Ice Grid

🧊 Ice Grid (Ice Cube Trays): HS Code Classification & Clearance Strategy

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know “Ice Grid”?

The Ice Grid (commonly known as Ice Cube Tray) is a ubiquitous kitchen utensil used for freezing liquids into solid blocks of ice. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on material and intended use. It generally falls under two main categories: Plastic Tableware/Kitchenware or Other Household Articles.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If made of Plastic and used as Tableware/Kitchen Utensil → Likely 3924.10.40.00 (Lowest Tax!)
- If made of Plastic but classified strictly as Mold/Tool → Likely 3924.10.30.00 (Higher Tax)
- If made of Ceramic/Porcelain-like or broadly as Household Article → 6911.10.80 (High Tax)
- If made of Metal (Stainless Steel) → 7323.93.00.60 / 7323.99.90.30 (Very High Tax)

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- 3924.10.40.00 is the optimal code for standard plastic ice trays, offering the lowest tax burden (13.4%).
- Misclassifying plastic ice trays as "Molds" (3924.10.30.00) or "Ceramic-like" (6911.10.80) significantly increases costs.
- Metal codes (7323...) are generally incorrect for typical plastic ice grids, leading to erroneous high tariffs unless the product is genuinely stainless steel (rare for standard ice grids).

💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Post-2025 Policies (Including Section 301 & IEEPA)

🎯 1. 3924.10.40.00 —— Plastic Tableware/Kitchenware (Recommended)

📌 Explanation:
- Base 3.4%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for plastic tableware.
- 0% Additional: Unlike many other Chinese goods, this specific plastic tableware code may not have the 25% Section 301 tariff, or it is mitigated by other policies.
- 10% Section 122: A specific surcharge for certain Chinese goods.
- Total 13.4%: This is the most competitive rate among the provided options.

🎯 2. 3924.10.30.00 —— Plastic Molds/Kitchen Accessories

📌 Explanation:
- Classified as a "Mold" rather than "Tableware," triggering a higher base tariff and additional surcharges.
- Cost Increase: Nearly double the tax of code 3924.10.40.00.

🎯 3. 6911.10.80.10 / 6911.10.80.90 —— Other Household Articles (Ceramic/Other)

📌 Explanation:
- Even if the material is plastic, if customs perceives it as a general "Household Article" under Chapter 69 (Ceramics/Other), the base tariff jumps to 20.8%.
- This is a high-risk misclassification for plastic goods, leading to significant cost penalties.

🎯 4. 7323.93.00.60 / 7323.99.90.30 —— Metal Articles

📌 Explanation:
- Extreme Penalty: The data indicates a 50% additional surcharge for Steel/Aluminum/Copper products.
- Unless you are shipping stainless steel ice grids (very rare for consumer goods), these codes are incorrect and will result in massive tax liabilities.

🛠️ Four, Practical Customs Clearance Advice (Battle-Proven Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)

🔥 “Plastic Tray, Declare Tableware; Avoid Mold, Avoid Metal, Save Tax!”

✅ 3. Special Handling

🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the critical market where tariff optimization matters most due to Section 301/122 surcharges.
- 3924.10.40.00 is the golden ticket for plastic ice grids.
- Misclassification into 6911 or 7323 can double or triple your landed cost.

📌 Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Plastic Ice Trays as "Molds" (3924.10.30.00)
👉 Result: Pays 22.8% instead of 13.4%. Waste of money!

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring Plastic Ice Trays as "Ceramic/Household Articles" (6911.10.80)
👉 Result: Pays 38.3%. Huge overpayment!

❌ Mistake 3: Using "Ice Grid" without specifying material
👉 Result: Customs may assign a default high-rate code (e.g., 7323 or 6911). Risk of audit/fine!

❌ Mistake 4: Shipping Stainless Steel Trays as Plastic
👉 Result: Severe penalty for misdeclaration. Legal risk!

✅ Correct Approach:

"Plastic Ice Cube Tray, Food Grade, for Kitchen Use, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant"

🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficiency!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Plastic Tray, Tableware Code, 13.4% is King!"
🔹 "Mold Code is 22.8%, Ceramic is 38.3%, Steel is 62%+!"
🔹 "Accurate Material Declaration Saves Thousands!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your supplier is unsure of the exact HS Code, provide them with clear photos and material specs and request a pre-classification from your customs broker.
For bulk shipments, consider applying for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US CBP Ruling to lock in the 3924.10.40.00 classification and avoid disputes.

📣 Action Now:

📞 Consult a licensed customs broker
📄 Prepare FDA/LFGB documentation
🚀 Optimize your HS Code to 3924.10.40.00 for maximum profit!

✨ Precision in Classification, Profits in Clearance!
💼 Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!