Instant mashed potato flakes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004108040 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2004108020 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1105200000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1105100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 110510 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 200520 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Instant Mashed Potato Flakes (Dehydrated Potato Product)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure You Know "Instant Potato Flakes"?
Instant mashed potato flakes are dehydrated, pre-cooked potato products reconstituted with hot water to create mashed potatoes. In international trade, they fall under specific vegetable preparations or flour categories depending on form and processing level.
There are two primary classification paths: 1. Flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules, and pellets of potatoes (Heading 1105) β covers the dehydrated form ready for reconstitution. 2. Prepared or preserved potatoes (Heading 2005) β includes processed forms like flour, meal, or flakes if further prepared beyond simple dehydration.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is simply dehydrated cooked potato flakes (no vinegar, no other preservation, not frozen) β Heading 1105.
- If the product is flaked but further processed or preserved (e.g., with additives, frozen, or vinegar-based) β Heading 2005.
- Instant mashed potato flakes typically fall under 1105.10.00.00 (flour, meal, powder) or 1105.20.00.00 (flakes, granules, pellets).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Processing Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1105.10.00.00 | Flour, meal, powder of potatoes | Potato flour, fine powder, instant mash base | β Simple dehydration |
| 1105.20.00.00 | Flakes, granules, and pellets of potatoes | Instant mashed potato flakes, granules | β Simple dehydration |
| 2005.20 | Potatoes, prepared otherwise than by vinegar: in flour, meal, or flakes form | Frozen or preserved potato flakes (not simply dehydrated) | β οΈ Further processed |
| 110510 | Flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules, pellets of potatoes (Generic) | Broad category (no detailed sub-code) | β Incomplete HS code |
| 2004.10.80.40 | Other frozen vegetables (potatoes): other than French fries | Frozen potato flakes (not for instant reconstitution) | β Frozen state |
| 2004.10.80.20 | Frozen French fries (potatoes) | Frozen, cut potatoes (not flakes) | β Not applicable |
π Key Reminder:
- Instant mashed potato flakes (rehydratable) are NOT considered "frozen vegetables" (Heading 2004).
- If the product is simply dehydrated and meant to be reconstituted, it belongs in Heading 1105.
- If the product is frozen, it may fall under Heading 2004, but not for instant flakes intended for rehydration.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 1105.10.00.00 ββ Potato Flour, Meal, Powder
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (China-specific) |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (not eligible for $800 exemption) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1105.10.00.00 β Section 301:1105.10.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the 25% Section 301 tariff applies due to the product's origin (China).
- This is a value-added duty, meaning it's calculated on the CIF value of the goods.
π― 2. 1105.20.00.00 ββ Potato Flakes, Granules, Pellets
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 1.3Β’/kg (specific duty per kilogram) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (applied on top of specific duty) |
| Total Tariff | 1.3Β’/kg + 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight in kg Γ 1.3Β’) + (CIF Value Γ 25.0%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (not eligible for $800 exemption) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1105.20.00.00 β Section 301:1105.20.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is a hybrid duty: both a specific duty (per kg) and an ad valorem (value-based) 25% duty.
- Example: For 1000 kg at $2/kg CIF:
- Specific Duty = 1000 Γ 1.3Β’ = $13
- Ad Valorem Duty = $2000 Γ 25% = $500
- Total Duty = $513
π― 3. 2005.20 and Other Frozen/Preserved Potato Products
β οΈ Note:
- If the product is frozen or preserved with vinegar, it may fall under Heading 2005 or 2004, but not for standard instant flakes.
- Tax information for these codes is "Failed to retrieve" in current data, indicating potential missing or complex tariff rules.
- Recommendation: Consult a customs broker for accurate classification if product is frozen or preserved.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Shows dehydration level, rehydration instructions, ingredients |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Confirms country of origin for tariff application |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Instant Mashed Potato Flakes", HS Code, CIF value |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details weight, packaging type, quantity |
| β Safety/Quality Certificate | βοΈ | FDA, FSIS, or equivalent food safety certification |
| β Processing Flow Diagram | βοΈ | Proves simple dehydration vs. further processing |
| β Label Sample | βοΈ | Must include ingredients, net weight, country of origin |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ Dehydrate = 1105, Frozen = 2004, Processed = 2005
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard instant flakes (dehydrated) | 1105.10.00.00 or 1105.20.00.00 |
Declare as "frozen" β 33% tariff |
| Frozen potato flakes (not for instant reconstitution) | 2004.10.80.40 |
Declare as 1105 β 0% base, but incorrect |
| Flakes with vinegar or preservatives | 2005.20 |
Declare as 1105 β 0% base, but incorrect |
| Generic "potato flakes" without code | β | Must specify exact HS Code |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Private label instant flakes | Provide brand agreement + product specs to prove standard dehydration |
| Flakes with additives (e.g., salt, butter powder) | Still 1105.20.00.00, but must declare additives in invoice |
| Flakes for industrial use (not food) | May qualify for different duty if not for human consumption |
| Mixed shipments (flakes + other foods) | Declare separately to avoid misclassification |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1105.10.00.00 / 1105.20.00.00 |
0% + 25% (Section 301) | FDA | Highest added tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 1105.10.00.00 / 1105.20.00.00 |
5% | CFIA + Food Safety | Lower tariff, no Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1105.10.00.00 / 1105.20.00.00 |
7.5% | CE + Food Regulations | No additional tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1105.10.00.00 / 1105.20.00.00 |
3.5% | JAS + Food Safety | Low tariff, strict labeling |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1105.10.00.00 / 1105.20.00.00 |
0% | FSANZ | Free trade agreement possible |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with 25% Section 301 tariff on Chinese-origin potato flakes.
- China, EU, Japan, Australia offer lower tariffs, but require strict food safety compliance.
- Strategic suggestion: Consider re-routing production to Vietnam or Mexico to avoid Section 301 tariffs in the US.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "instant potato flakes" as "frozen vegetables"
π Result: 33% tariff instead of 25% β Overpayment + delay
β Mistake 2: Omitting "flakes" or "granules" in description
π Result: Misclassification β Customs audit + penalty
β Mistake 3: Using generic "110510" without sub-code
π Result: Rejected by US Customs β Shipment stuck
β Mistake 4: Not declaring additives (salt, butter, etc.)
π Result: FDA non-compliance β Product seizure
β Correct Practice:
"Instant Mashed Potato Flakes, Dehydrated, Rehydratable, No Vinegar, No Freezing, Origin: China, Model: XYZ, FDA Registered, Net Weight: 5kg, HS Code: 1105.20.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Declaration = Cost Savings & Speed!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Dehydrate = 1105, Frozen = 2004, Processed = 2005"
πΉ "Section 301 = 25%, Specific Duty = 1.3Β’/kg, Total = Higher Cost"
πΉ "HS Code = Tariff Key, Declare Accurately, Avoid Audits!"
π Pro Tips:
- If your product is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for Section 301 exemption in the US.
- Always apply for Customs Ruling (CBP Ruling) before first shipment to confirm HS Code.
- Use CBP's ACE system for real-time tariff verification.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a Certified Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your Instant Mashed Potato Flakes enter the US Smoothly, Efficiently, Profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precision Calculation!
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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.