Cooking Spatula
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7323915020 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323930045 | 62.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4419901100 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4419909100 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924101000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Cooking Spatula (Kitchenware & Utensils)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What "Cooking Spatula" Really Is?
A Cooking Spatula is a versatile kitchen tool used for flipping, lifting, spreading, and mixing food. In international trade, its classification depends strictly on the material composition. It is not a single HS code but varies across Wood, Iron/Steel, and Plastics.
Misclassification can lead to significant tariff discrepancies (e.g., 3.4% vs. 52%).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the spatula is wooden β Look at Chapter 44 (Wood Articles).
- If the spatula is metal (stainless/cast iron) β Look at Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel).
- If the spatula is plastic/silicone-coated plastic β Look at Chapter 39 (Plastics).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for Cooking Spatulas categorized by material:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
4419.90.11.00 |
Tableware and kitchenware, of wood: Other: Forks and spoons | Wood | Wooden spatulas often fall under "Forks and Spoons" or general wood tableware. Note: Specific wood utensil codes may vary, but this is the provided wood entry. |
4419.90.91.00 |
Tableware and kitchenware, of wood: Other: Other | Wood | Other wooden kitchenware not specifically listed as forks/spoons. |
7323.91.50.20 |
Table, kitchen or other household articles... of iron or steel: Other: Of cast iron... | Cast Iron | Cast iron spatulas, pot scrapers, or cookware accessories. |
7323.93.00.45 |
Table, kitchen or other household articles... of iron or steel: Other: Of stainless steel... | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel spatulas, turners, and cooking ware. |
3924.10.40.00 |
Tableware, kitchenware... of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other | Plastic | Plastic spatulas, silicone-tipped spatulas (if handled as plastic parts). |
3924.10.10.00 |
Tableware, kitchenware... of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Salt, pepper, mustard and ketchup dispensers... | Plastic | Note: This code is for dispensers, NOT spatulas. Include for contrast to avoid misclassification. |
π Key Reminder:
- Silicone Spatulas: Often classified under 3924.10.40.00 if the mold is plastic, or potentially under other chapters if the handle is wood/metal. Check specific material ratio.
- Metal Spatulas: Must be distinguished between Cast Iron (7323.91...) and Stainless Steel (7323.93...). This is crucial because the tariff difference is massive.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025-11-10 onwards (Includes subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4419.90.11.00 & 4419.90.91.00 ββ Wooden Spatulas/Kitchenware
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (for 4419.90.11.00) / 3.2% (for 4419.90.91.00) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% (for 4419.90.11.00) / 7.5% (for 4419.90.91.00) |
| Total Tariff | 5.3% (High-end wood) / 10.7% (Other wood) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Tariff |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable for Section 301 goods |
| Legal Basis | USITC Section 301 Lists |
π Explanation:
- Wooden kitchenware is subject to lower Section 301 duties compared to electronics.
-4419.90.91.00incurs an additional 7.5% due to being "Other" wood articles, while "Forks and Spoons" (4419.90.11.00) are exempt from the additional tariff but still pay the base duty.
- Strategy: If your wooden spatula is technically a "spoon" or "fork" shape (e.g., a wooden serving spoon),4419.90.11.00is cheaper (5.3% vs 10.7%).
π― 2. 7323.91.50.20 ββ Cast Iron Spatulas/Bakeware
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 5.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 5.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | USITC Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Cast iron cookware and accessories generally enjoy 0% additional tariff under the provided data.
- This makes cast iron spatulas or pot scrapers a low-tariff metal option.
π― 3. 7323.93.00.45 ββ Stainless Steel Spatulas/Cooking Ware
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 + Special Add-on) | 50.0% (Stainless Steel Aluminum Copper Products Add-on) |
| Total Tariff | 52.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 52.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903... + Special Add-on for Steel/Al/Cu |
π CRITICAL WARNING:
- This is the HIGHEST TARIFF in the list.
- Stainless steel kitchenware from China is subject to a 50% special add-on tariff in addition to the base 2.0%.
- Total Rate: 52%.
- Strategy: Avoid importing stainless steel spatulas from China if possible, or explore alternative origins (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid this specific add-on.
π― 4. 3924.10.40.00 ββ Plastic Spatulas
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable for Section 301 goods |
| Legal Basis | USITC Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic kitchenware has a low base tariff (3.4%) and 0% additional tariff.
- This is the MOST COST-EFFECTIVE option for standard kitchen utensils from China.
- Ensure the product is clearly identified as "Plastic" and not "Silicone-Coated Steel" (which might fall under steel).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material breakdown (e.g., "Handle: Beech Wood, Blade: Food-Grade Plastic") |
| β Product Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Show the material, brand, and country of origin |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Cooking Spatula" and material (Do NOT just write "Kitchen Tool") |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm weight and dimensions |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | For China origin to prove subject to Section 301 |
| β FDA Compliance (if applicable) | βοΈ | Kitchenware contacting food may require FDA registration |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βMaterial First, Code Second, Steel is Expensive, Wood/Plastic is Cheap!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Spatula | HS Code: 4419.90.11.00 or 4419.90.91.00 |
Misdeclare as Plastic β Risk of seizure for false declaration |
| Stainless Steel Spatula | HS Code: 7323.93.00.45 |
Misdeclare as Cast Iron (7323.91) β Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Plastic Spatula | HS Code: 3924.10.40.00 |
Misdeclare as Stainless Steel β 52% Tariff instead of 3.4% |
| Hybrid (Wood Handle + Plastic Blade) | Declare based on Essential Character (usually the handle material dominates) | Split shipment β Complicated clearance |
β 3. Special Handling for Hybrid Products
| Scenario | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Wood Handle + Stainless Blade | Often classified under Steel if the blade is the functional part. Check with customs broker. High risk of 52%. |
| Wood Handle + Plastic Blade | Likely classified under Plastics (3924.10.40.00) or Wood (4419...) depending on which component gives it essential character. Usually, the handle dominates, so try 4419. |
| Silicone Coating on Metal | If the silicone is integral and defines the function, it might be argued as Plastic, but US Customs often classifies coated metal as Metal (High Tariff). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 |
3.4% | FDA | Best for Plastic. Steel is 52%! |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4419.90.91.00 |
10.7% | None | Wood is moderate. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7323.93.00.45 |
52.0% | None | AVOID Stainless Steel from China. |
| π¨π³ China | 7323.93.00.45 |
~13% | CCC | Export tax rebate applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7323.93.00 |
4.0% | LFGB | No Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
- Plastic Spatulas are the most tariff-friendly for the US market (3.4%).
- Stainless Steel Spatulas are the most expensive (52%).
- Wooden Spatulas are in the middle (5.3% - 10.7%).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Stainless Steel Spatulas as "Kitchen Accessories" without specifying material.
π Result: Customs assigns highest duty (52%) or demands documentation, causing delays.
β Mistake 2: Mixing Plastic and Wooden spatulas in one HS Code declaration.
π Result: Misdeclaration. Each material must be declared separately.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Section 301" impact on Steel.
π Result: Unexpected 50% surcharge wipes out profit margins.
β Correct Practice:
"Stainless Steel Cooking Spatula, Food Grade, Model XYZ, Country of Origin: China"
HS Code:7323.93.00.45
Duty: 52.0%"Plastic Cooking Spatula, Model ABC, Country of Origin: China"
HS Code:3924.10.40.00
Duty: 3.4%
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Plastic is King (3.4%), Steel is King of Cost (52%), Wood is Middle (5-10%)."
πΉ "Check Material, Check HS Code, Check 50% Steel Tax!"
πΉ "One Product, One Code, Clear Description."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Stainless Steel Spatulas, consider:
1. Switching to Plastic or Wood alternatives.
2. Sourcing from non-China countries (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid the 50% add-on.
3. Applying for an Exclusion under Section 301 (if available and eligible).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with material specs.
π Verify if your stainless steel items qualify for any exclusions.
π Optimize your product mix towards Plastic or Wood for the US market.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
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.