Sky Lantern

🌟 Sky Lantern (Chinese Sky Lantern / Kongming Lantern)

🌐 HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One of the Most Misclassified Items in Festival & Entertainment Trade!

📦 一、Product Definition & Classification: What Is a Sky Lantern?

A sky lantern (also known as a Kongming lantern or floating lantern) is a small, open-bottomed paper lantern powered by a small candle or fuel cell. When lit, the hot air inside causes it to rise into the sky, creating a beautiful, glowing effect often used in festivals, weddings, and celebrations.

⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- Not a light fixture → Cannot be classified under lighting (9405)
- Not a simple paper decoration → Cannot be classified under confetti (9505.90.40)
- Contains a flame source and is designed to fly → Must be treated as a pyrotechnic or fire hazard device

✅ Correct Classification:
Fireworks, signaling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles: Fireworks: Other (including Class 1.4G) Other
→ HS Code: 3604.10.90.50

📌 二、HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Reference)

🔍 Why Sky Lanterns Are NOT in 9505.90.40.00 or 9405.50.40.00
- These codes apply to non-flammable, non-flying items like streamers, paper spirals, or non-electric lamps.
- Sky lanterns burn fuel, generate heat, and ascend into the air → They are pyrotechnic devices, not mere party favors.

❗ Common Mistake:
Many exporters label sky lanterns as “decorations” or “paper lanterns” → Result: Misclassification, customs delays, fines, or seizure.

💰 三、2026 Latest Tariff & Duty Breakdown (With Full Legal Basis)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive)

🎯 1. 3604.10.90.50 — Sky Lanterns (Class 1.4G Pyrotechnic Devices)

📌 Explanation:
- Although sky lanterns are fire hazards, they are not subject to the 25% Section 301 or 10% IEEPA tariffs because they are not listed as "electronics" or "industrial goods". - The 5.3% base duty applies because they are classified under fireworks. - De minimis applies → Small shipments (<$800) can enter duty-free under US law.

✅ Good News:
- No additional 25% or 10% tariffs → Much better than most Chinese imports! - Still subject to strict safety regulations (see below).

🎯 2. 3604.10.90.10 — Class 1.4G Fireworks (Class C)

📌 When This Applies:
- Only if the sky lantern is not a fire hazard, does not use open flame, and is certified as non-pyrotechnic. - Rarely applicable to real sky lanterns — most use candles or fuel cells → not eligible.

❌ Do NOT claim this code unless you have certified non-flame, battery-powered, non-flying lanterns.

🛠️ 四、Customs Clearance Tips (Real-World Pro Tips)

✅ 1. Required Documents (Must-Have)

✅ 2.申报技巧（Key Rules to Avoid Rejection）

🔥 "Flame + Flight = Fireworks" — Never Lie About the Design!

📌 Pro Tip:
- Use “Class 1.4G Firework – Non-Explosive, Non-Propulsive” in the invoice description. - Avoid words like “decorative,” “party favor,” or “lantern” without context.

✅ 3. Special Handling & Restrictions

🌍 五、Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Insight:
- USA has the highest duty (5.3%) among major markets — but no additional 25% or 10% tariffs. - EU and Japan have 0% duty if compliant with safety standards. - Australia and Japan ban air shipment — must use sea freight.

📌 六、常见错误 & 避坑指南（Real Cases from 2024–2025）

❌ Mistake 1: Labeling sky lanterns as “paper streamers” or “party favors”
👉 Result: Seized at US port, $5,000+ in fines, delayed shipment

❌ Mistake 2: Not providing safety test report
👉 Result: Customs holds shipment for 2–4 weeks, costs $2,000+ in storage

❌ Mistake 3: Shipping via air freight
👉 Result: Carrier refuses, returned to sender, 100% loss

❌ Mistake 4: Using non-biodegradable materials
👉 Result: Banned in EU, Canada, and California

✅ Correct Approach:

“Class 1.4G Firework – Sky Lantern, 15cm, Biodegradable Paper, Non-Toxic Fuel Cell, Flame-Resistant, For Outdoor Use Only”

🎯 七、Conclusion: Smart Classification = Smooth Clearance

🎯 Key Takeaway:

🔹 Sky lanterns are NOT party decorations — they are fireworks
🔹 HS Code 3604.10.90.50 is correct — not 9505.90.40.00
🔹 5.3% duty in US — no extra 25% or 10%
🔹 De minimis applies — small orders < $800 = duty-free
🔹 Never ship by air — Class 1.4G is prohibited

📌 Pro Tip:

If you’re exporting sky lanterns, apply for a pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) with US Customs before shipment.
This guarantees your HS Code and duty rate — no surprises, no delays.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a US Customs Broker + Provide product photos + test report
🚀 Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling → Get legal certainty before shipping

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Correct Classification!
💼 Don’t let a 5.3% duty or a $5,000 fine ruin your festival business!