Tattoo Pigment Cup Small Size
CN β USAI Analysis
π¨ Tattoo Pigment Cup (Small Size)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Tattoo Pigment Cup"?
The Tattoo Pigment Cup (specifically small size) is a disposable or semi-disposable container used by tattoo artists to hold liquid ink during the tattooing process. In international trade, it is critical to distinguish between the ink itself (regulated as chemical/cosmetic) and the container (regulated as plastic/packaging).
Key Distinction:
- Disposable Plastic Cups: Single-use, molded plastic cups (usually polypropylene or polystyrene) with a cone shape. These are NOT regulated as cosmetics.
- Reusable Glass/Ceramic Dishes: Less common for professional work but may be classified differently.
- Tattoo Ink (Liquid): If shipped with the cups, the ink is classified under a different HS Code (usually 3215 or 3307). This guide focuses SOLELY on the empty cups.
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- If you ship filled cups, customs may classify them as "Cosmetics" or "Toiletries," requiring FDA/CE compliance for ingredients.
- If you ship empty cups, they are classified as Plastic Articles/Packaging.
- Never misdeclare filled ink as empty cups. This is fraud and leads to severe penalties.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.00 |
Other articles of plastics, not elsewhere specified | Disposable tattoo pigment cups, plastic ink pots | β Plastic (PP/PS) |
3923.29.00.00 |
Other plastic sacks and bags, including cones | Plastic sleeves or cones holding pigment (less common for cups) | β Plastic |
9018.90.95.00 |
Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical... | Only if the cup is part of a sterile medical kit (rare for tattoos) | β N/A |
4823.69.80.00 |
Other paper cups | Paper-based pigment holders (rare, as paper absorbs ink) | β Paper |
π Key Reminder:
- Most tattoo pigment cups are made of Polypropylene (PP) or Polystyrene (PS).
- The correct HS Code is almost always3926.90.99.00("Other articles of plastics").
- Do NOT classify under3307(Preparations for perfumery/toiletries) unless the cup is filled with ink.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.00 ββ Plastic Articles (Tattoo Cups)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) β Generally low for simple plastic goods |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) β Section 301 tariffs |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Targeted Chinese/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (deny_de_minimis) β Section 301 goods are excluded from $800 de minimis exemption |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3926.90.99.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Even though the base tariff is 0%, the 35% total rate (25% + 10%) applies due to US-China trade tensions.
- De Minimis Exemption ($800) does NOT apply. Every shipment, regardless of value, is subject to this 35% tariff.
- This significantly impacts small businesses importing cheap plastic cups.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (PP/PS), Size (e.g., 5ml, 10ml), Quantity per box |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm BPA-Free and Non-Toxic (important for safety, though not always required for empty cups) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "EMPTY Plastic Tattoo Pigment Cups - Not for Human Consumption" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and package count |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Show the cups WITHOUT ink, and labels indicating "Empty" or "Disposable" |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Empty Cups, Plastic, Declare as
3926, Avoid Ink, Keep It Dry!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Empty plastic cups | 3926.90.99.00 |
Misdeclared as 3307.10 (Perfume/Toiletries) β Higher scrutiny |
| Cups filled with ink | Do not ship as cups! | Must declare as 3215.90 or 3307.90 with safety data sheets |
| Cups + Sticks bundled | Still 3926.90.99.00 if sticks are minor accessory |
Do not split into separate HS codes |
| Reusable metal/glass cups | 7326.90 (Metal) or 7013.99 (Glass) |
Do not use plastic HS code |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Custom Printed Cups | Ensure logos do not contain prohibited trademarks. Still classified as plastic articles. |
| Sterile Medical Kits | If marketed for "medical use" (e.g., piercings), you may need FDA registration. For tattoos, standard plastic article rules apply. |
| Shipping from Non-China Origins | If sourced from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico, IEEPA 10% tariff may not apply. Check country-specific trade agreements. |
| De Minimis Abuse | Do NOT split large shipments into multiple small packages under $800 to avoid tariffs. CBP tracks this and will consolidate charges + penalties. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.00 |
35% (25% + 10%) | FDA Registration (Facility) | No de minimis. High tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.00 |
5-6% | CCC (if applicable) | Low import duty for domestic trade. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.90 |
0-6.5% (depends on FTAs) | REACH Compliance | Check for plastic waste regulations. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.90 |
0-6.5% | UKCA Marking (if regulated) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.90 |
5% | GOTS/Standard Labelling | No special additional tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-made tattoo cups due to the 35% combined tariff.
- EU and Australia offer more favorable rates but require chemical safety compliance (REACH).
- Origin matters: Sourcing from ASEAN countries can save 10% (IEEPA) but may incur other logistics costs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring filled ink cups as empty plastic cups
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals liquid. Confiscation + $5,000+ Fine.
β Mistake 2: Using De Minimis ($800 exemption) for small plastic cup shipments
π Consequence: CBP recognizes pattern. Penalties, loss of exemption privileges, and back-tariffs.
β Mistake 3: Listing product as "Tattoo Kit" when only cups are shipped
π Consequence: Misleading description. Delay in clearance, request for invoice clarification.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring BPA-Free or Non-Toxic labels
π Consequence: Retailers (especially in EU/USA) may reject goods for not meeting safety standards.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Disposable Plastic Tattoo Pigment Cups, Empty, Made of Polypropylene, 5ml Capacity, HS 3926.90.99.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Savings, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Empty Cups, Plastic,
3926, 35% Tariff, No De Minimis!"
πΉ "Filled Ink, Cosmetic,3215/3307, FDA Required, High Risk!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you are importing large volumes to the US, consider sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand to avoid the 10% IEEPA tariff (saving 10% on CIF value).
- Always request a Supplier Declaration stating the cups are empty and BPA-free.
- Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms if you are not experienced in handling US customs duties.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Your Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos (Empty) + Verify HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Save 35% Tariff Knowledge β Clear Goods Efficiently, Profit Maximization!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Tariff is a Cost You Must Manage!
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.