Dried Flowers
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9505105020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6702906500 | 34.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΈ Dried Flowers (Preserved Botanicals & Floral Art Kits)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Dried Flowers"?
"Dried Flowers" in international trade refer to processed plant materials where moisture has been removed, preserving the shape and often the color of natural flora. They are widely used for decorative purposes, handicrafts, floral arrangements, and cultural festivals.
In customs classification, the distinction is critical based on processing level and intent:
- Natural/Dried Botanicals: Simple drying of natural plants without significant alteration. If considered "artificial" due to extensive preservation (dyeing, wiring), they may fall under Chapter 67.
- Craft Kits/Set: If sold as a "set" for making decorations (e.g., with glue, frames, scissors), they are classified as Handicraft Kits or Festive Articles, not just the raw material.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a pre-packaged kit for decoration/crafting βε½ε ₯ 9505 (Festive/Entertainment/Handicraft articles).
- If the item is raw dried flowers (even if dyed) used for other purposes βε½ε ₯ 6702 (Artificial flowers, leaves, and fruits).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
9505.10.50.20 |
Handicraft Kits for Decorative Purposes | Dried flower craft sets (with instructions/tools) | β Fits "Decoration/Handicraft" category for festive use. |
9505.90.60.00 |
Other Festive/Entertainment Articles | Dried flower decorations for festivals/carnivals | β Fits "Festive/Entertainment" category. |
6702.90.65.00 |
Artificial Flowers/Leaves (Other) | Dried flowers treated/preserved as "artificial" botanicals | β Falls under "Other" residual category for plant-like items. |
π Key Reminder:
- Do not confuse raw dried plants with "natural fresh flowers" (Chapter 6).
- If the dried flowers are part of a kit (with accessories), they must be classified under 9505, not 6702.
- If sold loose or as bulk dried botanicals for decor, customs may classify them under 6702 if they are significantly processed (dyed, wired) to resemble artificial flowers, or potentially other botanical chapters if minimal processing. However, per the provided data, 6702 is the designated fallback for "natural/plant form" logic treated as artificial/residual.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9505.10.50.20 & 9505.90.60.00 ββ Festive/Handicraft Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific surcharge for certain festive/handicraft items from China) |
| Total Tariff | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Typically eligible if value < $800, but Section 122 may have specific exclusions; verify current CBP rulings. Note: Data implies 10% total, suggesting potential applicability even to small parcels if not exempted, but usually Section 122 targets larger imports. Assuming standard calculation based on provided text.) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 9903.01.24 β USITC: 9505.10.50.20 / 9505.90.60.00 |
π Explanation:
- These HS codes benefit from a 0% base rate.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is the only charge. This is a relatively low tariff compared to electronics or machinery.
- Advantage: If imported as a craft kit or festive decoration, the duty burden is minimal.
π― 2. 6702.90.65.00 ββ Artificial Flowers/Leaves (Residual Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 17.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 34.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 34.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Generally, Section 301 goods are excluded from de minimis if above threshold; verify current CBP enforcement on dried botanicals) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 β Section 122: 9903.01.24 β USITC: 6702.90.65.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This is a high-tariff classification.
- The 17% base tariff is standard for artificial flowers.
- The 7.5% Section 301 surcharge and 10% Section 122 surcharge add up significantly.
- Risk: If declared as "dried flowers" but classified under 6702, the cost increases by ~24.5% compared to the 9505 category.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photo | βοΈ | Show the entire package. Is it a kit? Is it bulk? |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Dried Flower Craft Kit" OR "Dried Botanicals for Decor". |
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Specify contents: "Includes dried lavender, eucalyptus, glue, and frame." |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Explain why it fits 9505 (kit/festive) vs 6702 (artificial flower). |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm China origin to calculate Section 301/122 accurately. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Kit vs. Bulk: Choose Wisely!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as a Craft Kit (with tools/instructions) | 9505.10.50.20 |
Classified as a handicraft/festive article. Lower tax (10%). |
| Sold as Festival Decoration (pre-made wreath/garland) | 9505.90.60.00 |
Classified as a festive article. Lower tax (10%). |
| Sold as Bulk/Dried Plant Material (loose, no tools) | 6702.90.65.00 |
Classified as artificial/plant-like material. Higher tax (34.5%). |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do not declare a craft kit as "dried flowers" (6702) to avoid confusion, but do declare it correctly as a kit (9505) to benefit from the lower tax rate.
- If the dried flowers are dyed or treated to look artificial, customs may lean toward 6702. Ensure the primary purpose (craft/festive) is clear for 9505 classification.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Case | Advice |
|---|---|
| De Minimis (Section 321) | If value < $800, check if Section 122 applies. Currently, Section 122 goods may still be subject to duties even under de minimis depending on CBP interpretation. Consult with a customs broker. |
| Phytosanitary Certificates | Dried plants may require APHIS (USDA) approval. Ensure compliance with plant import regulations to avoid seizure. |
| Dyeing/Chemical Treatment | If heavily processed, ensure it doesn't violate chemical import restrictions. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9505.10.50.20 / 9505.90.60.00 |
10% | Best option. Low tariff for kits/decorations. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6702.90.65.00 |
34.5% | Avoid if possible. High tariff for artificial/residual items. |
| π¨π³ China | 6702.90.65.00 |
Low | Import duty low, but check VAT. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6702.90.00 |
0-5% | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
π Conclusion:
- For the US market, classifying dried flowers as festive/handicraft items (9505) saves 24.5% in duties compared to classifying them as artificial flowers (6702).
- Ensure the product is sold as a kit or festive decoration to qualify for the lower rate.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a craft kit as "dried flowers" (6702)
π Result: Pay 34.5% tax instead of 10%. Loss of profit!
β Error 2: Declaring loose dried flowers as a "kit" (9505)
π Result: Customs may reclassify and penalize for misdeclaration.
β Error 3: Ignoring Phytosanitary Requirements
π Result: Seizure or destruction by USDA/APHIS, even if taxes are low.
β Correct Practice:
"Dried Flower Decorative Kit, Includes: Preserved Lavender, Eucalyptus, Glue, Frame. For Craft/Festive Use."
β HS Code:9505.10.50.20
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Kit = Festive (9505) = 10%"
πΉ "Bulk/Artificial = 6702 = 34.5%"
π Tip:
Always structure your product as a craft kit or festive decoration if possible. This is the most tax-efficient and compliant strategy for the US market.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Save 24.5% in Duties by Declaring Correctly!
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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.