Fish Tank Air Stone
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8424490000 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8424490000 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909910 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Fish Tank Air Stone (Aquarium Air Bubbler)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What is an "Air Stone"?
An Air Stone is a porous device, typically made from porous stone, ceramic, or plastic, used in aquariums to diffuse air from an air pump into fine bubbles. This process oxygenates the water and enhances biological filtration.
In international trade, it is classified based on its material composition and function: * Functional View: It acts as a disperser for liquids/gases, potentially falling under mechanical apparatus. * Material View: It is an article of stone, ceramic, or plastic, falling under general miscellaneous articles.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified by function (mechanical dispersal) β 8424.49.00.00
- If classified by material (porous stone/plastic/ceramic) β 3926.90.99.89 or 3926.90.99.10
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are three potential HS Codes for Fish Tank Air Stones, depending on the customs authority's interpretation of "function" vs. "material."
| HS Code | Product Description | Basis for Classification | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
8424.49.00.00 |
Mechanical Appliances for Dispensing Liquids or Powders (Other) | Functional Match: Inferred as a component for air pumps/bubble dispersion; treated as a mechanical accessory for spraying/dispersing media. | 37.4% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other Articles of Plastic or Other Materials (Other) | Material Match: Inferred as plastic, mineral, or synthetic porous material; fits the "Other articles" catch-all for non-metallic goods. | 22.8% |
3926.90.99.10 |
Other Articles of Plastic or Other Materials (Specific Sub-category) | Material Match: Porous stone/ceramic/plastic; compatible with general laboratory/industrial/general vessel logic under "Other." | 22.8% |
π Key Reminder:
- 8424.49.00.00 is the higher tax bracket (37.4%), viewed as a mechanical tool.
- 3926.90.99.89/10 is the lower tax bracket (22.8%), viewed as a simple material article (plastic/stone).
- No Material Conflict: Both categories accept non-metallic compositions, but the reasoning differs (Function vs. Material).
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8424.49.00.00 ββ Mechanical Appliances for Dispensing Liquids/Powders
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.4% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific China-related Surtax) |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff risk) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8424.49.00.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification views the air stone as a mechanical dispenser component.
- The total burden is 37.4%, significantly impacting profit margins.
- Risk: If customs interprets the item as a "mechanical part," this higher rate applies.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Articles of Plastic/Other Materials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific China-related Surtax) |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff risk) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification views the air stone as a porous stone/plastic article.
- The total burden is 22.8%, saving 14.6% compared to the mechanical classification.
- Advantage: Lower base rate (5.3% vs 2.4%) and lower Section 301 surtax (7.5% vs 25%).
π― 3. 3926.90.99.10 ββ Other Articles of Plastic/Other Materials (Specific)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific China-related Surtax) |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff risk) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.10 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Tax rate is identical to3926.90.99.89(22.8%).
- This code is often used for specific sub-categories of "other articles" in plastic/ceramic/stone.
- Strategy: Both 3926 codes are financially superior to 8424.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state material (e.g., "Porous Ceramic," "Synthetic Stone," "Plastic"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the porous texture. Avoid images that look like "mechanical parts." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Aquarium Air Stone - Porous Stone/Plastic Accessory." Avoid words like "Mechanical Dispenser." |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | If possible, prove it is stone/ceramic/plastic, not a mechanical device. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Standard packing. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial First, Function Second, Name Simple, Tax Lower!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Air Stone | 3926.90.99.89 or 3926.90.99.10 |
Misdeclaring as 8424.49.00.00 β 37.4% Tax |
| Packaged with Pump | Declare Air Stone separately if possible | Bundling as a "Mechanical Set" β Risk of higher tax |
| Material: Ceramic/Stone | Emphasize "Porous Material" | Calling it "Air Diffuser Part" β Risk of Mechanical Classification |
| Material: Plastic | Emphasize "Plastic Article" | Calling it "Aqua-Tech Component" β Risk of Mechanical Classification |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Stones | Provide material specs. Avoid "custom mechanical part" language. |
| Mixed Materials | If stone core + plastic cap, clarify dominant material. Usually falls under 3926. |
| Pre-packaged Kits | If sold with an air pump, consider if the pump dictates classification. Isolated air stones are safer as 3926. |
| Customs Inquiry | If questioned, argue 3926: "It is a porous material article used for aquaculture, not a mechanical device with moving parts." |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89/10 |
22.8% (Total) | None specific | Avoid 8424 to save 14.6%. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
~5-10% (Varies) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower tax burden domestically. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6903.20 (Ceramic) |
0-2.5% | CE (if electrical components) | If ceramic, EU classifies differently. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.90 |
~0-5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules may vary. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.90 |
~5% | No specific | Standard import duties. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the critical market with high surtaxes.
- Choosing3926over8424saves 14.6% in total duties.
- Always emphasize material (porous stone/plastic) over mechanical function.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Describing the product as "Mechanical Air Dispenser Component"
π Result: Customs assigns 8424.49.00.00 β 37.4% Tax instead of 22.8%.
β Mistake 2: Using vague terms like "Aqua-Part" without material specification
π Result: Customs may default to higher mechanical category or request additional info β Delays.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 & 301 Surtaxes
π Result: Underestimating landed cost by ~17.5% β Profit Loss.
β Mistake 4: Claiming De Minimis Exemption (Under $800)
π Result: Denied. High tariffs (22.8%+) generally disqualify de minimis benefits for Chinese goods under current rules.
β Correct Practice:
"Aquarium Air Stone, Porous Ceramic/Plastic, Used for Oxygenation, Model XYZ, Origin: China"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Clear Fast!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Material > Function, 3926 Saves 15%, 8424 Burns Cash!"
πΉ "Declare 'Porous Stone/Plastic', Not 'Mechanical Part'!"
π Pro Tip:
If your air stones are originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Recommendation: Always apply for an Advance Ruling if shipping large volumes to the US, to lock in the 3926 classification and avoid post-import audits.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Clarify "Porosity"
π Let your Air Stones Clear Customs Smoothly, Reduce Costs, and Boost Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
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.