Packaging Tin Foil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923900080 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323997000 | 65.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7612905000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7612901090 | 40.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Packaging Tin Foil (Aluminum/Sterling Foil Containers & Boxes)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Packaging Tin Foil"?
"Packaging Tin Foil" in international trade rarely refers to the thin sheets used for wrapping sandwiches. It typically refers to pre-formed containers (boxes, trays, tubs) made of aluminum or tin-plated steel, used for food storage, baking, or retail packaging.
In customs classification, the distinction is critical: * Plastic Containers with Foil Lining: If the primary structure is plastic and the foil is merely an inner lining/coating, it is classified as Plastic Packaging. * Metal Containers (Aluminum/Tin): If the structural integrity comes from the metal (even if thin), it is classified as Article of Iron/Steel or Aluminum.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the container is rigid plastic with a foil seal β HS 3923.90.00.80
- If the container is made of aluminum (foil box/tray) β HS 7612.90.50.00 / 7612.90.10.90
- If the container is made of steel/iron (tin-plated) β HS 7323.99.90.30 / 7323.99.70.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material & Form |
|---|---|---|---|
3923.90.00.80 |
Other articles of plastics for the conveyance or packaging of goods | Plastic boxes/trays with tin foil lining or lid | β Plastic (Primary) + Foil (Secondary) |
7323.99.90.30 |
Table, kitchen or other housekeeping articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel | Steel-based food containers, "tin" plates, kitchenware | β Metal (Steel/Iron) + Aluminum/Tin coating |
7323.99.70.00 |
Cookware articles (other than cast iron) of iron or steel | Metal boxes/trays classified as cookware | β Metal (Steel/Iron) |
7612.90.50.00 |
Articles of aluminum, n.e.s. (Not elsewhere specified) | Aluminum foil containers, tubes, or general aluminum packaging | β Aluminum |
7612.90.10.90 |
Containers, of aluminum, n.e.s. | Specific aluminum boxes, cans, or jars for food/beverage | β Aluminum |
π Key Reminder:
- "Tin Foil" is a misnomer; most modern packaging is Aluminum. Customs will classify based on the primary material. - If it is a plastic box with a foil peel-off lid, it cannot be classified as metal. - US Tariffs differ significantly based on whether the material is Aluminum (Chapter 76) or Steel (Chapter 73).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3923.90.00.80 ββ Plastic Packaging Articles (with Foil Lining)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain plastic/packaging goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (High tariff goods usually excluded from Section 321 de minimis benefits if value is high enough, check specific $800 rule nuances) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3923.90.00.80 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Even though itβs plastic, the Section 301 and Section 122 add-ons make it expensive. - Section 122 targets specific packaging materials; ensure your product doesn't fall under other exempted plastic categories.
π― 2. 7323.99.90.30 ββ Steel/Iron Kitchenware & Housekeeping Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Additional Surtax | +50.0% (Specific to steel articles) |
| Total Tax Rate | 88.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7323.99.90.30 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% β SECTION_732_STEEL:50% |
π Warning:
- This is the highest tax rate in the dataset. - If your "tin foil box" is actually steel (magnetic), you face an 88.4% burden. This includes the 50% additional tariff specifically targeting steel imports.
π― 3. 7323.99.70.00 ββ Steel Cookware
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +0.0% (Note: Some steel cookware may be exempt from 301, but check current list) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Additional Surtax | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 65.3% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 65.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7323.99.70.00 β SECTION_122:10% β SECTION_732_STEEL:50% |
π Note:
- Lower than 7323.99.90.30 because Section 301 (25%) is 0% for this specific subheading (Cookware vs. General Housekeeping). - However, the 50% Steel Surtax still applies.
π― 4. 7612.90.50.00 ββ Aluminum Articles (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7612.90.50.00 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Aluminum does not incur the additional 50% steel surtax. - Base rate is 0%, making it significantly cheaper than steel alternatives.
π― 5. 7612.90.10.90 ββ Aluminum Containers (Specific)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.7% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7612.90.10.90 β SECTION_301:25% β SECTION_122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Slightly higher base rate (5.7%) than general aluminum articles (0%), but still avoids the 50% steel penalty. - Best option for rigid aluminum boxes/trays.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Material | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state material: "100% Aluminum" or "Plastic with Foil Liner" |
| β Material Composition Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party lab report confirming % of Aluminum vs. Plastic/Steel |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show cross-section if layered (e.g., plastic wall, foil top) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe accurately: "Aluminum Food Container" or "Plastic Packaging Box with Foil Seal" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight of metal/plastic only, exclude packaging materials |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial is King, Form Defines Shape, Avoid Steel Penalty, Choose Aluminum!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Box with Foil Lid | 3923.90.00.80 |
Declare as "Metal Tin" β 88.4% Tax |
| Aluminum Foil Box/Tray | 7612.90.10.90 or 7612.90.50.00 |
Declare as "Steel Can" β 65-88% Tax |
| Tin-Plated Steel Container | 7323.99.70.00 or 7323.99.90.30 |
Declare as "Aluminum" β Customs rejection & Fine |
| Mixed Package (Plastic + Metal) | Primary Material Rule: If Plastic > Metal by weight/function β 3923... |
Split declaration β High risk of audit |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Tin Foil" is actually Aluminum | Never declare as "Tin" (Tin is rare/expensive). Declare as Aluminum. |
| Stackable Aluminum Trays | Classify under 7612.90.10.90 (Containers) for specific use cases. |
| Disposable Aluminum Bake Ware | Ensure itβs not "Cast Iron" (different code). Aluminum bake ware is 7612... |
| Plastic Tupperware with Foil Seal | Declare as Plastic Packaging (3923...). The foil is secondary. |
π V. Global Market Comparison for "Packaging Tin Foil" (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax (China Origin) | Certification/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7612.90.50.00 (Aluminum) |
35.0% | Avoid 7323 (Steel) β 65-88% |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3923.90.00.80 (Plastic) |
38.0% | High if not exempted |
| π¨π³ China | 7612.90.10.90 |
~10-13% | Low tax, high volume |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7612.90.90 |
0% | No Section 301/122 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 7612.90.90 |
4-6% | Post-Brexit tariffs apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301, Section 122, and Steel Surtax. - Aluminum (7612...) is significantly cheaper than Steel (7323...) in the US. - Plastic (3923...) is competitive compared to Steel, but higher than Aluminum base rates.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Steel containers as "Aluminum"
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals magnetism/weight difference β Penalty + Back Taxes + Delay
β Mistake 2: Declaring Plastic Boxes as "Tin Foil Containers"
π Consequence: Misclassification as Metal β Tax jumps from 38% to 88.4% (Section 732 Steel Penalty applies!)
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Assuming only Section 301 applies β Underpayment of 10% tax
β Correct Practice:
"Aluminum Foil Food Container, Disposable, Rectangular, 500ml, Material: 100% Aluminum Alloy, HS Code: 7612.90.10.90"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Boost Profits!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Steel is 88%, Aluminum is 35%, Plastic is 38%. Choose Aluminum or Plastic to Survive!"
πΉ "Material Test Report is Your Best Friend. Don't Guess, Test!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is Aluminum, stick to HS 7612.90.50.00 or 7612.90.10.90 to avoid the 50% Steel Surtax.
If your product is Plastic, ensure itβs clearly Plastic, not Steel-coated, to avoid the 88.4% nightmare.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Request Material Test Report from your supplier.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if the material is composite (Plastic + Metal).
π Switch to Aluminum or Plastic if your current "Steel" product is hurting your margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Matters in the US Market!
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.