Ultimate Beginner Kit
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3213100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3213900000 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5406001090 | 42.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5406001020 | 42.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Ultimate Beginner Kit (Artists' & Signboard Painters' Colors)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is an "Ultimate Beginner Kit"?
An "Ultimate Beginner Kit" in the context of art supplies typically refers to a pre-packaged set of paints intended for students, hobbyists, or signboard painters. These kits usually include artists' colors, students' colors, modifying tints, or amusement colors.
The critical factor for HS Code classification is packaging and presentation: 1. Sets/Containers: If the paints are packaged together in tablets, tubes, jars, bottles, pans, or similar forms specifically for retail sale as a set. 2. Individual Items: If the items are sold separately (e.g., a single tube of acrylic or a single jar of tempera).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a complete set (multiple colors/paints bundled together for retail) β It falls under HS 3213.10.
- If the product is a single type/color or bulk paint not presented as a retail set β It may fall under HS 3213.90 (Other).
- Note: The provided data also lists Man-made filament yarn (HS 5406), which is unrelated to paint kits. This guide focuses strictly on the paint-related HS codes (3213) as per the "Ultimate Beginner Kit" description.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided <DATA>, the relevant HS Codes for Artists', Students', or Signboard Painters' Colors are:
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Retail Set? |
|---|---|---|---|
3213.10.00.00 |
Colors in sets (Artists', students' or signboard painters' colors, modifying tints, amusement colors... in tablets, tubes, jars, bottles, pans or similar forms or packings) |
Applies when multiple paint components are packaged together as a unified retail product (e.g., "Beginner's Watercolor Set," "Student Acrylic Kit"). | β Yes |
3213.90.00.00 |
Other (Artists', students' or signboard painters' colors...) |
Applies to individual tubes, single jars, or non-set packings of artists' colors. If your "Kit" is actually a bulk box of individual tubes not packaged as a "set," it may fall here. | β No (Individual/Other) |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Ultimate Beginner Kit" strongly implies a Set. Therefore,3213.10.00.00is the most accurate classification.
- Do not misclassify as yarn (5406) or other unrelated categories.
- If the kit includes brushes, palettes, or paper, these may need separate classification unless they are integral and commonly sold with the paints in the same package (check local customs ruling).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Countries: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context, but rates below are general for HS 3213.10)
β Effective Time: 2025β2026
π― 1. 3213.10.00.00 ββ Artists' Colors in Sets
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariffs | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Applicable (If value β€ $800) |
π Explanation:
- Zero Tariff: HS Code 3213.10.00.00 currently carries 0% basic tariff and 0% additional tariffs (such as Section 301 or IEEPA duties) for most origins, including China, under the provided data.
- No Section 301 Duty: Unlike electronics or steel, artists' colors in sets are not subject to the 25% Section 301 tariff or the 10% IEEPA tariff in this specific dataset.
- Cost Advantage: This is a low-risk, low-cost classification for importers.
π― 2. 3213.90.00.00 ββ Other Artists' Colors
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariffs | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
π Note:
- Same tax treatment as3213.10.00.00.
- Only relevant if the product is not classified as a "set."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | β Yes | Clearly state "Artists' Colors in Sets" and HS Code 3213.10.00.00. Avoid vague terms like "Craft Supplies" without detail. |
| Packing List | β Yes | Detail the contents: Number of tubes, jars, tablets, and their types (e.g., "12x Watercolor Tubes, 8x Acrylic Jars"). |
| Product Photos | β Yes | Show the retail packaging to prove it is a "Set" (bundled together) rather than loose individual items. |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | β Yes | Some paints may contain hazardous materials (e.g., heavy metals, flammable solvents). MSDS helps clear safety inspections. |
| Declaration of Compliance | β Yes | Confirm compliance with consumer safety standards (e.g., CPSIA for US, if applicable for non-professional kits). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Precise, Pack as Set, Declare as Colors, Zero Duty, Clear Fast!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle of 12 Tubes in a Box | "Artists' Colors in Sets" β 3213.10.00.00 |
"Miscellaneous Paints" β Risk of incorrect classification |
| Single Tube Sold Alone | "Other Artists' Colors" β 3213.90.00.00 |
"Set" β Misclassification |
| Kit with Brushes & Paper | Declare paints as 3213.10.00.00; brushes/paper separately if not integral |
Combine all into one HS Code β Risk of audit |
β 3. Special Scenarios
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Including Non-Paint Items | If the kit includes brushes, easels, or paper, consider declaring them separately if their value is significant. Otherwise, ensure the paints are the primary component. |
| "Amusement Colors" or "Craft Paints" | Still fall under HS 3213 if intended for artistic/educational use. Do not classify as toys (9503) unless they are strictly toy-like (e.g., finger paints with character shapes). |
| Bulk Industrial Paints | Not covered by HS 3213. These would fall under other chapters (e.g., 3208 or 3209). Ensure your "Beginner Kit" is artists'/students' grade, not industrial. |
π V. Global Customs Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3213.10.00.00 |
0.0% | No Section 301 duty for this code. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3213.10 |
0% | Generally duty-free for artistic colors. |
| π¨π³ China | 3213.10 |
Varies | Check local Chinese import duties for exports back to China. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3213.10 |
0% | Post-Brexit tariff may vary, but generally low for artistic goods. |
π Conclusion:
- USA and EU are highly favorable for HS 3213.10 imports with 0% tariff.
- Focus on accurate description and proof of "set" packaging to ensure smooth clearance.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Craft Supplies" or "Toys"
π Result: Incorrect HS Code β Potential delay, additional duties, or seizure.
β
Fix: Use "Artists' Colors" or "Students' Colors" explicitly.
β Mistake 2: Failing to prove it's a "Set"
π Result: Customs may classify as "Other" (3213.90) if packaging is unclear.
β
Fix: Provide photos showing the bundled packaging.
β Mistake 3: Including Hazardous Materials without MSDS
π Result: Shipment held at customs for safety inspection.
β
Fix: Provide MSDS for all paint types (especially acrylics, oils, or solvent-based paints).
π― VII. Final Recommendation: Professional Clearance, Smooth Entry!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Sets are 3213.10, Others are 3213.90, Both are 0% Duty, Describe Precisely!"
πΉ "Zero Tariff is the Goal, Accurate Declaration is the Key!"
π Pro Tip:
If your "Ultimate Beginner Kit" includes non-paint items (e.g., brushes, aprons), consider splitting the shipment or declaring them separately to avoid complexity. However, if the paints are the main value and purpose, 3213.10.00.00 is the correct and tariff-free choice.
π£ Take Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the product photos and packing list.
π Declare as "Artists' Colors in Sets" (HS 3213.10.00.00) to benefit from 0% Duty.
β Ensure MSDS is ready for any solvent-based or hazardous components.
β¨ Professional Classification, Zero Duty Advantage!
πΌ Your Art Supplies Deserve a Smooth Journey!
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.