Plastic Paint Buckets
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923900012 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923900014 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πͺ£ Plastic Paint Buckets (Plastic Containers for Chemical/Paint Storage)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your "Plastic Bucket"?
Plastic paint buckets are rigid containers made primarily of plastic materials, designed for the storage and transport of paints, coatings, or chemical liquids. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition, manufacturing method, and capacity.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the container is made of Steel (even if used for paint), it falls under Chapter 73.
- If the container is made of Plastic, it falls under Chapter 39.
- Misclassification leads to massive tax differences (e.g., 38.1% vs. 92.8%).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS Codes are derived from the specific dataset provided. Note that these codes reflect a complex tariff structure including base duties, Section 301 tariffs, and Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) surcharges where applicable.
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3917.29.00.90 | Plastic Chemical Buckets | Material: Plastic; Form: Container; Fits "Other" category fallback logic. | 38.1% |
| 7310.21.00.70 | Steel Paint Buckets | Material: Steel; Form: Container; Fits welded/sealed container characteristics. | 85.0% |
| 7310.21.00.75 | Steel Paint Buckets | Material: Steel; Form: Drum; Capacity <50L; Sealed by welding/flanging. | 85.0% |
| 7326.90.35.00 | Steel Paint Buckets | Material: Steel; Use: Container; Fits "Other" category inference. | 92.8% |
| 7326.90.86.88 | Steel Paint Buckets | Material: Steel; Form: Metal Product; Fits "Other" metal product definition. | 87.9% |
π Key Observation:
- Plastic buckets (3917) are significantly cheaper in terms of tariffs (38.1%) compared to Steel buckets (7310/7326), which range from 85.0% to 92.8%.
- The high taxes on steel products are due to the "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surcharge: 50%".
π° III. Detailed Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Countries: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current Trade Rules (2025-2026)
π― 1. 3917.29.00.90 ββ Plastic Paint Buckets (Plastic Material)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade war tariff) |
| Section 232 Tariff | 0% (Not applicable to plastic) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific trade remedy) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3917.29.00.90 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Plastic buckets are subject to the standard Section 301 tariff (25%) and a specific 122 clause tariff (10%).
- No steel/aluminum surcharge applies.
- Total effective rate: 38.1%.
π― 2. 7310.21.00.70 / 7310.21.00.75 ββ Steel Paint Buckets (Welded/Flanged)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (For certain steel containers) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade war tariff) |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | +50.0% (Section 232 Tariff on Steel) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific trade remedy) |
| Total Tax Rate | 85.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 85.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7310.21.00.70 β Section 301: 25% β Section 232: 50% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Steel buckets incur the 50% Section 232 surcharge in addition to the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% 122 clause tariff.
- Even if the base tariff is 0%, the total hits 85.0%.
π― 3. 7326.90.35.00 ββ Steel Paint Buckets (Other Containers)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.8% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | +50.0% (Section 232 Tariff on Steel) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 92.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 92.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.35.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 232: 50% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the highest tariff bracket in the dataset.
- Base tariff (7.8%) + 25% (Sec 301) + 50% (Sec 232) + 10% (Sec 122) = 92.8%.
π― 4. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Steel Paint Buckets (Other Metal Products)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | +50.0% (Section 232 Tariff on Steel) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.86.88 β Section 301: 25% β Section 232: 50% β Section 122: 10% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Material (Plastic vs. Steel) and Capacity (e.g., <50L vs. >50L). |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial to prove if the bucket is Plastic (3917) or Steel (7310/7326). Mislabeling leads to 50% surcharge penalties. |
| β Product Photos (with Label) | βοΈ | Show the bucket, lid, and any printed material type code (e.g., HDPE, PP for plastic; Steel gauge for metal). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe goods as "Plastic Paint Bucket" or "Steel Paint Drum" to match HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net weight and gross weight. Steel buckets are heavier; this helps customs verify consistency. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Capacity Second, Don't Mix Plastic and Steel!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Bucket | Declare as "Plastic Paint Bucket" β HS 3917.29.00.90 β 38.1% |
Declare as "Steel Bucket" β 92.8% (Overpaying) |
| Steel Bucket (<50L) | Declare as "Steel Paint Drum, <50L, Welded" β HS 7310.21.00.75 β 85.0% |
Declare as "Plastic" β Risk of penalty/fines |
| Steel Bucket (Mixed) | Separate lines for Plastic and Steel in the declaration. | Mixed declaration β Customs will reclassify to highest applicable rate |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Composite Buckets (Plastic inner, Steel outer) | Must declare based on essential character. If plastic is dominant, argue for 3917. If steel frame is dominant, expect 7310. Provide structural diagrams. |
| Lids and Seals | If sold separately, they may fall under 3926.90 or 7326.90. Usually, they are included in the bucket's value if packed together. |
| Used/Refurbished Buckets | Import of used plastic/metal containers may face additional sanitary or recycling fees. Declare as "New" if applicable. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Plastic) | Tariff (Plastic) | HS Code (Steel) | Tariff (Steel) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3917.29.00.90 |
38.1% | 7310.21.00.75 |
85.0% | US imposes heavy Section 232 on steel. |
| π¨π³ China | 3923.21.00.00 (Typical) |
~5-10% | 7310.21.00.00 |
~5-10% | Lower base tariffs, no 301/232 surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3923.21.00.00 |
~0-6.5% | 7310.21.00.00 |
~0-6.5% | No Section 301/232 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3923.21.00.00 |
~0-6.5% | 7310.21.00.00 |
~0-6.5% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for steel buckets due to the 50% Section 232 surcharge.
- Plastic buckets remain the cost-effective option for entering the US, despite the 25% Section 301 tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Labeling a Steel Bucket as "Plastic" to avoid the 50% surcharge.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals steel content β Penalties + Back Taxes + Possible Seizure.
β Error 2: Ignoring the 122 Clause Tariff (10%).
π Consequence: Under-declared tax β Audit + Interest.
β Error 3: Using a generic HS Code like 3923.50.00.00 (Plastic Stopcocks/Spouts) for a whole bucket.
π Consequence: Rejection β Delays + Storage Fees.
β Error 4: Mixing Steel and Plastic buckets in one container without clear line-item separation.
π Consequence: Customs may apply the highest tax rate to the entire shipment.
β Correct Approach:
"HDPE Plastic Paint Bucket, 5 Gallon, New, Without Liner"
HS Code:3917.29.00.90
Declared Value: CIF
Origin: China
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic is 38%, Steel is 85%+!"
πΉ "Steel carries the 50% Section 232 Penalty!"
πΉ "Declare Material Clearly, Avoid the 92.8% Trap!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Plastic Paint Buckets from China to the US:
1. Ensure your HS Code is 3917.29.00.90.
2. Prepare documentation proving the material is 100% Plastic (no steel handles or reinforcements that change the essential character).
3. Budget for a 38.1% total duty.
4. Avoid steel buckets unless you have a specific niche market that demands them and can absorb the 85-92% duty.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Request an Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) for your specific bucket design.
π Optimize your supply chain by choosing Plastic for cost efficiency in the US market.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.