Glow Stick
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3604900000 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505904000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3604109050 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999397 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Glow Sticks (Chemical Light Sticks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Structure Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Glow Stick"?
Glow sticks are portable, single-use light sources that produce light through a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence). In international trade, they are typically categorized based on their primary function and material composition. They generally fall into two main competitive categories:
- Party/Entertainment Supplies: When classified by use (e.g., festivals, clubs, parties), they are often grouped under festive decorations or miscellaneous articles of plastic.
- Pyrotechnics/Chemical Preparations: When classified by mechanism (chemical reaction) or security risk, they may be grouped under fireworks, signal devices, or unspecified chemical mixtures.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If intended for festive decoration/entertainment (low risk, non-explosive) β Likely Chapter 95 (Toys/Festive Articles).
- If intended for signal/luminous safety or contains specific hazardous chemical mixtures β Likely Chapter 36 (Pyrotechnics) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided data, there are six potential HS Code classifications for Glow Sticks. The correct choice depends on customs interpretation of "use" vs. "material."
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary/Rationale from Data | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9505.90.40.00 | Festive/Party Articles | Inferred as party or festival sound/decorative entertainment goods; fits "Party Supplies" category. | 10.0% |
| 9505.90.60.00 | Other Festive/Entertainment Articles | Inferred as festival, carnival, or entertainment goods; made of plastic/electronics; fits "Other" basket of Chapter 95. | 10.0% |
| 3604.90.00.00 | Other Pyrotechnic Articles | Based on use: inferred as pyrotechnic or signal lighting devices; fits "Other Pyrotechnic Articles" material/use characteristics. | 24.0% |
| 3604.10.90.50 | Other Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Products | Classified under fireworks/pyrotechnics as a chemiluminescent product; fits "Other Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Products." | 15.3% |
| 3824.99.29.00 | Other Chemical Preparations (Plastic/Chemical) | Material: Chemical luminous agents or plastic housing containing chemicals; fits "Other Chemical Products & Preparations" residual category. | 41.5% |
| 3824.99.93.97 | Other Unspecified Chemical Products | Material: Chemical preparations (e.g., fluorescein, peroxide mixtures); form is chemical; fits "Other" chemical products not elsewhere specified. | 40.0% |
π Critical Analysis:
- Lowest Tax: 9505.90.40.00 / 9505.90.60.00 at 10% (Best for party/festival use).
- Medium Tax: 3604.10.90.50 at 15.3% (If viewed as a non-explosive pyrotechnic signal).
- Highest Tax: 3824.99.29.00 / 3824.99.93.97 at 40-41.5% (If viewed strictly as a chemical mixture).
π° III. 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: Post-November 10, 2025
π― 1. Category: Festive & Party Articles (HS 9505.90)
Target Codes: 9505.90.40.00, 9505.90.60.00
Recommended for most consumer-grade glow sticks.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax (25%) | 0.0% (Exempt for festive goods in some interpretations, or data shows 0%) |
| Section 122 Tariff (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Section 321 de minimis is often blocked for China or specific goods; check latest CBP rulings) |
| Legal Basis | Base: HTSUS 9505; Add-on: Section 122 (Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act) |
π Explanation:
- These codes benefit from 0% base and 0% Section 301 tariffs, likely due to exemptions for certain recreational goods.
- The only hit is the 10% Section 122 tariff, specific to certain Chinese imports.
- Best Option for Cost Efficiency.
π― 2. Category: Pyrotechnics/Signal Devices (HS 3604.10 / 3604.90)
Target Codes: 3604.10.90.50, 3604.90.00.00
A. 3604.10.90.50 (Other Pyrotechnic Products)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax (25%) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
B. 3604.90.00.00 (Other Pyrotechnic Articles)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax (25%) | +7.5% (Partial application or specific footnote) |
| Section 122 Tariff (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
π Explanation:
- Classifying glow sticks as "Pyrotechnics" triggers higher scrutiny.
-3604.10.90.50is favorable (15.3%) because it has 0% Section 301.
-3604.90.00.00is expensive (24.0%) due to the 7.5% added tariff.
π― 3. Category: Chemical Preparations (HS 3824.99)
Target Codes: 3824.99.29.00, 3824.99.93.97
High-risk classification. Only use if customs forces chemical classification.
A. 3824.99.29.00 (Other Chemical Products)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax (25%) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
B. 3824.99.93.97 (Other Unspecified Chemicals)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax (25%) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
π Explanation:
- These codes are penalized heavily with the full 25% Section 301 surtax on top of the base and 122 tariff.
- Avoid this classification unless no other option exists.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Recommended Classification Strategy
| Strategy | HS Code(s) | Total Tax | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| π Best Option | 9505.90.40.00 / 9505.90.60.00 |
10% | Lowest tax; clearly fits "Party/Festive" use. | Must prove use is recreational/festive. |
| βοΈ Alternative | 3604.10.90.50 |
15.3% | Fits if viewed as "signal light." | Higher tax; may require more documentation on chemical safety. |
| β Avoid | 3824.99.xxxx |
40-41.5% | None. | Extremely high tax; misclassification risk. |
β 2. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Photos | β Yes | Show the glow stick broken open (if allowed) or packaging highlighting "Party Use." |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | β Yes | Crucial if classified under Chapter 36 or 38. Shows contents are safe for consumer use. |
| Statement of Use | β Yes | Explicitly state: "For use in festivals, parties, concerts, and entertainment events." |
| Commercial Invoice | β Yes | Clear description: "Plastic Glow Sticks for Party Decoration," NOT "Chemical Luminous Agents." |
| Origin Certificate | β Yes | To verify China origin for Section 122 and 301 calculations. |
β 3. Declaration Tips
π₯ Golden Rule: "Describe by Use, Not Just by Chemicals."
| Scenario | Correct Description | Incorrect Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Glow Stick | "Plastic Glow Stick for Party/Festival Decoration" | "Chemical Light Mixture" or "Fluorescein Solution" |
| Emergency Glow Stick | "Emergency Signal Light, Non-Flammable" | "Pyrotechnic Device" (unless it is actually explosive) |
| Packaging | List as "Party Supplies" or "Toys" | List as "Chemical Product" |
β 4. Special Considerations
- Section 122 Tariff (10%): Applies to all classifications above. This is a non-negotiable add-on for Chinese-origin goods in this context.
- Section 301 Exemption: Glow sticks in Chapter 95 (Party Supplies) seem to be exempt from the 25% tariff in this data set. Do NOT classify them as chemicals (Chapter 38) if you can avoid it, as they will incur the full 25%.
- Chemical Safety: If customs questions the "Party" classification, be ready to provide an MSDS proving the chemicals are non-hazardous, non-explosive, and non-toxic, supporting the Chapter 95 classification.
π V. Quick Reference Summary
| HS Code | Description | Total Tax | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9505.90.40.00 | Party Supplies | 10% | β Best (0% Base, 0% 301, +10% 122) |
| 9505.90.60.00 | Other Festive Articles | 10% | β Best (0% Base, 0% 301, +10% 122) |
| 3604.10.90.50 | Other Pyrotechnics | 15.3% | βοΈ Acceptable (5.3% Base, 0% 301, +10% 122) |
| 3604.90.00.00 | Other Pyrotechnics | 24.0% | β High (6.5% Base, 7.5% 301, +10% 122) |
| 3824.99.93.97 | Other Chemicals | 40.0% | β Avoid (5% Base, 25% 301, +10% 122) |
| 3824.99.29.00 | Other Chemicals | 41.5% | β Avoid (6.5% Base, 25% 301, +10% 122) |
π VI. Final Recommendations
- Classify as Party/Festive Goods (HS 9505) whenever possible to minimize tariffs to 10%.
- Clearly label products as "For Party Use" or "Entertainment Purpose" on invoices and packaging.
- Avoid chemical terminology in the commercial description unless necessary for safety compliance.
- Prepare MSDS documents to justify the safety profile of the glow sticks if challenged by customs.
- Be aware of the 10% Section 122 Tariff, which applies regardless of the HS code chosen in this dataset.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult a Customs Broker to confirm if
9505.90.40.00is currently accepted for your specific glow stick variant.
π Optimize for 10% Tax Rate by aligning your documentation with the "Party Supplies" classification.
β¨ Smart Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in import costs.
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.