Empty Bottle
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924905650 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9617001000 | 17.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9617006000 | 17.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΆ Empty Bottles (Camping/Outdoor Vessels)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Empty Plastic Bottles"?
Empty bottles, especially those designed for camping or outdoor use, are versatile containers. However, in international trade, their classification depends heavily on material, specific usage, and structural features (such as vacuum insulation). The data provided indicates a strong focus on plastic materials and vacuum container characteristics.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the bottle is plastic and used as general tableware/container β It falls under 3924.10.40.00.
- If the bottle is plastic but deemed an "Other Household Article" (e.g., for storage, non-food specific) β It falls under 3924.90.56.50.
- If the bottle has a vacuum/insulated structure (even if non-glass/plastic) β It falls under 9617.00.10.00 or 9617.00.60.00.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Structure | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3924.10.40.00 |
Plastic tableware and kitchenware (Camping empty bottles) | General camping, food/beverage storage | Plastic, Tableware category | 13.4% |
3924.90.56.50 |
Other household articles of plastics | Specialized outdoor storage, non-standard containers | Plastic, Household item category | 20.9% |
9617.00.10.00 |
Vacuum containers and parts (Non-glass) | Insulated camping bottles, thermos-style | Non-glass, Vacuum structure | 17.2% |
9617.00.60.00 |
Other vacuum containers and parts | Generic vacuum insulation bottles | Non-glass, Vacuum structure | 17.2% |
π Key Reminder:
- Tableware vs. Household Item: If the bottle is clearly for drinking/eating (water, juice, etc.), 3924.10.40.00 is the most accurate and lowest tax (13.4%). If it's for storage of non-food items or doesn't fit standard "tableware" definitions, it may be pushed to 3924.90.56.50 (20.9%).
- Vacuum Feature: If the bottle has a double-wall vacuum structure (even if made of plastic or steel, but here noted as non-glass), it must be classified under 9617. The key is whether it retains heat/cold, not just the material.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Ongoing (Includes Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs)
π― 1. 3924.10.40.00 β Plastic Tableware (Camping Bottles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Exempt or not applicable for this specific subheading in this dataset) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 122/301 nature) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3924.10.40.00 β SECTION122:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the lowest tax rate among the plastic tableware options.
- Section 122 adds 10% to many Chinese goods.
- Section 301 (25%) does not apply here according to the provided data, making this the optimal classification if the product is strictly "tableware."
π― 2. 3924.90.56.50 β Other Household Articles of Plastic
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3924.90.56.50 β SECTION301:7.5% β SECTION122:10% |
π Warning:
- This category incurs a higher Section 301 surcharge (7.5%) compared to the tableware category.
- Only use this if the product cannot be classified as tableware (e.g., for storing chemicals, non-consumables, or if it fails to meet "tableware" standards).
- Cost Difference: 20.9% vs. 13.4% = 7.5% extra cost per unit.
π― 3. 9617.00.10.00 β Vacuum Containers (Non-Glass)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 7.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9617.00.10.00 β SECTION122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Higher basic tariff (7.2%) due to the "vacuum container" nature.
- However, no Section 301 surcharge applies.
- Tax Rate: 17.2%, which is higher than 3924.10.40.00 (13.4%) but lower than 3924.90.56.50 (20.9%).
π― 4. 9617.00.60.00 β Other Vacuum Containers and Parts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 7.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9617.00.60.00 β SECTION122:10% |
π Note:
- Identical tax treatment to9617.00.10.00.
- Use this if the vacuum bottle doesn't fit the specific definition of9617.00.10.00but is still a vacuum container.
π οΈ Part 4: Practical Clearance Advice (Combat Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Material Declaration (Critical!)
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk of Error |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Bottle for Drinking | 3924.10.40.00 (Tableware) |
If declared as "Household Article" β 20.9% |
| Vacuum Insulated Bottle | 9617.00.10.00 or 9617.00.60.00 |
If declared as "Tableware" β Customs may reclassify to 9617, leading to penalty + higher tax |
| Mixed Materials | Specify "Plastic Outer, Vacuum Inner" | Ambiguous description β Delay + Inspection |
β 2. Description Best Practices
| Incorrect Description | Correct Description |
|---|---|
| "Plastic Bottle" | "Plastic Tableware, Empty Bottle, for Camping, 500ml, PP Material" |
| "Vacuum Flask" | "Vacuum Container, Non-Glass, Double-Wall Insulated, 750ml, Stainless Steel/Plastic Hybrid" |
| "Household Item" | "Household Article, Plastic, for Storage, Not for Food" |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Sample Gifts | Still subject to Section 122; De Minimis exemption does not apply. |
| OEM Customization | Provide design specs to prove "Tableware" or "Vacuum" nature. |
| Bundles | If sold as "Camping Kit" (Bottle + Spoon + Bag), declare Bottle separately if possible, or bundle appropriately. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 |
13.4% | FDA (if food contact) | Lowest tax for plastic tableware |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.90.56.50 |
20.9% | FDA | Higher tax due to Section 301 |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9617.00.10.00 |
17.2% | FDA | Vacuum feature changes classification |
| π¨π³ China | 3924.10.40.00 |
~5-10% | GB Standard | No Section 122/301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3924.10.40.00 |
~4% | LFGB/Food Contact | No Section 122/301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3924.10.40.00 |
~5% | JIS/Food Contact | No Section 122/301 |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 122 and Section 301.
- Plastic Tableware (3924.10.40.00) is the most tax-efficient for plastic camping bottles (13.4%).
- Vacuum Bottles (9617) incur a higher basic tariff but avoid Section 301, making them a middle-ground option (17.2%).
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a Vacuum Bottle as a regular Plastic Tableware
π Consequence: Customs inspection β Reclassification to 9617 β Back taxes + fines.
β Mistake 2: Declaring a General Storage Bottle as Tableware
π Consequence: Customs rejects "Tableware" claim β Reclassification to 3924.90.56.50 β 20.9% tax instead of 13.4%.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Assuming 0% surcharge β Underpayment β Penalty upon audit.
β Correct Approach:
βPlastic Camping Bottle, 500ml, PP Material, Food-Grade, Non-Vacuumβ β 3924.10.40.00
βVacuum Insulated Bottle, 750ml, Double-Wall, Non-Glassβ β 9617.00.10.00
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
π― Remember the Motto:
πΉ βPlastic Tableware is King (13.4%), Vacuum is Middle (17.2%), Household is High (20.9%).β
πΉ βSection 122 is Always On (10%), Section 301 is Only for Household (7.5%).β
πΉ βClear Description = Clear Customs = Clear Profit.β
π Tips:
- If your product is vacuum-insulated, do not try to force it into 3924 just to save 3.8%. The risk of reclassification is too high.
- If your product is plain plastic, ensure it is clearly described as Tableware (e.g., βfor drinking waterβ) to qualify for 3924.10.40.00.
- Pre-ruling (Advance Ruling): Consider applying for an ISD (Interim Summary Decision) or Pre-classification with US Customs to confirm the HS Code before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Apply for HS Code Pre-classification
π Let your empty bottles clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.