Food Tongs
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 821520 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 821599 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924101000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π΄ Food Tongs (Kitchenware & Cutlery)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Food Tongs"?
Food tongs are essential kitchen utensils designed for handling, serving, or preparing food items without direct hand contact. In international trade, they are primarily categorized based on their material composition. The key distinction lies between plastic household articles and metal cutlery/tools.
1. Plastic Tongs:
Made entirely or predominantly of plastic (e.g., silicone-coated, nylon, ABS), typically used as part of general household kitchenware sets or for specific food handling in non-industrial settings.
2. Metal Tongs:
Made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals. These are further divided into:
- Specialized Food Tongs: Designed specifically for food handling (e.g., salad tongs, BBQ tongs, serving tongs) and classified under metal cutlery.
- General Metal Tongs: Multi-purpose metal tools not specifically described elsewhere, falling under general metal articles.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the tongs are plastic and intended for household/table use β Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If the tongs are metal and specifically for food handling β Chapter 82 (Metal Cutlery/Tools).
- Misclassification (e.g., declaring metal tongs as plastic) leads to customs delays, penalties, or re-shipment.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Specific Use | Tax Status (China Origin β US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3924.10.40.00 |
Other tableware and kitchenware of plastics | Plastic | General kitchen use, not otherwise specified (e.g., plastic spoons, spatulas, and plastic food tongs not specifically listed) | β 3.4% |
3924.10.10.00 |
Salt, pepper, mustard, and ketchup dispensers and similar dispensers of plastics | Plastic | Dispensers | β 3.4% |
8215.20 |
Tongs, including food tongs, made of metal, not elsewhere specified | Metal | Specifically for food handling (e.g., salad, BBQ, serving) | β Error (Retrieval Failed) |
8215.99 |
Other tongs, not specified elsewhere, made of metal | Metal | General purpose or non-food specific metal tongs | β Error (Retrieval Failed) |
π Important Note:
- Plastic Tongs: Clearly fall under 3924.10.40.00 as "Other" kitchenware of plastic.
- Metal Tongs:
- If specifically for food handling (e.g., salad tongs, grill tongs), they should ideally be classified under 8215.20.
- If the metal tongs are general-purpose (e.g., laboratory tongs, industrial gripping tools), they may fall under 8215.99.
- β οΈ Tax Data Limitation: The provided data shows"Failed to retrieve tax information"for both metal tong codes. This suggests that specific duty rates for 2026 may require manual verification via official customs databases (e.g., USITC Tariff Database or local customs authority). Do not assume a rate based on this data.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Data Source Limitation: Metal tong tax rates are marked as "Error" in the provided dataset. The following analysis is based on available plastic tong data and general trade practices.
π― 1. 3924.10.40.00 β Other Tableware and Kitchenware of Plastics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duties | 0.0% (Section 301 tariffs do not typically apply to basic plastic kitchenware at this level, but verify if any de minimis or specific exclusion applies) |
| Total Tax Rate | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Check current US de minimis threshold (currently $800); if under threshold, duty-free entry possible. |
| Legal Basis | USHTS 3924.10.40.00 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic kitchenware, including plastic food tongs, is classified under 3924.10.40.00 as "other" if not specifically listed (like dispensers under .10).
- The rate is relatively low (3.4%), making it cost-effective for importers.
- No additional Section 301 tariffs are indicated for this specific code in the provided data, but always verify against the latest USITC updates.
π― 2. Metal Tongs (8215.20 & 8215.99) β β οΈ Tax Data Unavailable
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | β Failed to retrieve |
| Additional Duties | β Failed to retrieve |
| Total Tax Rate | β Unknown |
| Recommendation | Do not rely on this data for metal tongs. |
π Critical Warning:
- Metal tongs fall under Chapter 82 (Tools, Implements, and Cutlery).
- 8215.20: Tongs, including food tongs, of metal.
- 8215.99: Other articles of cutlery, kitchenware, and parts thereof.
- Action Required: Importers must verify the current duty rate via:
1. USITC Tariff Database (http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/)
2. Customs Broker or Freight Forwarder
3. Official Customs Authority in the destination country
- General Estimate: Metal cutlery/tongs often have rates between 0%β6.5%, but Section 301 tariffs (25%) may apply to Chinese-origin metal goods. Do not assume 0% or 3.4% without verification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (plastic vs. metal), dimensions, weight, usage (food/non-food) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clearly show material, branding, and design (e.g., plastic coating, metal finish) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Food Tongs" and material (e.g., "Stainless Steel Food Tongs" or "Plastic Kitchen Tongs") |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity, net/gross weight, packaging details |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To claim any preferential tariffs if applicable |
| β FCC/CE/RoHS Certificates | βοΈ | For plastic items with electronic components (if any); RoHS is critical for plastic food contact safety |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ "Material Matters! Plastic vs. Metal β Donβt Mix Up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Food Tongs | HS Code: 3924.10.40.00Description: "Plastic Food Tongs for Kitchen Use" |
Misdeclaring as metal β Higher tax, customs hold |
| Metal BBQ Tongs | HS Code: 8215.20 (Verify Rate!)Description: "Stainless Steel BBQ Tongs, Food Grade" |
Misdeclaring as plastic β Penalty, re-inspection |
| Mixed Container (Plastic + Metal) | Separate HS Codes on Invoice Item 1: Plastic Tongs (3924.10.40.00) Item 2: Metal Tongs (8215.20) |
Combining into one line β Customs rejection |
| Tongs with Plastic Handles & Metal Jaws | Classify Based on Essential Character Usually Metal (8215.20) if metal is dominant |
Incorrectly classifying as plastic β Risk of penalty |
π Rule of Thumb:
- If the tongs are predominantly metal (even with plastic grips), classify under Chapter 82.
- If predominantly plastic (e.g., silicone-coated plastic tongs), classify under Chapter 39.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Tongs | Provide design drawings and material certificates to prove classification |
| Food Contact Safety | Ensure plastic tongs comply with FDA/LFGB standards for food contact; provide test reports |
| Metal Corrosion Resistance | For stainless steel tongs, specify grade (e.g., 304/316) to avoid quality disputes |
| De Minimis Shipments | If < $800 (US), may be duty-free regardless of HS code, but declaration is still required |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Estimate)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Plastic) | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 |
3.4% | Low duty; metal tongs need verification |
| π¨π³ China | 3924.10.40.00 |
8β10% | Import duty + VAT |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3924.10.00 |
6.5% | Plus VAT (19β27%) |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3924.10.00 |
5% | Plus GST (10%) |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3924.10.00 |
6β8% | Varies by specific item |
π Key Insight:
- Plastic tongs have consistently low duties globally.
- Metal tongs may face higher duties or additional tariffs (e.g., US Section 301), so verification is critical.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring metal tongs as plastic to avoid higher duties
π Consequence: Customs audit, fines, seizure, and blacklist risk.
β Error 2: Using vague descriptions like "Kitchen Tool"
π Consequence: Customs requests additional information, delays clearance by 3β7 days.
β Error 3: Ignoring material composition for mixed-material tongs
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code β Wrong tax rate β Penalty.
β Error 4: Assuming metal tong tax rate is 3.4%
π Consequence: Underpayment of duty β Customs demand for back taxes + interest.
β Correct Approach:
"Stainless Steel Food Tongs, Food Grade 304, Pack of 6"
OR
"Plastic Salad Tongs, BPA-Free, Black, Pack of 10"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Plastic = 3.4%, Metal = Verify!"
πΉ "Material Dictates Code β Donβt Guess!"
πΉ "Metal Tongs Need Pre-Clearance Check β Avoid Surprises!"
π Pro Tip:
For metal food tongs, always:
1. Check the USITC Tariff Database for current rates.
2. Confirm if Section 301 tariffs apply (likely 25% for Chinese origin).
3. Work with a licensed customs broker to ensure correct classification.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Consult a Customs Broker for metal tong classification.
π Prepare Material Certificates (FDA, RoHS, LFGB).
π Accurate Declaration = Smooth Clearance = Higher Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate HS Codes!
πΌ Your Cost, Optimized. Your Risk, Minimized.
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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.