Thermos Cup
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9617001000 | 17.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9617003000 | 16.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323930060 | 62.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7418100051 | 70.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ Thermos Cup (Vacuum Insulated Containers)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding the "Thermos Cup"
A "Thermos Cup" (Vacuum Insulated Container) is a household appliance designed to maintain the temperature of liquids. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on material and specific usage attributes.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Finished Consumer Good (Vacuum Container): Often classified under Heading 9617, focusing on the function as a finished vacuum container.
- Tableware/Kitchen Utensil (Metal): If classified as general stainless steel tableware (Heading 7323), it faces significantly higher tariffs due to "Section 301" and "Steel/Aluminum/Copper" surcharges.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Authoritative 2026 Tariff Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
9617.00.10.00 |
Vacuum insulated containers; finished consumer goods | Finished thermos cups, vacuum flasks for daily use | β Finished Consumer Good |
9617.00.30.00 |
Vacuum insulated containers; container attribute | General vacuum containers, categorized by container function | β Vacuum Container |
7323.93.00.60 |
Stainless steel tableware; kitchen/household utensils | Stainless steel cups not specifically defined as vacuum containers elsewhere | β Metal/Tableware Focus |
7323.99.90.30 |
Household utensils; kitchen/dining tableware | General household metal utensils | β General Household Item |
7418.10.00.51 |
Household non-electric heating apparatus | Specific household non-electric warming devices | β Non-electric Heater |
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Policy Analysis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025β2026 (Current Enforcement)
π― 1. 9617.00.10.00 β Vacuum Insulated Container (Finished Consumer Good)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 7.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to scrutiny if consolidated shipments) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:9617.00.10.00 β Section 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification for standard thermos cups.
- The "Section 122" tariff adds 10%, but no Section 301 steel/aluminum surcharge applies here because it is classified as a "finished consumer good/vacuum container" rather than raw steel products.
- Total Tax: 17.2%.
π― 2. 9617.00.30.00 β Vacuum Insulated Container (Container Attribute)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 16.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:9617.00.30.00 β Section 122: +10% |
π Note:
- Very similar to the previous code.
- The slight difference in base duty (6.9% vs 7.2%) depends on specific sub-category definitions of "vacuum containers."
- Total Tax: 16.9%. This is the lowest possible tax rate for thermos cups.
π― 3. 7323.93.00.60 β Stainless Steel Tableware (Kitchen Utensils)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 2.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 62.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 62.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:7323.93.00.60 β USITC: Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge |
π Warning:
- Although the base tariff is low (2.0%), the 50% steel surcharge drastically increases the cost.
- This classification applies if customs authorities view the item purely as "stainless steel tableware" rather than a specialized vacuum container.
- Total Tax: 62.0%.
π― 4. 7323.99.90.30 β Other Household Utensils
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 88.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:7323.99.90.30 β Section 301: 25% + Steel Surcharge: 50% |
π Critical Alert:
- This is the highest risk classification.
- Combines Section 301 (25%), Section 122 (10%), and the Steel Surcharge (50%).
- Total Tax: 88.4%. Avoid this classification for standard thermos cups unless strictly necessary for other reasons.
π― 5. 7418.10.00.51 β Household Non-Electric Heating Apparatus
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 70.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 70.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:7418.10.00.51 β Steel Surcharge: 50% |
π Note:
- Applies if the cup is deemed a "non-electric heating device" (less common for standard drinking thermoses).
- Total Tax: 70.5%. Still significantly higher than the9617codes.
π οΈ IV. Practical Customs Clearance Advice
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (Stainless Steel 304/316), Volume, Insulation Type |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the cup, label, and vacuum seal structure |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Cup" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed breakdown of contents |
| β Test Reports | βοΈ | FDA Food Contact Safe, BPA-Free, Lead-Free certificates |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βChoose 9617, Avoid 7323, Lower Tax by 70%!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Thermos Cup | 9617.00.10.00 or 9617.00.30.00 |
16.9% β 17.2% | Classified as "Vacuum Container," avoiding steel surcharges. |
| Bulk Steel Cups (No Vacuum) | 7323.93.00.60 |
62.0% | High steel surcharge (50%) applies. |
| General Metal Household Items | 7323.99.90.30 |
88.4% | Highest risk; avoid unless no other option. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Custom Branding | Provide brand authorization letters; ensures smooth clearance under 9617. |
| Mixed Containers (Cups + Accessories) | Declare cups separately; accessories (e.g., cleaning brushes) may have different rates. |
| Material Change (Plastic Cup) | If made of plastic, reclassify under Chapter 39 (e.g., 3924.10), avoiding steel surcharges entirely. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9617.00.10.00 |
17.2% | Avoid 7323 due to 50% steel surcharge. |
| π¨π³ China | 9617.00.10.00 |
17.2% | Standard export rate. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9617.00.10.00 |
Variable | Depends on FTA; generally lower than US. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9617.00.10.00 |
5% β 10% | No steel surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most critical market for tariff optimization.
- Correct classification under9617saves 50β70% in taxes compared to misclassification as steel tableware.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Declaring as "Stainless Steel Tableware" (7323.93.00.60)
π Consequence: 50% steel surcharge applies β Tax jumps to 62.0%.
β Error 2: Failing to specify "Vacuum Insulated"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify as general metal container β Higher duties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Even under 9617, 10% Section 122 applies. Do not assume 0% duty.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 12oz, Double-Wall Vacuum, Food Grade 304 Steel, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance
π― Remember:
πΉ βVacuum Container = 9617 = 17% Taxβ
πΉ βSteel Tableware = 7323 = 62β88% Taxβ
πΉ βChoose wisely, save massively!β
π Pro Tip:
If your thermos cups are made of plastic or ceramic, reclassify accordingly to avoid steel surcharges entirely.
For stainless steel cups, always argue for 9617.00.10.00 based on their primary function as vacuum-insulated containers.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a customs broker to verify
9617eligibility for your specific product.
π Accurate classification = Lower costs + Faster clearance + Higher profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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.