Chopsticks + Chopstick Aid
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 961700 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 961700 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924101000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4419120000 | 13.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4419191000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯’ Chopsticks & Chopstick Aids (Cutlery & Dining Implements)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know "Chopsticks" Well?
Chopsticks and their associated aids (holders, training tools, or stands) are essential tableware items used globally, particularly in Asian cuisines. In international trade, they are primarily classified based on material (wood/bamboo vs. plastic) and function (eating utensil vs. aid accessory).
Primary Materials:
1. Wood/Bamboo: Natural materials, widely exported.
2. Plastics: Synthetic materials, often used for disposable or durable dining sets.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a wooden/bamboo chopstick, it falls under Chapter 44.
- If the item is a plastic utensil, it falls under Chapter 39.
- If the item is a generic aid/holder not specifically described elsewhere, it may fall under Chapter 96, but tax retrieval often fails for these broad categories without specific material details.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4419.12.00.00 |
Tableware and kitchenware, of wood: Of bamboo: Chopsticks | Standard bamboo eating chopsticks | Bamboo | β 0.0% |
4419.19.10.00 |
Tableware and kitchenware, of wood: Of bamboo: Other: Forks and spoons | Bamboo forks/spoons (often grouped in same shipment) | Bamboo | β 5.3% |
3924.10.40.00 |
Tableware, kitchenware... of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other | Plastic chopsticks, forks, or mixed plastic cutlery | Plastic | β 3.4% |
3924.10.10.00 |
Tableware, kitchenware... of plastics: Salt, pepper, mustard and ketchup dispensers | Plastic condiment dispensers (if part of a set) | Plastic | β 3.4% |
961700 |
Chopsticks and similar eating utensils... not elsewhere specified (including holders) | Generic chopsticks/holders of unspecified/other materials | Mixed/Other | β Error (Failed to retrieve) |
961700 |
Chopstick aids (holders, supports, devices to assist) | Bamboo/Plastic/Wood training aids or holders | Mixed/Other | β Error (Failed to retrieve) |
π Important Reminder:
- Bamboo Chopsticks have the lowest duty (0%), making them highly competitive.
- Plastic Tableware incurs a moderate duty of 3.4%.
- Generic/Aid Items under HS961700face tax retrieval errors. This is a high-risk classification for customs clearance because specific tariff rates are not automatically displayed. You must provide detailed material declarations to avoid delays.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025-11-10 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4419.12.00.00 ββ Bamboo Chopsticks
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% (No 301 Section 301 surcharge applies to this specific bamboo code in the provided data) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Low duty, likely eligible for Section 321 de minimis if under $800, subject to current policy) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:4419.12.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Bamboo chopsticks enjoy zero duty in the provided dataset. This is a strategic advantage for bamboo exporters.
- No additional surcharges are listed for this specific code in the provided data, making it the most cost-effective option for clearance.
π― 2. 4419.19.10.00 ββ Bamboo Forks and Spoons
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 5.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 5.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Likely eligible if under $800) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:4419.19.10.00 |
π Note:
- While slightly higher than chopsticks, this rate is still very low.
- Ensure the product is clearly labeled as "Bamboo" to avoid being misclassified as plastic or wood (which might have different rates).
π― 3. 3924.10.40.00 & 3924.10.10.00 ββ Plastic Tableware
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Likely eligible if under $800) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3924.10.40.00 / 3924.10.10.00 |
π Note:
- Plastic tableware is subject to a 3.4% duty.
- This is lower than the bamboo fork/spoon rate in this specific dataset, making plastic potentially more cost-effective for certain utensils.
- Ensure plastic type (e.g., PP, PE) is declared to avoid misclassification.
π― 4. 961700 ββ Chopsticks/Aids (Unspecified/Generic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Error |
| USITC Surcharge | Failed to retrieve |
| IEEPA Surcharge | Failed to retrieve |
| Total Tariff | Error / Unknown |
| Tax Calculation | Cannot be calculated automatically |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Unclear (High risk of audit) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:961700 |
π Critical Warning:
- Do NOT use961700for clearance without verifying the specific material.
- This code is a "basket" category. Customs may classify it under Chapter 39 (Plastic), 44 (Wood), or 96 (Miscellaneous), leading to significant delays.
- If the chopsticks/holders are made of bamboo, force classification to4419.12.00.00. If plastic, use3924.10.40.00. Avoid the generic code.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (Bamboo/Plastic), Dimensions, Weight |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of chopsticks, holders, and packaging. Show material texture. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Detailed description: "Bamboo Chopsticks" or "Plastic Tableware Set" β Avoid generic terms like "Cultural Souvenir" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Itemized list separating chopsticks, forks, and aids if possible |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state "100% Bamboo" or "100% Plastic" to support HS Code |
| β FDA Compliance (If applicable) | βοΈ | If for food contact, ensure plastic meets FDA standards |
β 2. Declaration Techniques (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material First, Code Precise, Avoid Generic, Save Time!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Chopsticks | HS 4419.12.00.00 |
HS 961700 β Risk of Error |
| Bamboo Forks | HS 4419.19.10.00 |
HS 4419.12.00.00 β Misclassification |
| Plastic Chopsticks | HS 3924.10.40.00 |
HS 961700 β Risk of Error |
| Chopstick Holders (Bamboo) | HS 4419.12.00.00 (if used with chopsticks) |
HS 961700 β Risk of Error |
| Chopstick Aids (Plastic) | HS 3924.10.40.00 |
HS 961700 β Risk of Error |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment (Bamboo + Plastic) | Split the declaration! Do not mix codes. Assign 4419.12.00.00 to bamboo items and 3924.10.40.00 to plastic items. |
| Chopsticks with Holders | If the holder is made of the same material as the chopsticks, it can often be included in the same HS Code. If different, classify separately. |
| "Chopstick Aids" for Kids | If made of bamboo, declare as 4419.12.00.00. If plastic, declare as 3924.10.40.00. Do not use 961700. |
| Wooden (Non-Bamboo) Chopsticks | If the material is "Wood" but not "Bamboo", it may fall under 4419.90. Check specific wood type duties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4419.12.00.00 (Bamboo) |
0.0% | FDA (if food contact) | Best Tariff. Avoid 961700. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 (Plastic) |
3.4% | FDA | Moderate tariff. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4419.12.00.00 |
Varies | REACH | Check EU specific rates. |
| π¨π³ China | 4419.12.00.00 |
Varies | CCC (if applicable) | For export, focus on destination country rules. |
π Conclusion:
- Bamboo Chopsticks (4419.12.00.00) are the most tariff-efficient (0% in US).
- Plastic items (3924.10.40.00) are also low-cost (3.4%).
- Generic Code961700is high-risk and should be avoided for clearance.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Using HS 961700 for all chopsticks/holders.
π Consequence: Tax retrieval fails β Customs holds shipment β Delays and extra inspection fees.
β Mistake 2: Declaring Bamboo Chopsticks as "Wooden Tableware" without specifying "Bamboo".
π Consequence: May be misclassified, potentially affecting duty rates if bamboo-specific codes are missed.
β Mistake 3: Mixing Plastic and Bamboo items in one line item.
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine the correct duty β Audit risk.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring FDA requirements for plastic items.
π Consequence: Product rejected at US border if not FDA-compliant for food contact.
β Correct Approach:
"Bamboo Chopsticks, 20cm, Food-Grade, Packaged in Sets of 10"
"Plastic Chopstick Aids, PP Material, Non-Slip"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Cost!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "Bamboo is 0%, Plastic is 3.4%, Generic is Risky!"
πΉ "Specify Material, Avoid961700, Clear Customs Smoothly!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting Bamboo Chopsticks to the US, you are in a strong competitive position with 0% duty. Ensure your supplier confirms the material is 100% Bamboo to support the 4419.12.00.00 classification.
For Plastic Items, ensure FDA compliance documentation is ready.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your forwarder with material-specific HS Codes (
4419.12.00.00or3924.10.40.00).
π Avoid961700unless you have a specific customs ruling.
π Your Chopsticks, Zero Duty, Maximum Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Counts in International Trade!
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.