Cruet
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923300090 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7010905009 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7010905039 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923300010 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
Based on the data provided, here is the professional wiki-style analysis and customs clearance guide for Cruets (Condiment Jars).
𧴠Cruet (Condiment Jars & Bottles) β Global HS Code Guide & Clearance Strategy
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Shipping Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure About "Cruets"?
Cruets (often used for sauce, oil, vinegar, or condiments) are small containers used for serving liquids at the table or for storage in commercial kitchens. In international trade, their classification depends strictly on the material and intended use:
- Plastic Cruets: Made of polymer materials. These are classified under "Plastics: Articles of Plastics" (Chapter 39).
- Glass Cruets: Made of glass. These fall under "Glass and Glassware" (Chapter 70).
- Kitchen Utensils: If specifically designed as a plastic set for kitchen use (e.g., salt and pepper shakers), they might fall under "Plastic articles of a kind used for domestic purposes" (Chapter 39, specifically 3924).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Plastic & Transport/Storage Packaging (General bottles/jars) β 3923 series.
- Glass & General Containers β 7010 series.
- Plastic Kitchen Utensils (Specific tableware/kitchenware) β 3924 series (Lower tax potential!).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
3923.30.00.90 |
Sauce Bottles (General) | Plastic | Generic plastic bottles, flasks, ampoules, and similar articles. Top-level generic code. |
3923.30.00.10 |
Sauce Bottles (Specific) | Plastic | Plastic articles for transport or packing (Specific sub-category for bottles). |
7010.90.50.09 |
Glass Sauce Bottles (General) | Glass | Glass containers for food, drinks, or pharmaceuticals. Generic glass container. |
7010.90.50.39 |
Glass Sauce Bottles (Other) | Glass | Glass containers (Other/Residual category). Used if not fitting specific narrow categories. |
3924.10.40.00 |
Plastic Condiment Containers | Plastic | Kitchen/Tableware Category. Plastic articles of a kind used for domestic purposes (e.g., salt/pepper shakers, sauce cruets). β οΈ Lowest Tax! |
π Critical Analysis:
- Plastic vs. Glass: Glass (7010) has 0% Base Tariff, but Plastic (3923) has 3.0% Base Tariff.
- The "3924" Loophole: If the cruet is specifically marketed as kitchenware/tableware (e.g., a matching set), it can be classified under3924.10.40.00. This offers a massive tax advantage (Total 13.4% vs. 38%).
- Glass "Catch-all": Both7010.90.50.09and3923.30.00.90are generic "Other" categories. Ensure the product description matches the specific sub-category to avoid audit risks.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Including Section 301 & IEEPA additions)
π― 1. 3923.30.00.90 & 3923.30.00.10 (Plastic Bottles - Standard)
High Tariff Category for Generic Plastic Packaging
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% (Most Favored Nation) |
| Section 301 / Added Tariff | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 / Section 301) |
| IEEPA Section 122 Tax | +10.0% (Retaliation/IEEPA 9903.67) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Deny de minimis for China-made 301 goods) |
| Legal Path | Section 301:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.67 β 3923.30.00 |
π Explanation:
These codes are treated as "Plastic Articles of a Kind Used for Transport or Packing." They are not considered "Tableware" by US Customs, triggering the full Section 301 + IEEPA penalty. Do not use these if you can prove it is kitchenware.
π― 2. 7010.90.50.09 & 7010.90.50.39 (Glass Bottles)
Medium Tariff Category (Base 0%, High Add-ons)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (MFN) |
| Section 301 / Added Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Section 122 Tax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Path | Section 301:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.67 β 7010.90.50 |
π Explanation:
While the base is free (0%), the 25% Section 301 and 10% IEEPA add-ons make the total 35%. Glass cruets are slightly cheaper than generic plastic ones (3% vs 0% base), but the impact of the 35% total is similar.
π― 3. 3924.10.40.00 (Plastic Kitchen Utensils/Cruets)
π LOWEST TAX CATEGORY - The "Secret" Classification**
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 / Added Tariff | 0.0% (Exempted from 301) |
| IEEPA Section 122 Tax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Still taxable, but much lower) |
| Legal Path | 3924.10.40.00 (Domestic Use) |
π Crucial Insight:
- This code falls under "Plastic articles of a kind used for domestic purposes (Kitchen/Tableware)."
- Why is it cheaper? Section 301 (25%) does not apply to "articles of a kind used for domestic purposes" (Tableware) in the same way as generic packaging.
- Savings: 24.6% tax reduction compared to3923.30.00! (38% β 13.4%).
- Risk: Must prove it is a kitchen cruet, not a generic shipping bottle.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Catalog / Photo | βοΈ | Must clearly show if the item is a "Cruet" (kitchen use) vs. a generic "Bottle". |
| Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "For Kitchen Table Use" or "Serving Condiments". Avoid "Shipping," "Storage," or "Industrial" terms. |
| Bill of Materials | βοΈ | If claiming 3924, specify the plastic type (e.g., PP, PE) suitable for food contact. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Plastic Sauce Cruet Set" (Kitchenware). Do NOT write "Plastic Bottle". |
| Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Required for China origin verification (IEEPA tax applies). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The Golden Rule)
π₯ The Strategy: "Kitchenware Over Packaging"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong HS Code | Tax Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Cruet sold as "Kitchen Set" | 3924.10.40.00 |
3923.30.00.90 |
Save 24.6% (13.4% vs 38%) |
| Plastic Cruet sold as "Bulk Shipping" | 3923.30.00.90 |
N/A | 38% (Standard) |
| Glass Cruet (Any Use) | 7010.90.50.09 |
7010.90.50.39 |
35% vs 35% (No change, but be specific) |
| Plastic Container for Transport only | 3923.30.00.10 |
3924.10.40.00 |
DO NOT misclassify transport bottles as tableware (Audit Risk). |
Declaration Phrase Example:
"Plastic Sauce Cruets, for Kitchen Table Use, Food Contact Safe, Model SC-2026, Plastic (PE)"
DO NOT WRITE: "Plastic Bottles for Storage" (This triggers3923).
β 3. Special Scenarios
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Orders (Glass + Plastic) | Declare separately! Glass (7010) at 35%, Plastic (3924) at 13.4%. Do not lump into one HS code. |
| Cruets with Wooden Spoons/Lids | If the wood is significant, it might change the classification (Chapter 44). If minor, stay with 3924. |
| OEM Private Label | If selling to a restaurant chain, ensure the invoice says "Restaurant Kitchenware" to support the 3924 classification. |
| Glass Breakage Risk | Glass cruets (7010) are fragile. Ensure packaging claims "Fragile" to avoid damage disputes, but tax remains 35%. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Total Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 (Plastic) |
13.4% | Best Strategy: Claim "Kitchenware" to avoid 25% Section 301. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7010.90.50.09 (Glass) |
35.0% | Glass cannot claim the "Kitchenware" 3924 exemption easily. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3924.10.40.00 |
~0β5% | No Section 301. Standard MFN rates apply. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 3924.10.40.00 |
~5β10% | Generally lower tariffs than US. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3924.10.40.00 |
~5% | Low duty for kitchenware. |
π Conclusion:
The USA is the most aggressive market on Chinese goods. However, Plastic Cruets can be shielded if classified as3924(Kitchenware) rather than3923(Packaging). Glass cruets suffer a fixed 35% hit regardless of use.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Calling it "Plastic Bottle" instead of "Sauce Cruet".
π Result: Customs classifies as 3923 β 38% Tax.
π Fix: Change invoice description to "Plastic Kitchen Condiment Cruet".
β Mistake 2: Shipping a "Kitchen Set" (with lid/spoon) as "Plastic Bottle".
π Result: Under-taxed (if 3923 was claimed) or Over-taxed.
π Fix: If it includes a spoon/lid specifically for table use, it strengthens the 3924 claim.
β Mistake 3: Assuming Glass (7010) has low tax.
π Result: Base is 0%, but 25% + 10% = 35%. Still very high.
π Fix: Glass cruets are inherently expensive to import to the US due to IEEPA.
β Pro Tip:
"If it's for the table, it's
3924. If it's for shipping, it's3923. One letter difference can save you 25%!"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximum Profit
π― Key Takeaway:
For Plastic Cruets, the battle is fought between 3923.30.00 (38%) and 3924.10.40.00 (13.4%).
Action: Ensure your product is marketed, invoiced, and designed explicitly as Kitchen/Tableware.
* Warning*: Do not attempt to force generic plastic bottles into 3924 if they look like industrial containers. Risk of audit and penalty is high.
π Final Advice:
Consult with a customs broker to file a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) with CBP if your product design is borderline. This locks in the 13.4% rate for future shipments and protects against retroactive audits.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precision Classification!
πΌ Don't let a wrong HS Code eat 25% of your margin!
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.