Drying Pad
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016910000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016990500 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924901050 | 13.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999080 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π½οΈ Drying Pad / Silica Gel Draining Mat (Silicone Kitchen Mat)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy π One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know the "Drying Pad"?
The Drying Pad (often made of silicone, silica gel, or synthetic resin) is a common household item used in kitchens and bathrooms to drain water from dishes, fruits, vegetables, or utensils. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material composition and specific form/function.
Silicone Rubber Mats: If made of vulcanized rubber/silicone, it falls under Chapter 40. Plastic/Synthetic Resin Mats: If made of hard or soft plastic, it falls under Chapter 39. Metal Mats: If made of stainless steel or iron (rare for "silica gel" description, but possible for "draining racks"), it falls under Chapter 73.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If it is flexible, heat-resistant, and made of silicone/elastomer β HS 4016 (Rubber Goods) - If it is rigid or semi-rigid plastic/synthetic resin β HS 3924 (Plastic Tableware/Household Articles) - If it is metal mesh/structure β HS 7323 (Iron/Steel Articles)
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data for "Drying Pad", here are the five potential HS Codes and their corresponding tax profiles.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Form | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.91.00.00 |
Silicone Draining Mat (Vulcanized Rubber) | Rubber/Elaster | Flexible mats, heat-resistant silicone pads |
4016.99.05.00 |
Other Household Articles (Vulcanized Rubber) | Rubber/Elaster | Other non-specified rubber household items |
3924.90.10.50 |
Plastic/Tableware Mat (Synthetic Resin) | Plastic/Resin | General plastic draining mats, synthetic materials |
3924.10.40.00 |
Household Use Articles (Plastic) | Plastic/Synthetic | Specific plastic household draining pads |
7323.99.90.80 |
Kitchen Draining Pad (Iron/Steel) | Steel/Aluminum/Copper | Note: Only applies if metal, NOT silicone |
π Critical Note: - Most "Silica Gel" (Silicone) drying pads are misclassified. If the material is silicone (elastomer), it MUST be classified under Chapter 40 (
4016.xx.xx), NOT Chapter 39 (Plastics). - Misclassifying Silicone (4016) as Plastic (3924) can lead to customs audits, penalties, and underpayment of duties. - HS 7323 is included for completeness but is unlikely for "silica gel" products. It carries the highest tax burden.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Time: 2025/2026 Import Period
π― 1. 4016.91.00.00 ββ Silicone Rubber Mat (Vulcanized Rubber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tax rate usually excludes $800 de minimis benefit in strict interpretations, or high duty makes it financially unviable) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 + USITC:4016.91.00.00 |
π Explanation: - This is the standard classification for silicone mats. - The total tax of 37.7% is significant. The 25% Section 301 tariff is the main driver. - Strategy: Verify if the product qualifies for any exclusions (check USTR exclusion lists for HS 4016.91.00.00).
π― 2. 4016.99.05.00 ββ Other Household Rubber Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 (Footnote for this subheading) + Section 122 + USITC:4016.99.05.00 |
π Note: - This rate is much lower (20.9%) than
4016.91.00.00. - Risk: Customs may reclassify a standard silicone mat as4016.91if itβs a "mat," arguing it fits the "mats" definition in91.00. Use this code only if the product doesn't fit "mats" but is still a rubber household item.
π― 3. 3924.90.10.50 ββ Plastic/Synthetic Resin Household Mat
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122 + USITC:3924.90.10.50 |
π Explanation: - This is the LOWEST tax rate for plastic-based products. - CRITICAL WARNING: You can ONLY use this code if the product is NOT Silicone. It must be classified as "Plastic" or "Synthetic Resin." - If you mislabel Silicone as Plastic (
3924) to save tax, Customs will demand back taxes + penalties (37.7% - 13.3% = 24.4% difference + fines).
π― 4. 3924.10.40.00 ββ Other Plastic Household Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122 + USITC:3924.10.40.00 |
π Note: - Very similar to
3924.90.10.50(13.4% vs 13.3%). - Also Plastic-only. Ensure material certificates support "Plastic/Synthetic" not "Silicone/Elastomer."
π― 5. 7323.99.90.80 ββ Iron/Steel Kitchen Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Section 122 (Metal Surcharge) | +50.0% (Additional for Steel/Aluminum/Copper) |
| Total Tax Rate | 88.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + Section 122 (Metal) + USITC:7323.99.90.80 |
π Warning: - This rate is EXTREMELY HIGH (88.4%). - This applies ONLY if the drying pad is made of Stainless Steel, Iron, Aluminum, or Copper. - If your product is Silicone or Plastic, DO NOT use this code.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Material Certification is King (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / TDS | βοΈ | Proves if it is Silicone (Rubber) or Plastic. |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "100% Food-Grade Silicone" or "Polypropylene Plastic." |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show texture, flexibility, and any branding. |
| β FDA Compliance Report | βοΈ | For food-contact items (drying mats are food contact). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description matching HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions. |
π₯ Golden Rule: "Silicone = Rubber (4016); Plastic = Plastic (3924). Never mix them!"
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Mat | Silicone Drying Mat, Food Grade, Heat Resistant β HS 4016.91.00.00 |
Declare as "Plastic Mat" β Audit Risk |
| Plastic Mat | Plastic Draining Mat, PP Material β HS 3924.90.10.50 |
Declare as "Rubber Mat" β Overpay Tax |
| Metal Rack | Stainless Steel Draining Rack β HS 7323.99.90.80 |
None (High tax unavoidable) |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the mat has a silicone top and a plastic base, consult customs. Usually, the dominant material or principal function determines the code. Often, silicone top β Chapter 40. |
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the supplierβs material certificate matches your declared HS Code. |
| De Minimis ($800) Strategy | Due to high tariffs (13%β88%), De Minimis exemption is often not worth it if the duty exceeds the value of the exemption. For shipments >$800, proper entry is required. For < $800, check if the carrier accepts high-duty items under de minimis (some carriers block it). |
| Section 122 & 301 Exclusions | Check the latest USTR exclusion lists for HS 4016 and 3924. Some specific types of silicone mats may have exclusions. |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.91.00.00 (Silicone) |
37.7% | FDA + Prop 65 | High tax due to Sec 301 + Sec 122 |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.90.10.50 (Plastic) |
13.3% | FDA + Prop 65 | Lower tax, but only for plastic |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.91.00.00 |
~2.7% | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301/122 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.91 |
4.2% | REACH + LFGB | No US-style surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 4016.91 |
4.2% | UKCA + LFGB | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most complex market for drying pads due to multiple surcharges. - Silicone (4016) is taxed heavily (37.7%). - Plastic (3924) is cheaper (13.3%), but material must be verified.
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Silicone as Plastic (3924) to save tax.
π Consequence: Customs audit β Back taxes (24.4% difference) + Fines + Potential seizure.
β Error 2: Using HS 7323 for Silicone Mats. π Consequence: 88.4% Tax! Unnecessary financial loss.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10%) and Section 301 (25% or 7.5%). π Consequence: Underpayment β Delays + Penalties.
β Correct Practice:
"Silicone Drying Mat, Food Grade, Heat Resistant up to 230Β°C, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant" β HS 4016.91.00.00 β Total Tax: 37.7%
π― Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Silicone is Rubber (4016), Plastic is Plastic (3924)." πΉ "Check Material First, Then Choose Code." πΉ "37.7% for Silicone, 13.3% for Plastic (in US)."
π Tips: - If your product is 100% Silicone, accept the 37.7% rate or seek an exclusion. - If your product can be made of Plastic, consider switching material to save 24.4% in duties (if quality allows). - Always keep Material Certificates ready for customs inspection.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your supplier for MSDS/Composition Report. π Confirm HS Code with a licensed US Customs Broker BEFORE shipment.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! πΌ Every cent of duty counts!
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.