Waste Metal Cans
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7602000035 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7204490080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7204490080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7602000035 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🗑️ Waste Metal Cans (Scrap Aluminum/Iron)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know "Waste Metal Cans"?
Waste metal cans, primarily aluminum or iron/steel beverage containers, are categorized under international trade as metal scrap. In customs classification, the key distinction lies in the material composition (Aluminum vs. Iron/Steel) and the form (Shredded, Baled, or Residual).
Key Distinctions: * Aluminum Cans: If the can is identified as aluminum, it falls under the aluminum scrap category. * Iron/Steel Cans: If the can is identified as iron or non-alloy steel, it falls under the iron/steel scrap category. * Form: Whether it is whole, shredded, or residual, the primary driver for HS Code selection is the metal type.
⚠️ Critical Note:
- "Waste" implies scrap status, not reusable containers.
- Misclassification between Aluminum and Steel can lead to significant duty discrepancies or rejection.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are two primary HS Codes depending on the inferred material.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Scenario | Material Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
7602.00.00.35 |
Waste Metal Cans (Aluminum) | Aluminum cans, recyclable containers | Aluminum |
7204.49.00.80 |
Waste Metal Cans (Iron/Steel) | Iron or non-alloy steel cans, residuals, or general scrap | Iron / Non-Alloy Steel |
🔍 Priority Logic:
- If Material is Aluminum: Use7602.00.00.35. The summary confirms: "Material inferred as aluminum... meets the logic of recyclable metal containers."
- If Material is Iron/Steel: Use7204.49.00.80. The summary confirms: "Inferred material as iron or non-alloy steel... meets the fallback logic for other categories."
- Residual Scrap: If the cans are heavily damaged/residual,7204.49.00.80is used for iron/steel residuals.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Implied by the specific tax structure: Base 0% + 25% + 10%)
✅ Effective Date: Current Trade Regulations
🎯 1. 7602.00.00.35 —— Aluminum Waste Cans
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific USITC Footnote) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (Strictly regulated scrap) |
📌 Explanation:
- Base (0%): Aluminum scrap generally has a low base duty.
- Section 301 (+25%): Applies to most Chinese-origin goods under trade war tariffs.
- Section 122 (+10%): A specific additional duty applied to this HS code.
- Total 35%: This is a high-cost category for scrap exports.
🎯 2. 7204.49.00.80 —— Iron/Steel Waste Cans & Residuals
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific USITC Footnote) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (Strictly regulated scrap) |
📌 Explanation:
- Base (0%): Iron/steel scrap generally has a low base duty.
- Section 301 (+25%): Applies to most Chinese-origin goods.
- Section 122 (+10%): A specific additional duty applied to this HS code.
- Total 35%: Identical rate structure to aluminum scrap in this dataset.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Can Be Missing)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Composition Certificate | ✔️ | Must clearly state % of Aluminum vs. Iron/Steel. Critical for selecting 7602 vs 7204. |
| ✅ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | ✔️ | To confirm no hazardous residues (e.g., paint, chemicals) inside cans. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must specify "Waste Aluminum/Iron Cans" not just "Cans." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Weight details (Net/Gross) to verify volume/weight ratio (scrap density matters). |
| ✅ Phytosanitary Certificate | ✔️ | If organic residue is suspected, customs may require this to prevent pest risks. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | ✔️ | To confirm Chinese origin and apply the correct 35% rate accurately. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Material First, Waste Second, No Mixed Bags, Tax Rate Fixed!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Aluminum Cans | HS 7602.00.00.35 |
Declaring as Steel → Potential Misclassification Penalty |
| Mixed Metal Cans | Must Separate or Declare as Mixed Scrap (Check Local Rules) | Declaring as "Cans" without material spec → Customs Hold |
| Cans with Residue | Declare as "Waste/Scrap" | Declaring as "Recyclable Containers" → Wrong HS Code (Different Duty) |
| Residual Iron Shreds | HS 7204.49.00.80 |
Declaring as Finished Goods → Smuggling Risk |
✅ 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Contaminated Cans | If cans contain non-metal residue, they may be classified as municipal waste or require cleaning certificates before import as scrap. |
| Baled vs. Loose | Ensure bales are tightly compressed. Loose cans may incur higher volumetric weight fees or rejection if they don't meet scrap specifications. |
| Labeling | Clearly label packages as "METAL SCRAP - ALUMINUM" or "METAL SCRAP - STEEL". Vague labels cause delays. |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7602.00.00.35 / 7204.49.00.80 |
35% (Base 0% + 25% + 10%) | MSDS, Phytosanitary (if needed) | Highest cost market due to Section 301 & 122. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | Various Scrap Codes | Varies (Usually 0-4%) | REACH, WEEE Compliance | Lower tariffs, stricter environmental standards. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 7204/7602 series | Varies (Import Duty) | N/A (Domestic Recycle) | Often imports scrap, but policies are tightening. |
| 🇮🇳 India | Various Scrap Codes | Varies | BIS Certification | High duties on scrap, strict quality checks. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for waste metal cans due to the 35% cumulative tariff.
- Ensure your supplier provides accurate material composition to avoid re-classification penalties.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Aluminum Cans" as "Steel Cans" (or vice versa) to guess a lower tax.
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection will reveal the mismatch → Fine, Penalty, and Back-tariff!
❌ Error 2: Not declaring as "Waste/Scrap" but as "Used Cans."
👉 Consequence: Customs may view it as second-hand goods or municipal waste, leading to rejection or return.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff.
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of 10% → Customs Audit and Seizure.
❌ Error 4: Mixed materials without proper segregation.
👉 Consequence: If mixed aluminum and steel are shipped together, customs may apply the higher duty or reject the batch.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Aluminum Scrap Cans, Clean, Baled, HS 7602.00.00.35, Origin: China"
"Iron Scrap Cans, Shredded, HS 7204.49.00.80, Origin: China"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Efficiency!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Material Determines Code, Waste Determines Duty. 35% is the US Standard for Scrap."
🔹 "Aluminum = 7602, Steel = 7204. Don't Mix Them, Don't Lie to Them!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are exporting waste metal cans to the US, calculate the 35% duty into your price model immediately. There are no de minimis exemptions for scrap metals in most cases. Consider consolidating shipments to maximize container load efficiency to dilute logistics costs.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify material composition with your supplier.
📄 Prepare MSDS and Packing List.
🚀 Declare accurately to avoid customs holds!
✨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Precise Classification!
💼 Your Cost is Worth Calculating Precisely!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.