Iron or Steel Tableware and Kitchen Utensils
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7323999080 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π½οΈ Iron or Steel Tableware and Kitchen Utensils
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Home Accessories
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are We Importing?
Iron or Steel Tableware and Kitchen Utensils refer to non-electrical household articles made primarily of iron or steel, used for serving, preparing, or storing food. Common examples include: - Tableware: Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, serving dishes. - Kitchen Utensils: Tongs, spatulas, peelers, graters, colanders, salad spinners. - Homeware: Trivets, pot holders, kitchen scales (mechanical), spice racks.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is electric (e.g., electric kettles, blenders, toaster ovens), it falls under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery), NOT this category. - If the item is made of stainless steel but primarily for industrial use (e.g., large commercial mixing bowls for factories), it may fall under Chapter 7326 or 7323 depending on specifics. - Domestic/Household use is key for 7323. Other/General use often falls under 7326.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on your provided data, here are the three applicable HS Codes for Iron or Steel Tableware and Kitchen Utensils:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
7323.99.90.80 |
Iron or steel tableware, kitchen, or other household utensils; material & use fully match | Standard dining sets, cooking pots/pans, household kitchen tools | Direct Match: Clearly defined "tableware/household utensils" under 7323 |
7323.99.90.30 |
Iron or steel tableware, kitchen, or other household utensils; material & use fully consistent | Alternative sub-category for household iron/steel items | Direct Match: Same functional category as above, different sub-code |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel; meets household material attributes & catch-all classification | General-purpose steel articles not specifically listed in 7323 (e.g., decorative iron racks, non-standard utensils) | Catch-All: Used when item doesn't fit specific 7323 descriptions but is still iron/steel |
π Key Reminder:
- 7323 is for specifically enumerated household items (tableware, kitchen utensils).
- 7326 is the residual category ("Other articles") for iron/steel goods not covered elsewhere.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a kitchen colander as "7326" instead of "7323" may trigger scrutiny, as 7323 is the more specific provision for kitchen tools.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Supplementary Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 7323.99.90.80 & 7323.99.90.30 ββ Iron/Steel Tableware & Kitchen Utensils (Direct Match)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Supplementary Tariff | +25.0% (from USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Add-on) |
| Additional Supplementary Tariff (Steel/Al/Cu) | +50.0% (Specific add-on for steel/aluminum/copper products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 88.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3.4% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% β Steel/Add-on: 50% |
π Explanation:
- 3.4% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for 7323.
- 25% is the Section 301 tariff applied to Chinese goods in this category.
- 10% is the Section 122 tariff targeting steel/aluminum/copper products.
- 50% is an additional surcharge specifically for steel/aluminum/copper articles under certain provisions.
- Total: 3.4 + 25 + 10 + 50 = 88.4%. This is an extremely high tariff, making cost planning critical.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Other Iron/Steel Articles (Catch-All)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Supplementary Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Additional Supplementary Tariff (Steel/Al/Cu) | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 2.9% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% β Steel/Add-on: 50% |
π Note:
- The base rate is slightly lower (2.9% vs 3.4%) because 7326 is a residual category.
- However, the additional tariffs (25% + 10% + 50%) remain the same, resulting in a total of 87.9%.
- Savings: Only 0.5% difference in total tax compared to 7323 codes. Not worth the compliance risk to misclassify.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., 430 stainless steel, carbon steel), dimensions, weight |
| β Product Photos (Clear & Detailed) | βοΈ | Show entire product, close-ups of seams/handles, and any branding |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Iron/Steel Tableware" or "Kitchen Utensils," not just "Steel Items" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Itemized list with quantities, net/gross weights |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for verifying Chinese origin and applying correct tariffs |
| β Third-Party Test Reports | βοΈ | FDA (for food contact), LFGB (if applicable), RoHS (if applicable) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Be Specific, Not Generic! 'Steel Item' = Red Flag!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Dinner Plate Set | "Iron Steel Tableware, Plate Set, Household Use" | "Steel Plates" | May be rejected for vague description |
| Kitchen Colander | "Steel Kitchen Utensil, Colander" | "Steel Filter" | Misclassification risk |
| Decorative Iron Rack | "Other Iron/Steel Article, Decorative Rack" | "Kitchen Utensil" | Incorrect HS Code (7326 vs 7323) |
| Electric Kettle | β Do Not Use 7323 | "Steel Kettle" | Wrong Chapter (Should be 8516) |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Steel Handle + Plastic Body) | Declare based on essential character. If steel is dominant, still 7323/7326. Provide material breakdown. |
| Packaged as Gift Sets | Declare the entire set as one HS Code if primarily tableware. Do not split unless items are clearly different categories. |
| Custom/Non-Standard Items | Use 7326.90.86.88 with detailed description. Avoid forcing into 7323 if it doesn't fit. |
| High-Value Stainless Steel Ware | Ensure material is declared accurately. "Stainless Steel" is still "Iron/Steel" under 7323. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 7323.99.90.80 / 7323.99.90.30 |
88.4% | FDA (Food Contact) | Extremely High Tax due to 301, 122, and steel add-ons |
| πΊπΈ United States | 7326.90.86.88 |
87.9% | FDA (if applicable) | Slightly lower, but same risk profile |
| π¨π³ China | 7323.99.90.80 |
10-15% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower tax, but domestic competition high |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 7323.99.90.80 |
10% (Standard) | FDA/LFGB (Food Safety) | No Section 301 or 122 tariffs |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 7323.99.90.80 |
10% | UKCA/Food Safety | Post-Brexit rates align with EU |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7323.99.90.80 |
3.9% | Food Safety Labeling | Low tariff, high quality standards |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for iron/steel tableware due to ~88% effective tariff.
- EU, UK, Japan offer significantly lower tariffs (~3-10%).
- Cost Mitigation Strategy: Consider sourcing from countries with Favorable Trade Agreements (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) if eligible for exemptions.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Kitchen Items" without specifying material or use
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify, leading to 88.4% tax instead of potential lower rates if misclassified elsewhere.
β Error 2: Ignoring FDA Food Contact Compliance
π Consequence: Goods detained at port. FDA registration + product testing is mandatory.
β Error 3: Misclassifying Electric items as non-electric
π Consequence: Penalty for wrong HS Code. Electric items fall under Chapter 85, not 7323.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) exemption applies
π Consequence: Denied. Section 301 and 122 tariffs deny de minimis for Chinese origin goods in this category.
β Correct Practice:
"Steel Kitchen Utensil Set, Household Use, FDA Compliant, Made in China, HS 7323.99.90.80"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember This Mantra:
πΉ "88.4% is the US Price for Steel Tableware from China!"
πΉ "Be Specific: 'Tableware' vs 'Other Steel Item'!"
πΉ "FDA Compliance is Non-Negotiable!"
π Pro Tip:
If your iron/steel tableware is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower tariffs under USMCA or FTAs.
Action: Apply for Advance Ruling with CBP before shipment to confirm HS Code and tariff liability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide product images + Request FDA compliance check
π Avoid the 88.4% Tax Trap with Smart Planning!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of tariff saved is pure profit!
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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.