Candlestick 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 Candlestick Molds: The Silicone Classification Dilemma & US Customs Strategy
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition β What Exactly Is a "Silicone Candlestick Mold"?
A candlestick mold is a tool used to shape wax or soap. In international trade, the classification hinges entirely on material composition and functional definition. Are you importing it as a "Plastic/Resin Product" or a "Rubber/Elastic Body Product"?
This distinction drastically changes your tariff burden. Below is the precise breakdown based on the provided 2026 tariff data.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Material Attribute | Functional Attribute | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.05 |
Silicone Candlestick Mold | Plastic / Synthetic Resin | Mold | 22.8% |
8480.71.80.45 |
Silicone Candlestick Mold | Plastic / Rubber Category | Mold | 38.1% |
4016.99.05.00 |
Silicone Candlestick Mold | Vulcanized Rubber / Elastomer | Unclassified Other Rubber Product | 20.9% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Silicone Candlestick Mold | Plastic / Synthetic Material | Other Plastic Articles | 22.8% |
8480.79.90.90 |
Silicone Candlestick Mold | Plastic / Rubber Category | Other Rubber or Plastic Molds | 38.1% |
π Key Distinction Alert:
- Plastic Route (Ch 39): Treated as synthetic resin/plastic articles. Lower total tax (22.8%).
- Rubber/Mold Route (Ch 40/84): Treated as vulcanized rubber or specific industrial molds. Higher total tax (20.9% β 38.1%).
- Critical Risk: Misclassifying a "Rubber-like" silicone product as "Plastic" can lead to audits, penalties, and back-tariffs.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current Trade Rules (2025-2026 Framework)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.05 & 3926.90.99.89 β The "Plastic" Classification
Note: Both codes carry identical tax details in the source data.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.05/89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- These codes treat silicone as a synthetic resin/plastic.
- The 22.8% rate is the most competitive among the plastic categories.
- Section 122 refers to specific national security or emergency import restrictions.
π― 2. 4016.99.05.00 β The "Vulcanized Rubber" Classification
Often the most scientifically accurate for silicone, but requires strict material proof.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.05.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Silicone is technically an elastomer/rubber.
- The base tariff is low (3.4%), but Section 301 and 122 still apply heavily.
- Best for Cost Optimization IF you can prove vulcanized rubber properties.
π― 3. 8480.71.80.45 & 8480.79.90.90 β The "Industrial Mold" Classification
Highest Risk/High Cost Category.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8480.71.80.45/90 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- These codes classify the item specifically as a "Mold" under Chapter 84.
- The Section 301 surtax jumps to 25% (standard for many machinery/molds).
- AVOID unless you have no other option; this is the most expensive classification.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Material Proof is King (Preparation Checklist)
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β MSDS / Material Safety Data Sheet | βοΈ | Proves material composition (Resin vs. Rubber). |
| β Third-Party Lab Report | βοΈ | Confirms "Vulcanized" status vs. "Thermoplastic" status. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show flexibility, texture, and lack of rigid plastic features. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: "Silicone Mold for Candlemaking" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure weight and dimensions match declaration. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βSilicone is Rubber, Not Plastic! Prove Elasticity, Save Taxes!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Case (Proven Rubber) | 4016.99.05.00 |
20.9% | π’ Low (if lab report confirms vulcanization) |
| Safe Default (Plastic View) | 3926.90.99.05 |
22.8% | π‘ Medium (Customs may reclassify to rubber) |
| High Cost (Industrial Mold) | 8480.71.80.45 |
38.1% | π΄ High (Avoid unless necessary) |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Molds | Provide design drawings to prove itβs a "consumer mold" not "industrial machinery part." |
| Soft vs. Hard Silicone | If the silicone is extremely rigid, Customs may lean toward 3926 (Plastic). If soft/flexible, push for 4016 (Rubber). |
| Mixed Packaging | Do not split shipment into "mold" + "wax." Declare as a single article (the mold). |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.05.00 or 3926.90.99.05 |
20.9% - 22.8% | High scrutiny on Section 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90 or 4016.99 |
~3% - 5% | No Section 301/122. Import duty only. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 or 4016.99 |
~0% - 2% | Usually duty-free for plastics/rubbers, but VAT applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90 or 4016.99 |
~4% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to layered surtaxes (301 + 122).
- Optimize for4016.99.05.00if your silicone is genuinely vulcanized elastomer.
- Fallback to3926.90.99.05if documentation is weak, to avoid high-risk misclassification penalties.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling it "Plastic Mold" when itβs Silicone
π Result: Customs may reclassify to 4016 (lower base) but audit you for accuracy, causing delays. OR worse, misclassify as 8480 (higher tax).
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Result: Underpaying by 10%. You will owe back taxes + interest.
β Error 3: Using 8480 for consumer goods
π Result: Paying 38.1% tax unnecessarily. Consumer candle molds are rarely classified as industrial machinery molds.
β Error 4: No Lab Report for "Rubber" Claim
π Result: Customs rejects 4016, defaults to 3926 or penalizes for misdeclaration.
β Correct Practice:
βFood-Grade Silicone Candle Mold, Soft & Flexible, 100% Silicone Rubber, No Resin Addedβ
π― Part 7: Conclusion β Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βSilicone = Rubber (
4016), Not Plastic (3926) or Mold (8480)!β
πΉ4016(20.9%) <3926(22.8%) <8480(38.1%)
πΉ Always have a Lab Report to prove Rubber Properties!
π Pro Tip:
If your product is shipped from Vietnam or Mexico, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates. Check your supply chain origin carefully.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker with your MSDS and Lab Report.
π Classify as4016.99.05.00if possible to save ~2% vs. Plastic and ~17% vs. Mold.
πΌ Every percentage point counts in US Customs clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Is Worth Calculating Precisely!
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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.