Document Holders
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923109000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202929315 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202929336 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
Based on the provided <DATA>, which contains specific Harmonized System (HS) codes for Storage Boxes (收纳盒) and their corresponding tax details for imports into the United States (indicated by "122 clauses," "Section 301/加征关税," and IEEPA references common in US-China trade data), here is the interpretation.
(Note: The term "Document Holders" in your prompt appears to be a mismatch with the provided data which is about "Storage Boxes." I will proceed by analyzing the Storage Boxes as per the <DATA> provided, as this is the only factual source available.)
📦 Storage Boxes (收纳盒) | US Import Duty & Classification Guide
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024-2025 Latest Tariff Analysis
📌 I. Product Definition: What is a "Storage Box"?
In international trade, Storage Boxes are categorized based on their primary material and function. The key distinction lies in whether the box is: 1. Plastic Container (Chapter 39): Rigid or flexible plastic packaging. 2. Plastic Article (Chapter 39, Heading 3926): Other plastic articles not elsewhere specified. 3. Textile/Luggage Container (Chapter 42): Boxes with outer surfaces of textile materials, treated as luggage or containers.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point: - If the box is entirely plastic, it usually falls under 3923 (Packaging) or 3926 (Other plastic articles). - If the box has an outer surface of textile (e.g., fabric-covered storage bins), it may be classified under 4202 (Luggage/Containers), leading to significantly higher tariffs.
📊 II. HS Code Classification Details & Tax Breakdown
Below are the 5 possible HS Codes identified in the data, sorted by Total Tax Rate (Low to High) to help you minimize duties.
| HS Code | Description & Logic | Total Tax Rate | Tax Composition (US Import) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3923.10.90.00 | Plastic Packaging (Boxes) Defined as boxes, crates, drums, etc., made of plastic. Fits "Plastic Packaging Goods." |
38.0% | Base: 3.0% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122 (IEEPA): 10% |
| 3926.90.10.00 | Plastic Containers (Other) Plastic containers not elsewhere specified. Classified under "Other Plastic Articles." |
20.9% | Base: 3.4% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122 (IEEPA): 10% |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Other Plastic Articles Fallback category for plastic containers not specified elsewhere. |
22.8% | Base: 5.3% + Section 301: 7.5% + Section 122 (IEEPA): 10% |
| 4202.92.93.15 | Textile-Faced Container Container with outer surface of textile materials. Treated as luggage/accessory. |
52.6% | Base: 17.6% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122 (IEEPA): 10% |
| 4202.92.93.36 | Textile-Faced Container (Other) Similar to above, for other textile-covered storage items. |
52.6% | Base: 17.6% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122 (IEEPA): 10% |
🔍 Key Observation: - Lowest Duty:
3926.90.10.00at 20.9%. This is often the most favorable if the item is clearly a plastic container but doesn't fit strict "packaging" definitions. - Highest Duty:4202.92.93.xat 52.6%. AVOID this classification unless the box is made of fabric/textile. Plastic boxes misclassified as textile containers will face heavy penalties and back taxes.
💰 III. Detailed Tariff Structure Explanation
All rates above include three components for imports from China to the USA:
- Base Duty (Most Favored Nation - MFN):
- Ranges from 3.0% to 17.6%.
- Determined by the HS Code chapter (39 vs. 42).
- Section 301 Tariffs ("Trump Tariffs" / Trade War):
- Varies by subheading: 7.5% or 25.0%.
- Items under 3926.90 (Other Plastic Articles) often enjoy a lower 7.5% rate if they don't meet the strict criteria for the 25% list in that specific subheading.
- Items under 3923 (Packaging) and 4202 (Luggage/Textile) are subject to the full 25%.
- Section 122 Tariffs (IEEPA):
- Fixed at 10% for many Chinese imports, based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
✅ Total Tax Formula:
Base Duty + Section 301 Duty + 10% (IEEPA) = Total Duty Rate
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Advice & Risk Mitigation
✅ 1. How to Choose the Correct HS Code?
- If the box is 100% Plastic:
- Prefer
3923.10.90.00if it is used primarily for packaging/shipment. - Prefer
3926.90.10.00if it is a reusable storage container for household or office use. This offers the lowest total duty (20.9%).
- Prefer
- If the box has Fabric/Textile Outside:
- Must classify under
4202.92.93. Do not attempt to misclassify as plastic. The duty is high (52.6%), but misclassification can lead to seizure.
- Must classify under
✅ 2. Documentation Requirements
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | Clearly state material (e.g., "100% HDPE Plastic") and usage (e.g., "Household Storage Box"). |
| Commercial Invoice | Must specify "Storage Box" and HS Code. Do not use vague terms like "Plastic Item." |
| Material Composition Certificate | Critical if there is any textile component. Proves the % of textile vs. plastic. |
| Photos of Product | Show the exterior and interior. If it has handles or zippers, declare them. |
✅ 3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ❌ Misclassifying Plastic as Textile: If a plastic box has a small logo or handle made of fabric, it is still Plastic (39xx), not Textile (42xx). Declaring it as 42xx increases duty from 20.9% to 52.6% unnecessarily.
- ❌ Vague Description: Using "Plastic Container" without specifying if it's for packaging (3923) or general use (3926). US Customs may reclassify, leading to delays.
- ❌ Ignoring IEEPA 10%: Many importers forget the additional 10% tariff on top of Section 301. Factor this into your pricing.
🎯 V. Conclusion: Optimal Strategy
-
Best Case Scenario:
Classify plastic storage boxes under3926.90.10.00→ Total Duty: 20.9%.
Why? Lower Section 301 rate (7.5%) and moderate base duty. -
Worst Case Scenario:
Misclassify as4202.92.93.15→ Total Duty: 52.6%.
Why? High base duty (17.6%) + Full Section 301 (25%) + IEEPA (10%).
📢 Recommendation:
For standard plastic storage boxes, consult a customs broker to confirm if3926.90.10.00is acceptable for your specific product design. If the box is designed purely as shipping packaging,3923.10.90.00is also a strong candidate. Avoid4202unless the box is genuinely made of fabric.
📌 Pro Tip:
Always request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Pre-Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if your shipment volume is large. This provides legal certainty on the HS Code and duty rate.
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.