Tea Box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4819200020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4819504040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923109000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7310210070 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π΅ Tea Boxes (Packaging for Tea)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2024 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Tea Boxes"?
Tea boxes, in the context of international trade and customs classification, refer specifically to the packaging containers designed to convey or pack tea goods. They are not the tea itself, but the vessels that protect the product during transit and storage.
Internationally, these are broadly categorized by material: * Plastic Packaging: Rigid boxes, crates, or specially fitted containers (e.g., for tea bags or bulk leaves). * Paper Packaging: Folding cartons, rigid boxes, or bags made of paper/paperboard. * Metal Packaging: Steel cans or containers (less common for consumer retail, more for industrial storage).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is tea leaves itself β It falls under Chapter 09 (Tea).
- If the product is the empty container made of plastic β It falls under 3923.
- If the product is the empty container made of paper β It falls under 4819.
- If the product is the empty container made of steel β It falls under 7310.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Below are the specific HS Codes extracted from the provided data, categorized by material type.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Type | Specific Application |
|---|---|---|---|
3923.10.20.00 |
Articles for conveyance/packing of goods, of plastics; boxes, cases, crates... Specially shaped for semiconductor wafers/masks/reticles | Plastic | β οΈ Note: The description mentions semiconductors, but the code 3923.10 is generally for plastic packing articles. If the tea box is specially fitted for high-tech goods, it might use this. For general tea packing, see below. |
3923.10.90.00 |
Articles for conveyance/packing of goods, of plastics; boxes, cases, crates... Other | Plastic | β Standard Plastic Tea Boxes/Crates |
7310.21.00.70 |
Tanks, casks, drums, cans... of iron or steel... capacity < 50 liters... cans closed by soldering/crimping... capacity β€ 11.4 liters | Steel/Metal | β Metal Tea Cans (Small, cylindrical, sealed) |
4819.20.00.20 |
Cartons, boxes... of paper, paperboard... Folding cartons... Sanitary food and beverage containers | Paper | β Foldable Paper Tea Cartons |
4819.50.40.40 |
Cartons, boxes... of paper, paperboard... Other packing containers... Rigid boxes and cartons | Paper | β Rigid Paper Tea Boxes (Gift boxes, sturdy storage) |
π Critical Insight:
- Plastic vs. Paper: Most consumer tea packaging uses Paper (4819). Industrial bulk tea or specialized preservation might use Plastic (3923) or Metal (7310).
- Rigid vs. Folding: Gift tea boxes are often Rigid (4819.50.40.40), while standard retail cartons are Folding (4819.20.00.20).
- Metal Cans: Used for long-term freshness, these are classified as Steel Cans (7310.21.00.70) if small (<11.4L) and soldered/crimped.
π° III. 2024 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Note: The following taxes reflect the "Section 301" additional tariffs and base rates as provided in the data.
π― 1. 3923.10.20.00 β Plastic Packing Articles (Specially Shaped)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate 0% + Surtax 25% |
π Explanation:
- Although the description mentions semiconductors, this code under 3923.10 carries a 25% total tax.
- For general plastic tea boxes, if they are not "specially shaped for semiconductors," they may fall under3923.10.90.00.
π― 2. 3923.10.90.00 β Plastic Packing Articles (Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28% |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate 3% + Surtax 25% |
π Explanation:
- This is the standard code for most plastic tea packaging (boxes, crates, bags).
- Total Cost Impact: 28% is a significant addition to the landed cost.
π― 3. 7310.21.00.70 β Steel Cans/Casks (Capacity < 50 Liters)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Steel/Alu/Copper Surtax) | +50.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 75.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75% |
| Legal Basis | Base 0% + Steel Surcharge 50% + Section 301 25% |
π Warning:
- Extremely High Tax! Steel tea cans are subject to a 50% surcharge on steel products PLUS the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Total Effective Rate: 75%. This makes steel tea cans very expensive to import into the US from China.
π― 4. 4819.20.00.20 β Paper Folding Cartons (Sanitary Food/Beverage Containers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate 0% + Surtax 25% |
π Explanation:
- This is a common code for standard tea cartons.
- Total Tax: 25%. Lower than plastic ("Other") and much lower than steel.
π― 5. 4819.50.40.40 β Paper Rigid Boxes and Cartons
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate 0% + Surtax 25% |
π Explanation:
- Ideal for premium gift tea boxes (rigid structure).
- Total Tax: 25%. Competitive rate compared to other materials.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Empty Packaging Material" not "Tea". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail dimensions, weight, and material (e.g., "Rigid Paper Box"). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify if it is Food-Grade Plastic or Paper/Cardboard. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the box structure, closures, and any food-contact labels. |
| β FDA Compliance (if food contact) | βοΈ | For plastic boxes, ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR for food contact surfaces. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To verify surtax applicability (e.g., China origin triggers 25%+ surtaxes). |
β 2. Classification Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material Dictates Code, Food Contact Requires FDA, Steel Pays Double!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Standard folded paper tea box | 4819.20.00.20 (25% total) |
Misclassifying as plastic β Higher tax? (Same rate here, but wrong description) |
| Premium rigid gift tea box | 4819.50.40.40 (25% total) |
Classifying as "Plastic" β 28% or more complex classification |
| Small metal tin for tea leaves | 7310.21.00.70 (75% total!) |
β AVOID if possible due to 75% tax! Consider plastic alternatives. |
| Plastic container for tea bags | 3923.10.90.00 (28% total) |
Misclassifying as "General Plastic" β Might trigger different surtaxes |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Food-Grade Plastic | Must provide FDA correspondence or certification. Non-compliance leads to detention at port. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping Tea (Ch 09) AND Boxes (Ch 39/48/73), declare separately. Do not bundle unless it's a "set" (but packaging is usually separate). |
| Steel Cans | Due to the 75% total tax, explore plastic or paper alternatives for cost efficiency. |
| Custom Shapes | If boxes are "specially shaped" for specific machinery, ensure the description matches the HS code exactly (e.g., 3923.10.20.00). |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2024 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (CN Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4819.20.00.20 / 4819.50.40.40 |
25% (Section 301) | FDA (for food contact) | Steel boxes face 75% duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 4819.20.00.00 / 4819.50.00.00 |
~5-10% | None (Imported packaging) | Lower base rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4819.20 / 4819.50 |
0% (Under GSP/FTA for some) | Food Contact Material (FCM) Compliance | No Section 301 surtax. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4819.20 / 4819.50 |
0% | FCM Compliance | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: High tariffs due to Section 301. Paper is the most cost-effective (25%). Steel is prohibitively expensive (75%).
- EU/UK: No retaliatory tariffs on packaging. Focus on Food Safety Compliance.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Tea Boxes" as "Tea"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential duty evasion charges, and detention. Tea (Ch 09) has different tariffs than packaging.
β Error 2: Misclassifying Paper Boxes as Plastic
π Consequence: If the material is paper, it should be 4819. Misclassification can lead to audits and back-dated duties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Food-Contact Regulations for Plastic Boxes
π Consequence: US Customs and FDA may refuse entry if FDA compliance documentation is missing for plastic packaging touching food.
β Error 4: Using Steel Cans for Mass Market Tea
π Consequence: 75% Total Tax destroys profit margins. Use plastic or paper instead.
β Correct Practice:
"Empty Rigid Paper Tea Gift Boxes, Food-Grade Inner Liner, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Paper is Best (25%), Plastic is Okay (28%), Steel is Pain (75%)."
πΉ "Material Defines Code, FDA Defends Entry."
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping food-grade plastic containers, ensure you have FDA Letter of Compliance ready. For paper boxes, focus on structural integrity and print accuracy to match the 4819 codes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker for Advance Rulings if you have unique box shapes.
π Opt for Paper or Plastic to avoid the 75% Steel Surtax!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Packaging, Your Profit Margin!
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.