38.1%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail material composition (e.g., "100% Platinum-Cure Silicone"). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Proves chemical composition (helps classify as Rubber vs. Plastic). |
| β High-Resolution Photos | βοΈ | Show flexibility, seams, and usage (candle inside mold). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Silicone Candle Mold, Material: Silicone Rubber." Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Tool." |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm China origin to apply correct IEEPA tariffs. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure no misdeclaration of accessories. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Rubber Wins on Cost, Plastic is Middle Ground, Machinery is the Trap!"
| Situation | Recommended HS Code | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Silicone Mold (used for casting candles, soap, concrete) | 4016.99.05.00 |
π’ Lowest Risk/Cost (20.9%) |
| Rigid Plastic Mold (if made of hard plastic, not silicone) | 3926.90.99.05 |
π‘ Medium Risk (22.8%) |
| Industrial Injection Molds (metal/plastic for mass production) | 8480.71.80.45 |
π΄ High Risk/Cost (38.1%) |
π Warning:
- Do NOT classify a flexible silicone candle mold as a "mold" under Chapter 84 unless it is a complex, specialized industrial tool. Simple silicone molds are often better classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber).
- Misclassification as Chapter 84 can result in 17.2% extra tax (38.1% - 20.9%) per shipment.
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Molds | Provide design drawings to prove itβs a "mold" only if you accept the 38.1% rate. Otherwise, emphasize "casting article" status. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping plastic and silicone molds together, declare separately. Do not mix to avoid scrutiny. |
| Pre-Ruling Request | For large volumes, apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP to lock in Chapter 39/40 classification. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | β Not Applicable. Due to IEEPA and Section 301 tariffs, de minimis exemptions are denied for China-origin goods under these HS codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.05.00 |
20.9% | IEEPA + Section 301 apply |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.99.05.00 |
~3-5% | Standard MFN rate |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.99.00 |
~5.6% | CE Marking if used as safety equipment |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.99.00 |
~5.6% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4016.99.00 |
~5% | No additional tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market due to aggressive tariff policies.
- Classifying under Chapter 40 (Rubber) is the most cost-effective strategy for silicone candle molds.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others' Losses)
β Mistake 1: Using "Plastic Mold" as the description for a Silicone product.
π Consequence: CBP may reclassify to Chapter 84 if they deem it a "mold," leading to 38.1% tax.
β Mistake 2: Claiming "De Minimis" exemption for shipments under $800.
π Consequence: Denied. China-origin goods under Section 301/IEEPA are excluded. Full taxes apply.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the material distinction (Plastic vs. Rubber).
π Consequence: Underreporting duty by using 3926 when it should be 4016, or vice versa, leading to audits and penalties.
β Correct Approach:
"Silicone Candle Mold, 100% Food-Grade Platinum Cure Silicone Rubber, Flexible, Reusable."
HS Code:4016.99.05.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Silicone = Rubber (Ch 40), Not Plastic (Ch 39), Definitely Not Machinery (Ch 84)."
πΉ "20.9% vs 38.1% β The choice is yours!"
πΉ "No De Minimis for China β Plan your logistics accordingly!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, request a Binding Ruling from U.S. CBP specifying the classification under 4016.99.05.00. This provides legal certainty and protects against future audits.
π£ Immediate Action Steps:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Provide material specs (MSDS) to support Chapter 40 classification.
π° Calculate landed cost using 20.9% (best case) vs. 38.1% (worst case).
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your profit margin depends on getting the HS Code right!
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.