Colorful Glass
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7004205000 | 42.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7004201000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7020006000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7020004000 | 41.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Colorful Glass: The Ultimate 2026 Import & Tariff Guide
π¦ HS Code Classification, Tax Breakdown & Professional Customs Clearance Strategy
π Overview: What is "Colorful Glass"?
Colorful Glass refers to any glass product where the coloration is inherent to the material itself (body-tinted), or it has been treated to possess specific optical properties such as absorption, reflection, or non-reflectivity. It is not merely glass with a painted surface or a temporary film.
In international trade, the critical distinction lies in:
1. Form: Is it flat sheets (drawn/blown) or "other articles" (bottles, flasks, labware)?
2. Treatment: Does it have a functional layer (reflective/absorbent) or is it just tinted throughout?
β οΈ Key Warning: Misclassifying "Colored Glass Sheets" as "Other Glass Articles" can lead to a 25% tariff shock instead of the standard 0%. Precision is vital!
π II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Customs Data)
Based on the latest trade data, Colorful Glass is strictly categorized into two primary groups depending on its physical form and function.
| π·οΈ HS Code | Product Description (Official Definition) | Key Characteristics | Tax Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7004.20.10.00 | Drawn/Blown Sheets: Glass colored throughout, opacified, flashed, OR having an absorbent, reflecting, or non-reflecting layer. |
β’ Flat sheets β’ Body tinted OR Functional layers β’ Used in construction, automotive, or solar |
π¨ High Risk |
| 7004.20.50.00 | Drawn/Blown Sheets: Glass colored throughout, opacified, flashed, but NO absorbent/reflecting/non-reflecting layer. |
β’ Flat sheets β’ Purely aesthetic color β’ Decorative or architectural glass |
β Low Risk |
| 7020.00.40.00 | Other Articles: Specifically Glass inners for vacuum flasks or vacuum vessels. |
β’ Curved/Cylindrical shape β’ Double-walled vacuum structure β’ Thermos/Flask components |
β Low Risk |
| 7020.00.60.00 | Other Articles: General "Other" glass articles (non-sheets, non-flasks). |
β’ Labware, decorative items, tubes, stems β’ Not sheets or vacuum flasks |
β Low Risk |
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Deep Dive (Detailed Analysis)
πΊπΈ Applicable Market: United States (US)
π¨π³ Origin: China (CN)
π Effective: Based on current 2025/2026 trade regulations (Section 301 & IEEPA).
π― 1. The "Trap" Zone: 7004.20.10.00
(Colored Sheets WITH functional layers)
This is the most critical classification. If your colorful glass has any reflective, absorbent, or non-reflecting layer, it falls here.
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff (Most Favored Nation) | 0.0% | Standard duty-free entry. |
| Section 301 / "Other" Additional Tariff | +25.0% | CRITICAL: Applied due to specific USITC rulings on glass with functional layers. |
| Total Effective Tax | 25.0% | Payable on CIF Value. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No | Small shipments (under $800) do NOT qualify if classified here. |
| Legal Reference | USITC:7004.20.10.00 + 301 Footnote |
π Why so high?
The US government views "reflective/absorbent" glass (often used in high-tech electronics or energy-efficient windows) as a strategic product subject to trade barriers. Do not assume all colored glass is 0%!
π― 2. The "Safe" Zone: 7004.20.50.00
(Colored Sheets WITHOUT functional layers)
If the glass is simply colored "throughout the mass" (body-tinted) or opacified without an additional functional coating (reflective/absorbent), the risk is zero.
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | Standard duty-free. |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% | No Section 301 or IEEPA surcharges apply. |
| Total Effective Tax | 0.0% | Free entry. |
π― 3. The "Other" Zone: 7020.00.40.00 & 7020.00.60.00
(Vacuum Flask Liners & Other Glass Articles)
These are non-sheet items. Whether they are colorful or clear, they fall under "Other Articles of Glass."
| Tax Component | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | Duty-free. |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% | No additional surcharges. |
| Total Effective Tax | 0.0% | Free entry. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Strategy & Practical Advice
β 1. The "Layer" Test (Crucial Step)
Before declaring your "Colorful Glass," you must answer this question:
"Does the glass have a specific layer designed to reflect, absorb heat/light, or reduce glare?"
- YES β It is 7004.20.10.00. Prepare for 25% tax.
- NO (Just colored, tinted, or frosted) β It is 7004.20.50.00. Pay 0% tax.
β 2. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
To avoid audits and delays, submit the following:
Technical Data Sheet (TDS): Must explicitly state "No reflective/absorbing coating" if claiming 0%. If it has one, declare truthfully to avoid fraud.
Material Composition Report: Confirm color is "body-tinted" (pigments mixed in the melt) vs. "surface coated."
Product Photos: Show the cross-section of the glass to prove the color is throughout the mass.
Intended Use Statement:
* For 7004.20.10.00: Specify if used for "Solar Panels," "Automotive Windows," or "Architectural Glazing."
* For 7020.00.40.00: Specify "Vacuum Flask Interiors."
β 3. Declaration Wording (Do's and Don'ts)
| β Risky Declaration | β Safe & Precise Declaration |
|---|---|
| "Colorful Glass Sheets" | "Drawn Color Glass Sheets, Body Tinted Only, No Reflective Coating (HS 7004.20.50.00)" |
| "Glass with Color" | "Vacuum Flask Inner Liners, Glass, Colorful (HS 7020.00.40.00)" |
| "Decorative Glass" | "Glass in Other Forms, Non-Reflective, Non-Absorbent (HS 7020.00.60.00)" |
β οΈ Warning: If you declare "Decorative Glass" but the product has a Low-E coating (reflective layer), Customs will reclassify it to 7004.20.10.00 and charge the 25% penalty + potential fines.
π V. Quick Reference: Tax Comparison
| Product Type | HS Code | Key Feature | Tax Rate (US) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective/Functional Colored Sheets | 7004.20.10.00 |
Has absorbent/reflecting layer | 25.0% | π΄ High |
| Purely Colored Sheets | 7004.20.50.00 |
Body tinted only | 0.0% | π’ Low |
| Vacuum Flask Liners | 7020.00.40.00 |
Inner vessel for flasks | 0.0% | π’ Low |
| Other Glass Articles | 7020.00.60.00 |
Non-sheet, non-flask items | 0.0% | π’ Low |
π VI. Conclusion: Smart Shipping for Colorful Glass
- Identify the Coating: The presence of an absorbent/reflecting layer is the only trigger for the 25% tax.
- Split Shipments: If you have both "Functional" and "Pure" colored glass, do not mix them in one shipment. Separate them to avoid the entire batch being taxed at 25%.
- Pre-Ruling: For large commercial imports, request an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to confirm your HS Code, especially for complex coated glass.
- Cost Planning: Always budget for 25% if your product has any functional optical layer. Never assume "Glass" is free!
π Pro Tip: "Colorful" does not equal "Taxed." "Coated" equals "Taxed." Know the difference!
β¨ Ready to ship? Verify your coating specs and let the 0% or 25% decide your strategy! ππ¦
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.