Lard
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1501100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1501200040 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1503000000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Lard (Pork Fat) β Harmonized System Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Rates | Professional Strategy for Food Imports
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Lard"?
Lard, in the context of international trade, refers to pork fat rendered or processed for culinary, industrial, or pharmaceutical use. It is a critical commodity in the food supply chain. Under the Harmonized System (HS), it is primarily classified based on its state (unrefined vs. refined) and specific form.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Unrefined/Raw Lard: Usually falls under 1501 or 1503 depending on purity and processing.
- Refined/Prepared Lard: May fall under different chapters if mixed with other substances, but pure lard stays within Chapter 15.
- Crucial Note: Misclassification between "Unrefined" and "Refined" can lead to significant duty differences and compliance issues.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Book)
Based on the provided data, here are the three possible HS Codes for Lard, along with their specific descriptions and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary of Classification Logic | Total Tax Rate (China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
1501.10.00.00 |
Pig fat, other than that of heading 1503 | Material is explicitly Pork Fat (ηͺζ²Ή), matching the specific category in the classification explanation. | 3Β’/kg + 17.5% |
1501.20.00.40 |
Tallow of swine (Pig Tallow) | Product name "Lard" matches material "Pig Fat (ηͺθ)" and is in a common form within this category. | 3Β’/kg + 17.5% |
1503.00.00.00 |
Tallow stearin, olein, and linolein | Product name "Lard" fully matches "Pig Oil (ηͺζ²Ή)" and meets requirements for unprocessed primary form. | 2Β’/kg + 17.5% |
π Important Note on
1503.00.00.00:
While this code has a lower base duty (2Β’/kg), it strictly applies to unprocessed primary forms. If the lard is refined, mixed, or packaged for retail sale as a cooking fat, it may not qualify for this heading and could be misclassified, leading to penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 1501.10.00.00 & 1501.20.00.40 β Pig Fat / Pig Tallow
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3Β’/kg (Specific Duty) |
| Section 301 Tariff (7.5%) | Added to the ad valorem value (if applicable) or specific duty calculation base |
| Section 122 Tariff (10%) | Additional duty under specific trade provisions |
| Additional Surcharge (25% of Base?) | Total Surcharge Rate: 17.5% applied to the base duty or value (as per provided data) |
| Total Effective Tax | 3Β’/kg + 17.5% surcharge |
| Tax Detail | Base: 3Β’/kg, Additional 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- These codes apply to standard pork fat products.
- The 17.5% is a composite surcharge including Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Specific duty (3Β’/kg) is charged per kilogram, regardless of value.
π― 2. 1503.00.00.00 β Unprocessed Primary Lard
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2Β’/kg (Specific Duty) |
| Section 301 Tariff (7.5%) | Applied as part of the surcharge |
| Section 122 Tariff (10%) | Applied as part of the surcharge |
| Additional Surcharge (25% of Base?) | Total Surcharge Rate: 17.5% |
| Total Effective Tax | 2Β’/kg + 17.5% surcharge |
| Tax Detail | Base: 2Β’/kg, Additional 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code offers a lower base duty (2Β’/kg) compared to1501codes.
- However, strict conditions apply: The product must be in its unprocessed primary form.
- If the lard is rendered, refined, or packaged, customs may reject this classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfalls Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Lard," "Pork Fat," or "Tallow" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must include net weight, gross weight, and unit of measurement (kg) |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Essential for verifying China origin and applying correct surcharges |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Mandatory for food products entering the US |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail processing level (raw, refined, etc.) to support HS Code |
| β Halal/Kosher Certificate | Optional | If marketed as such, helps in fast-tracking but not for customs duty |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βKnow Your Form: Raw vs. Refined Dictates Duty!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Raw, unrendered pork fat | 1501.10.00.00 or 1501.20.00.40 |
Matches specific "pig fat" description |
| Highly purified, primary form | 1503.00.00.00 |
Lower duty (2Β’/kg), but must prove itβs unprocessed |
| Refined, cooked, or retail-packaged lard | Not 1503 |
Must use 1501 codes; misclassification risk is high |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do not use1503.00.00.00if the lard is melted, filtered, or packaged for consumer use. Customs will likely reclassify it to1501, leading to back taxes and penalties.
β 3. Special Situations & Compliance Tips
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Bulk Shipping vs. Retail | Bulk raw lard may qualify for 1503; retail packaging should use 1501. |
| Mixed Products | If lard is mixed with vegetable oils, it may fall under a different chapter (e.g., 1517). |
| FDA Compliance | Lard is a food product. Ensure FDA registration and prior notice are submitted before arrival. |
| Country of Origin | If lard is from a non-China origin (e.g., US domestic), Section 301/122 tariffs may not apply. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code Reference | Approx. Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1501 or 1503 |
3Β’/kg + 17.5% (China) | High surcharges due to trade policies |
| π¨π³ China | 1501 or 1503 |
Low (5-10%) | Domestic trade, lower barriers |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1501 |
~2-5% | No Section 301/122 equivalents |
| π¬π§ UK | 1501 |
~2-5% | Post-Brexit tariff schedules apply |
π Conclusion:
- The US market imposes significant additional duties on Chinese-origin pork fat.
- Cost Planning: Factor in the 17.5% surcharge + specific duty when pricing exports to the US.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Using 1503.00.00.00 for refined lard
π Consequence: Customs reclassification β Back taxes + penalties
β Mistake 2: Incorrect weight declaration
π Consequence: Specific duty (Β’/kg) calculation errors β Over/under payment
β Mistake 3: Ignoring FDA requirements
π Consequence:货η©ζ»ηζιε (Detention or Return of Goods)
β Best Practice:
Clearly document the processing level of the lard. If itβs raw, provide evidence. If itβs refined, use
1501. Always consult a customs broker for Advance Rulings if unsure.
π― VII. Final Recommendations
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Raw Lard: Try for
1503.00.00.00(2Β’/kg + 17.5%) if truly unprocessed.
πΉ Standard Lard: Use1501.10.00.00or1501.20.00.40(3Β’/kg + 17.5%).
πΉ Always Comply with FDA: Food imports require strict regulatory clearance.
π Pro Tip:
If your lard is not from China, Section 301/122 tariffs may not apply. Verify origin certificates to optimize costs.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare FDA Prior Notice and detailed product specs.
π Ensure smooth clearance and cost efficiency.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in global trade!
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.