Candle Jar

🕯️ Candle Jars (Glassware for Votive Candles & Similar Uses)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Candle Jar"?

Candle jars, in the context of international trade and customs classification, refer to glass vessels designed specifically to hold votive candles or similar small flame sources. They are not merely general-purpose containers; they are distinct from plastic packaging (HS 3923) and general glassware (HS 7013) based on their specific designation in tariff schedules.

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- Plastic Containers (e.g., plastic votive holders) fall under HS 3923.30 (Articles of plastics).
- Glass Votive-Candle Holders fall under HS 7013.99.35.00.
- Other Glass Glassware (valued >$3) fall under HS 7013.99.80.90.

📌 Critical Note:
If the item is made of plastic, it is NOT glassware. It falls under HS 3923.
If the item is made of glass and is specifically identified as a "votive-candle holder," it has a dedicated subheading.
If the item is made of glass but is a general decorative jar (not specifically a candle holder, or valued over $3), it falls under the "Other" category.

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

🔍 Important Clarification:
- Plastic vs. Glass: The material is the primary divider. Plastic jars go to 3923, Glass jars go to 7013.
- Specific vs. General: For glass items, if it is specifically a "votive-candle holder," use 7013.99.35.00. If it is a general decorative jar or not specifically a candle holder, check the value. If >$3, use 7013.99.80.90.
- Plastic Small Containers: Plastic containers ≤50ml go to 3923.30.00.10; others to 3923.30.00.90.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current Tariff Schedule

🎯 1. 3923.30.00.10 & 3923.30.00.90 —— Plastic Articles (Conveyance/Packing)

📌 Explanation:
- Plastic packaging articles of this type currently enjoy zero tariff impact under current US-China trade terms for these specific subheadings.
- No Section 301 or IEEPA additional duties apply to these specific plastic packaging HS codes in the provided data.

🎯 2. 7013.99.35.00 —— Glass Votive-Candle Holders

📌 Explanation:
- This is a specific glass article for table/indoor decoration.
- It attracts a 6.6% basic duty.
- An additional 7.5% is applied (likely under Section 301 or similar trade measures), resulting in a total of 14.1%.
- Note: This rate applies regardless of the value of the individual item, as it is a specific functional description.

🎯 3. 7013.99.80.90 —— Other Glassware (Valued > $3 Each)

📌 Explanation:
- This code captures general glassware valued over $3 per item that does not fit other specific subheadings (like votive holders).
- It has a higher base tariff (11.3%) than the specific votive holder (6.6%), but no additional tariffs.
- Total Cost Impact: 11.3% of CIF value.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Guide)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Material First, Value Next, Specificity Wins!"

✅ 3. Special Handling Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)

📌 Conclusion:
- Glass Votive Holders face a 14.1% total duty in the US.
- Plastic Packaging (≤50ml) is duty-free (0%).
- General Glassware (> $3) faces 11.3% duty.
- Strategy: If possible, classify correctly to avoid penalties. For plastic, ensure volume is clearly ≤50ml to access 0% rate.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a Glass Votive Holder as "Plastic Jar"
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential fraud charges, fines.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring a Plastic Jar >50ml as "≤50ml"
👉 Consequence: Incorrect HS Code (should be 3923.30.00.90), though tax is same (0%), documentation risk.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Unit Value for General Glassware
👉 Consequence: If value is actually ≤$3, using 7013.99.80.90 is incorrect. Must verify value.

❌ Mistake 4: Mixing Glass and Plastic in one HS Line
👉 Consequence: Customs will separate and assess separately, causing delays.

✅ Correct Approach:

"100% Glass Votive Candle Holder, Decorative, Unit Value $2.50, Origin: China"
→ Use HS 7013.99.35.00 (14.1% duty).

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Rules:

🔹 Plastic ≤50ml: 0% Duty
🔹 Plastic Other: 0% Duty
🔹 Glass Votive Holder: 14.1% Duty
🔹 Glass Other (> $3): 11.3% Duty

📌 Pro Tip:
- If you are importing glass jars for candles, ensure they are explicitly described as "Votive-Candle Holders" to potentially use 7013.99.35.00 (14.1%) vs. generic glassware.
- However, note that 7013.99.35.00 has a lower base rate (6.6%) than generic glassware (11.3%), but adds 7.5% additional tax.
- For plastic, keep it simple: 0% total duty. Ensure volume is clearly documented if ≤50ml.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify Material: Glass vs. Plastic?
📞 Check Volume: ≤50ml?
📞 Check Value: >$3?
🚀 File Accurately: Avoid customs delays and penalties!

✨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent Counts in Tariff Management!