Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908610 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8205595560 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8211955000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8205513060 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π³ Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack (δΈιι’η£ζ§εζΆ)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is a "Magnetic Knife Rack"?
A Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack is a kitchen organization tool designed to hold kitchen knives securely using magnetic force. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on two factors: 1. Structure & Function: Is it a standalone "knife holder/stand" (εεΊ§/εζΆ) or a "mounting rack" (εζΆ/ζζΆ)? 2. Material: While made of stainless steel (Iron/Steel), it may fall under "General Iron/Steel Articles" or "Cutlery/Hand Tool Accessories" depending on its primary design intent.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a stand/holder with slots for knives to rest in (often combined with magnetic strips), it is typically classified as Knife Holders/Stands (εεΊ§). - If it is purely a magnetic strip/rack for hanging knives on a wall, it may be classified as Other Iron/Steel Articles (ε Άδ»ιεΆζι’εΆεΆε).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their corresponding tax implications for importing from China to the US.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.88 |
Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack (Magnetic, Iron/Steel) | Wall-mounted magnetic racks, general steel accessories | Classified under "Other articles of iron or steel" (8205.51 category equivalent logic applied to general steel). |
7326.90.86.10 |
Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack (Magnetic, Iron/Steel) | General metal product, knife holder form factor | Classified under "Other metal articles". |
8205.59.55.60 |
Stainless Steel Knife Block/Stand (εεΊ§) | Knife blocks with slots, likely includes magnetic base | Classified under "Other hand tools" - Iron/Steel other categories. |
8211.95.50.00 |
Stainless Steel Knife Block/Stand (Parts of Knives) | Stand/Holder viewed as a part/Accessory of cutlery | Classified under "Parts of other fixed-blade knives". |
8205.51.30.60 |
Stainless Steel Knife Block/Stand (Household Tool) | Household kitchen utensil holder (Iron/Steel) | Classified under "Household tools and parts". |
π Critical Insight:
- Codes7326.90.xxxxtreat the product as a General Steel Article. This usually attracts higher general tariffs due to Section 301 and 122 penalties on steel/aluminum. - Codes8205and8211treat the product as a Cutlery Accessory/Tool. While the base duty might be slightly lower or structured differently (ad valorem vs. specific), the additional penalties remain severe. - Note:8211.95.50.00has a unique structure: 0.4Β’ per unit + 6.1% + 35%. This specific/compound duty can be advantageous for low-value items but risky for high-value bulk imports.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current policies (Section 301 + 122 Clauses)
π― 1. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.90.86.10 ββ Magnetic Knife Rack (General Steel Article)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% (MFN Rate for General Steel Articles) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | +50.0% (Specific to Steel/Aluminum/Copper articles under Section 122) |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT APPLICABLE (Section 122 and 301 duties are not waived under $800 for these categories) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.86 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 (301) β Section 122 Statute |
π Explanation:
- The 87.9% rate is extremely high. It combines the standard MFN rate (2.9%) with the aggressive 301 tariff (25%) and the specific Steel/Aluminum Section 122 tariff (50%). - Why so high? The US government imposes steep tariffs on Chinese steel products to protect domestic industry. Even if the item is a "knife rack," if it's classified as "Other Iron/Steel Articles," it falls under these punitive measures. - Cost Impact: For a $100 shipment, you pay $87.90 in duties alone.
π― 2. 8205.59.55.60 & 8205.51.30.60 ββ Stainless Steel Knife Block/Stand (Hand Tool/Cutlery Part)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% - 5.3% (Varies by specific subheading) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | +10.0% (Note: Some hand tool/cutlery categories may have different 122 rates or exemptions, but data shows 10% here) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% - 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ (38.7% or 40.3%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT APPLICABLE (Still subject to Section 301) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8205.5x.xx β IEEPA:9903.01.25 (301) β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- These codes offer a significant saving compared to the7326codes. - The total rate is roughly half of the magnetic rack code. - Why? Customs may view a "Knife Block/Stand" as a functional part of kitchen cutlery (Chapter 82) rather than a generic steel article (Chapter 73). However, the 301 tariff (25%) still applies aggressively.
π― 3. 8211.95.50.00 ββ Stainless Steel Knife Block/Stand (Parts of Fixed-Blade Knives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.4Β’ per unit + 6.1% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 6.1% + 35% (Total Add-on) + Specific Duty |
| Effective Rate | ~41.1% + 0.4Β’/unit |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT APPLICABLE |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8211.95.50 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 (301) β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This code has a compound duty structure: a per-unit fee (0.4 cents) plus a percentage. - For low-value items (e.g., a $5 rack), the percentage (6.1% + 35%) applies to the value, plus 0.4Β’. - For high-value items, the percentage dominates. - Total effective rate is approximately 41.1%, similar to the8205codes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Detailed material composition (e.g., "304 Stainless Steel"), weight, dimensions. |
| β Function Description | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Magnetic strip for holding knives" OR "Knife block with magnetic base". |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the magnetic feature, slots, and mounting hardware. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match the HS Code description precisely. Do not use vague terms like "Kitchen Gift Set". |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | Certificate of Origin (CO) is mandatory for Section 301 assessment. |
β 2. Classification Strategy & Naming Conventions
π₯ "Name Matters, Function Dictates!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk Level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Magnetic Wall Strip | 7326.90.86.88 or 7326.90.86.10 |
π΄ High Cost (87.9%) | If classified as "General Steel Article". High tariff risk. |
| Knife Block/Stand with Slots | 8205.59.55.60 or 8205.51.30.60 |
π‘ Medium Cost (38.7-40.3%) | Preferred if it holds knives in a stand. Lower 122 rate (10% vs 50%). |
| Accessory/Part for Knife Set | 8211.95.50.00 |
π‘ Medium Cost (~41.1%) | Only if sold as part of a knife set or explicitly as a "knife part". |
π Advice:
- If possible, market and declare the product as a "Knife Holder/Block" (εεΊ§) rather than just a "Magnetic Rack". This shifts classification to Chapter 82 (Tools/Cutlery) instead of Chapter 73 (General Steel), potentially saving ~47% in duties (87.9% β ~40%). - Avoid vague terms like "Steel Accessory". Be specific: "Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Holder".
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Sold as Part of a Knife Set | If sold together with knives, the entire set might be classified under the knife HS Code (Chapter 82), potentially avoiding the 50% Section 122 steel tax if the primary character is cutlery. |
| Low-Value Shipments (<$800) | β Do Not Rely on De Minimis. Section 301 and 122 duties apply regardless of value. |
| Material Composition | Ensure the product is >99% iron/steel. If it contains significant non-steel components (e.g., plastic base, wood), re-evaluate classification to avoid "Steel Article" penalties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Total Duty | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8205.59.55.60 (Knife Block) |
~40.3% | FCC (if electronic), FDA (if food contact) | Avoid 7326 if possible (87.9%). |
| π¨π³ China | 8205.59.55.60 |
Low (5-10%) | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301/122. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7326.90.98 or 8205.59 |
0-6.5% | CE, LFGB (Food Contact) | No punitive steel tariffs. |
| π¬π§ UK | 7326.90.98 |
0-6.5% | UKCA, FSA | Post-Brexit tariffs vary. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 7326.90.98 |
0-6.5% | Health Canada | No Section 301 equivalent. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs. - Optimization: Classify as Knife Block/Holder (Chapter 82) to reduce duty from 87.9% to ~40%. - Alternative: Consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if margins are tight, though steel tariffs may still apply depending on origin rules.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring a "Magnetic Knife Rack" as 7326.90.86.88 when it functions as a Knife Block.
π Consequence: Pay 87.9% instead of 40.3%. Loss of 47.6% in duties.
β Error 2: Assuming "De Minimis" ($800) applies to steel products.
π Consequence: Customs seizure or forced payment of duties + penalties. Section 301/122 applies to all value.
β Error 3: Vague Description: "Kitchen Tool".
π Consequence: Customs may assign the worst-case HS Code or delay clearance for inspection.
β Correct Approach:
"Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Block, Kitchen Utensil, 304 Stainless Steel, Holds 6 Knives, Wall Mountable"
π― VII. Conclusion: Strategic Clearance for Profit Maximization
π― Remember the Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Chapter 73 = Steel Tax (87.9%)"
πΉ "Chapter 82 = Tool Tax (~40%)"
πΉ Classify as 'Knife Holder/Block' to Save 47%!
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider:
1. Design Adjustment: Create a "Knife Block" with magnetic features rather than a "Magnetic Strip" to qualify for Chapter 82.
2. Advance Ruling: Apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US CBP Ruling to confirm the HS Code before shipment.
3. Supply Chain Diversification: If margins cannot absorb 40% duty, explore sourcing from countries with FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) with the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder with the Chapter 82 HS Code (
8205.59.55.60or8205.51.30.60).
π Update your product listing to emphasize "Knife Block" or "Knife Holder" over "Magnetic Rack".
π Reduce your duty cost by nearly half today!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Start with Precision!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty 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.