Heated Water Cup
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9617001000 | 17.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9617003000 | 16.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323930060 | 62.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7418100051 | 70.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
β Heated Water Cup (Thermal Insulated Water Bottle)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy for US Imports from China
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Heated Water Cup"?
A "Heated Water Cup" (commonly referred to as a Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle or Thermos) is a portable container designed to maintain the temperature of liquids. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material, construction, and intended use.
While often colloquially called "drinkware," the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly distinguishes between: 1. Vacuum Containers (Thermal Flasks): Designed primarily for thermal insulation. 2. General Household Articles (Kitchen/Tableware): Designed for general serving or consumption.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: - If the productβs primary feature is vacuum insulation for temperature control β It falls under Chapter 96. - If the product is made of stainless steel/copper and classified primarily as tableware/kitchenware β It falls under Chapter 73 or 74.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 potential HS Codes for "Heated Water Cup" imports from China to the US, with their specific tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Tax Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9617.00.10.00 | Vacuum Containers: Fits the definition of a finished consumer good with vacuum insulation. | 17.2% | Base: 7.2% Section 301 (122): 10% |
| 9617.00.30.00 | Vacuum Containers: Fits the definition of a container with vacuum properties. | 16.9% | Base: 6.9% Section 301 (122): 10% |
| 7323.93.00.60 | Stainless Steel Articles: Kitchen/household utensils made of stainless steel. | 62.0% | Base: 2.0% Steel Surcharge: 50% Section 301 (122): 10% |
| 7323.99.90.30 | Other Household Articles: Kitchen/tableware items not elsewhere specified. | 88.4% | Base: 3.4% Section 301: 25% Steel Surcharge: 50% Section 301 (122): 10% |
| 7418.10.00.51 | Copper Articles: Non-electric household heating appliances (if copper-based). | 70.5% | Base: 3.0% Copper Surcharge: 50% Section 301: 7.5% Section 301 (122): 10% |
π Key Insight: - Codes 9617.x0.xx are the most favorable for standard vacuum flasks, with total rates around 17%. - Codes 7323.x0.xx and 7418.10.xx attract massive surcharge penalties (50% for steel/copper) plus Section 301 tariffs, leading to rates between 62% and 88%. - Misclassification Risk: Declaring a stainless steel vacuum flask as "General Kitchenware" (7323) instead of "Vacuum Container" (9617) can increase your duty burden by 45-70%!
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025-11-10 onwards
π― 1. 9617.00.10.00 ββ Vacuum Containers (Finished Consumer Good)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% (Specific to Chinese imports under this subheading) |
| Total Duty Rate | 17.2% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 17.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis for China-origin goods in this category) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:9617.00.10.00 β Section 301: 122 Clause |
π Explanation:
- This code is the preferred classification for standard stainless steel vacuum flasks. - The "122 Clause" is a specific Section 301 tariff that applies on top of the base rate. - No additional 50% steel/copper surcharge applies here because Chapter 96 is exempt from the Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs.
π― 2. 9617.00.30.00 ββ Vacuum Containers (Other)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 16.9% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 16.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:9617.00.30.00 β Section 301: 122 Clause |
π Note:
- Very similar to 9617.00.10.00, often used for slightly different vacuum container specifications. - Still the lowest cost option compared to Chapter 73/74.
π― 3. 7323.93.00.60 ββ Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.0% |
| Section 232 (Steel Surcharge) | +50% (Specific to steel articles) |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 62.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 62.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:7323.93.00.60 β Section 232: 50% Steel Surcharge β Section 301: 122 Clause |
π Warning:
- Even if the bottle is stainless steel, do not use this code unless it is explicitly not a vacuum container. - The 50% steel surcharge alone makes this uncompetitive for insulated bottles.
π― 4. 7323.99.90.30 ββ Other Household Articles (Steel)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 | +25% |
| Section 232 (Steel Surcharge) | +50% |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 88.4% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Critical Warning:
- This is the most expensive option. - Combines the general Section 301 (25%), the 122 Clause (10%), and the Steel Surcharge (50%). - Avoid this code for heated/vacuum cups.
π― 5. 7418.10.00.51 ββ Copper Household Articles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% |
| Section 301 | +7.5% |
| Section 232 (Copper Surcharge) | +50% |
| Section 301 (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 70.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 70.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- Only applies if the cup is primarily made of copper or has significant copper components. - Still suffers from the 50% metal surcharge.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Vacuum Insulated," "Double-Walled," "Non-Electric." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify if inner/outer layers are stainless steel. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show cross-section if possible to prove vacuum seal. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle" NOT "Stainless Steel Cup." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include dimensions and weight. |
| β FCC/CE Certificates | (If Electric) | Note: If the cup has heating elements (electric), it may fall under different codes (e.g., 8516). The data above assumes passive vacuum insulation. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Vacuum is King, Steel is King (of Cost), Insulation Defines It!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect HS Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask | 9617.00.10.00 | 7323.93.00.60 | Saves 44.8% in duties! |
| Glass Vacuum Flask with Steel Case | 9617.00.30.00 | 7323.99.90.30 | Saves 71.5% in duties! |
| Electric Heated Cup (with plug) | NOT COVERED | 7418.10.00.51 | Incorrect: Electric heaters have different codes (e.g., 8516). Data above is for passive vacuum cups. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Electric "Heated" Cups | β οΈ Alert: If the cup plugs in to heat water, it is NOT a passive vacuum container. It may fall under Chapter 85 (Electric heaters). The HS codes in the DATA set are for passive thermal insulation. Consult a specialist for electric models. |
| Copper-Lined Vacuum Flask | Use 9617.00.30.00 if possible. Avoid 7418 unless it is primarily a copper article. |
| Plastic/Vacuum Hybrid | Ensure the vacuum seal is the primary feature to keep it in Chapter 96. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9617.00.10.00 |
17.2% | Best case. Avoid 7323 (62%) and 7323.99 (88.4%). |
| π¨π³ China | 9617.00.10.00 | ~10-15% | Domestic tariff may vary, but export duty is key. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9617.00.10.00 | ~3.9% | No Section 301 or Steel Surcharge. Much lower cost. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9617.00.10.00 | ~3.9% | Post-Brexit, generally lower than US. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9617.00.10.00 | ~0-5% | USMCA may apply if non-Chinese origin. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-made vacuum cups due to Section 301 and Metal Surcharges. - Misclassification into Chapter 73/74 is a financial disaster (88.4% vs 17.2%). - Strictly declare as "Vacuum Container" (Chapter 96) to minimize duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling a vacuum flask a "Stainless Steel Water Cup" β Customs assigns 7323.93.00.60 β 62.0% Duty.
π Fix: Use the term "Vacuum Insulated Bottle" and HS Code 9617.
β Error 2: Assuming "Heated" means Electric β If it's passive thermal insulation, it's not an electric heater.
π Fix: Clarify "Passive Thermal Insulation" vs "Electric Heating Element."
β Error 3: Not declaring Steel Surcharge applicability β If misclassified, you may face 50% retroactive duties + penalties.
π Fix: Ensure the primary characteristic is "Vacuum Insulation," not "Steel Article."
β Error 4: Ignoring the 122 Clause β Even with correct base HS code, forgetting the 10% Section 301 leads to underpayment.
π Fix: Always add the 10% (or 25%) Section 301 tariff to the base rate.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Double-Walled, Passive Thermal Insulation, Non-Electric, Model ABC, Made in China."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Vacuum is Chapter 96 (17%), Steel is Chapter 73 (62-88%)!"
πΉ "One word change: 'Bottle' vs 'Cup' can save you 50%!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product has electric heating elements, do NOT use the HS codes in the DATA set. You must consult a customs broker for Chapter 85 codes (e.g., 8516.72.00.00). The provided data is strictly for passive vacuum insulated containers.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify if your cup is Passive Vacuum or Active Electric.
π If Passive: Declare as 9617.00.10.00 or 9617.00.30.00.
π Stop paying 88% duties on 17% products!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Duty 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.