Dinner Plate Tray
CN β USAI Analysis
π½οΈ Dinner Plate Tray (Ceramic/Tableware Serveware)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Dinner Plate Tray"?
A "Dinner Plate Tray" in international trade typically refers to serveware designed to hold dinner plates, often made of ceramic, porcelain, or sometimes melamine/plastic. It is distinct from a "plate" (direct contact food item) and distinct from "trays" used for carrying other items (like luggage trays). The key factor for classification is the material and intended use.
Two Primary Categories:
Ceramic/Porcelain Trays: Hard, brittle, fired at high temperatures. Used for home dining, catering, or decorative purposes. Non-Ceramic Trays (Plastic/Melamine): Lightweight, durable. Often used in institutional settings or casual dining.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If made of ceramic, porcelain, or earthenware β Classified under Chapter 69 - If made of plastic (including melamine) β Classified under Chapter 39 - Note: Wooden trays fall under Chapter 44, but "Dinner Plate Tray" most commonly implies ceramic in general trade contexts unless specified otherwise. This guide focuses on Ceramic, as it is the most common high-value category.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Typical Material | Is it Food-Contact? |
|---|---|---|---|
6911.10.00.00 |
Tableware & Kitchenware of Porcelain (incl. Hard-Paste) | White, fine, translucent ceramic | β Yes |
6912.00.48.00 |
Tableware & Kitchenware of Other Ceramic (incl. Earthenware/Stoneware) | Colored, stoneware, decorative ceramic | β Yes |
6912.00.48.90 |
Other tableware & kitchenware of ceramic, n.e.s. | Decorative trays, non-standard shapes | β Yes |
3924.10.00.00 |
Tableware & Kitchenware of Plastics | Melamine, PP, ABS | β Yes |
π Critical Reminder: - Porcelain vs. Other Ceramic: Porcelain (
6911) is finer, whiter, and more translucent. Other ceramic (6912) includes stoneware, earthenware, and colored tableware. Most "dinner plate trays" are stoneware or earthenware, so6912.00.48.00is the most common code. - Do NOT classify as "Parts of Tables" (Chapter 94): A tray is a standalone article of tableware, not a structural part of furniture. - Decoration Matters: If the tray is purely decorative and not intended for food contact (e.g., a wall-hanging art piece), it may fall under6913.90.45.00(Ornamental ceramic articles). However, "Dinner Plate Tray" implies functional use.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Destination Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 tariff adjustments
π― 1. 6912.00.48.00 ββ Ceramic Tableware (Stoneware/Earthenware Trays)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 0% (Most Favored Nation) |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01 applies to most ceramic tableware) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis applies to Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Path | USITC:6912.00.48.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation: - Ceramic tableware is heavily scrutinized due to its high volume and low value density. - The 25% Section 301 tax is mandatory for Chinese-origin ceramic tableware. - The 10% IEEPA tax is an additional layer for 2026 imports. - Total burden: 35%. This is a significant cost driver for exporters.
π― 2. 6911.10.00.00 ββ Porcelain Tableware
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 0% |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Legal Path | USITC:6911.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Note: Same rate as stoneware. High-end porcelain does not enjoy preferential treatment for tariff purposes in the US.
π― 3. 3924.10.00.00 ββ Plastic/Melamine Trays
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | 3.4% (General) |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% (Varies by specific plastic type, but most tableware plastics are included) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | ~38.4% |
| Legal Path | USITC:3924.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Best Practices)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Ceramic Dinner Plate Tray, for Household Use" |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions are critical for volumetric weight checks |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Essential to determine applicability of IEEPA taxes |
| Product Photo | βοΈ | Must show the item clearly as a tray, not just a plate. Show edges/depth to prove it's a tray. |
| Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify: "100% Stoneware Ceramic" or "Melamine Resin" |
| Food Contact Compliance | βοΈ | FDA Compliance Statement for US market (LFGB for EU) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material First, Use Second, Decor vs. Functional is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stoneware tray for holding plates | 6912.00.48.00 |
Misclassifying as 6913 (Decorative) β Risk of penalty |
| Porcelain delicate tray | 6911.10.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 6912 β Minor discrepancy, but stick to precision |
| Plastic melamine tray | 3924.10.00.00 |
Misclassifying as ceramic β Major compliance error |
| Purely decorative wall tray | 6913.90.45.00 |
Misclassifying as tableware β Incorrect tax liability (though rate may be similar, compliance is key) |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Set with Plates | If the tray is sold as a set with plates (e.g., "6-piece dinner set with tray"), declare the entire set under the component that gives it its essential character. Usually, the plates dictate the classification (6911 or 6912). The tray is not separated. |
| Wooden Base Tray | If the tray has a ceramic top and wooden base, it is often classified under the ceramic part (6912) if the ceramic is essential, or potentially 4421 if the wood is dominant. Consult a customs broker for composite goods. |
| Gift Sets | Declaring as "Gift Set" does not change the HS code. The material still dictates the code. |
| Origin Marking | Each piece must be marked "Made in China" to avoid customs holds at entry. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6912.00.48.00 |
35% (25% + 10%) | FDA Compliance | High tariff burden. Pre-shipment inspection recommended. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 6912.00.48.00 |
8% | CCC (if applicable) | Low tariff, but domestic production is fierce. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6912.00.48.00 |
6% | CE Marking, LFGB | No Section 301 equivalent. Much lower cost than US. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6912.00.48.00 |
6% | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit alignment with EU rates for most ceramics. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6912.00.48.00 |
5% | SAA Certification | Low tariff, strong market for Asian ceramics. |
π Conclusion: - The US market is the most expensive for Chinese ceramic tableware due to the 35% combined tariff. - EU/UK/AU markets are significantly more competitive on cost, though certification (LFGB/CE) is stricter. - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam/Indonesia) to mitigate US tariffs, as some countries may have FTAs or lower surtax rates.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Classifying a ceramic tray as "Parts of Tableware" (Chapter 69 No. 69) or "Other Ceramics" (Chapter 69 No. 6914) without specifying it is tableware. π Consequence: Customs may reclassify and apply different duty rates or require additional documentation.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the Section 301 surtax in cost calculations. π Consequence: Profit margin erosion. 35% is a massive addition to CIF price.
β Mistake 3: Declaring plastic trays as ceramic to avoid higher plastic tariffs or vice versa. π Consequence: Severe penalties, seizure of goods, and blacklisting. Material testing will reveal the truth.
β Mistake 4: Omitting "For Household Use" or "Tableware" in the description.
π Consequence: Customs may classify it as "Ornamental Ceramic" (6913), leading to questions about intent and potential misclassification flags.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Ceramic Stoneware Dinner Plate Tray, White, 12-inch diameter, for household food service use, Made in China, FDA Compliant"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Ceramic Tableware = 6911/6912"
πΉ "US Tariff = 35% (25% + 10%)"
πΉ "Plastic Tableware = 3924"
πΉ "Decoration vs. Function is the Key Differentiator"
π Pro Tip: If your dinner plate trays are made in Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia, you may qualify for lower or zero Section 301 surtaxes. Investigate Form A or FTO (Free Trade Agreement) benefits for these origins to drastically reduce your landed cost in the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Pre-Arrival Ruling: Submit a Request for Advance Ruling (RAR) to CBP for confirmation if the product is borderline (e.g., ceramic-wood hybrid). π Cost Optimization: Re-evaluate your pricing model to absorb or pass on the 35% US tariff. Consider shifting production to non-China origins if margins are tight.
β¨ Smart Customs, Smarter Trade!
πΌ Your product's value starts with the correct HS Code!
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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.