Wheat straw bales
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1404904000 | 37.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1213000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1404909090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1401904000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΎ Wheat Straw Bales (Agricultural Waste & Raw Plant Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Wheat Straw Bales"?
Wheat straw bales are the dried stalks remaining after wheat grain harvesting. In international trade, they are primarily classified as plant products or vegetable materials. However, their classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Processing Level: Are they raw, unprocessed stalks? Or have they been processed into specific shapes (e.g., cut into lengths suitable for brooms/brushes)? 2. Intended Use: Are they used as general agricultural raw material, fuel, or manufacturing inputs for brushes/brooms?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the straw is unprocessed (just baled stalks), it falls under Chapter 12 (Grain By-products) or Chapter 14 (Other Plant Products).
- If the straw is cut/prepared specifically for broom/brush making, it falls under HS 1404.90.40.00.
- General "other plant products" not specified elsewhere fall under HS 1404.90.90.90.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes for Wheat Straw Bales imported into the US from China:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing State |
|---|---|---|---|
1404.90.40.00 |
Broom or brush-making materials (Plant products) | Straw cut/prepared specifically for making brooms or brushes | β Processed/Form-fitted |
1213.00.00.00 |
Grain straw and husks, unground, unprocessed | Raw wheat straw bales, used as bedding, fuel, or general feed | β Unprocessed |
1404.90.90.90 |
Other plant products not elsewhere specified | General plant material, raw but not fitting other specific subheadings | β Raw/Unprocessed |
1401.90.40.00 |
Vegetable materials (other than bamboo or rattan) | Other cereal straw (if distinct from wheat/grain straw in specific customs interpretations) | β Vegetable Material |
π Important Note:
- HS 1404.90.40.00 is the highest duty code (37.3%) because it is categorized as "broom/brush materials," often implying a level of preparation.
- HS 1213.00.00.00 and HS 1404.90.90.90 have a lower base duty (0%), resulting in a total duty of 35.0%.
- HS 1401.90.40.00 has a base duty of 3.2%, leading to the highest total duty (38.2%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-ons & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current trade restrictions apply (Section 301 + IEEPA)
π― 1. 1404.90.40.00 β Broom/Brush Making Materials (Plant Products)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% (USITC Footnote for Chinese goods) |
| IEEPA Add-on | +10.0% (122 Clause Tariff, targeting specific Chinese exports) |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.3% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1404.90.40.00 β Section301:25% β IEEPA:122Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- This code carries the highest base duty among the options.
- The 35% total non-base burden (25% + 10%) is applied on top of the 2.3% base.
- Cost Impact: High. Ensure the product truly fits "broom/brush materials" to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 1213.00.00.00 β Grain Straw, Unprocessed
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1213.00.00.00 β Section301:25% β IEEPA:122Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a cost-effective option if the straw is truly unprocessed.
- Base duty is zero, so the total duty is driven entirely by trade restrictions.
- Advantage: Saves 2.3% compared to HS 1404.90.40.00.
π― 3. 1404.90.90.90 β Other Plant Products
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1404.90.90.90 β Section301:25% β IEEPA:122Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- Similar to HS 1213, this code has 0% base duty.
- Use this if the straw doesn't fit "grain straw" (1213) or "broom materials" (1404.40), but is still a plant product.
- Risk: Customs may challenge this if the product is clearly grain straw or broom material.
π― 4. 1401.90.40.00 β Other Vegetable Materials (Cereal Straw)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.2% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1401.90.40.00 β Section301:25% β IEEPA:122Clause:10% |
π Explanation:
- Highest Total Duty (38.2%).
- Avoid this code unless strictly required by customs interpretation.
- Base duty is higher than all other options.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Specify: "Wheat Straw Bales," form (bale size), processing level (raw vs. cut) |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Show bales, texture, and any signs of processing (e.g., cut ends) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Wheat Straw Bales" and correct HS Code |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight, gross weight, number of bales |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Critical! Required for all plant materials to prevent pest introduction |
| β Non-wood Pulp Declaration | βοΈ | If applicable, confirm it's not processed into pulp |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Raw Straw = Low Duty, Processed Straw = High Duty"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw, uncut straw bales | 1213.00.00.00 |
35.0% | 0% base duty; clearly "grain straw" |
| Straw cut for broom handles | 1404.90.40.00 |
37.3% | Specific subheading for broom materials; 2.3% base |
| General plant waste, undefined | 1404.90.90.90 |
35.0% | 0% base duty; fallback for plant products |
| Misclassified as generic veg. mat. | 1401.90.40.00 |
38.2% | Avoid! Highest base duty (3.2%) |
π Strategic Advice:
- If your wheat straw is not specifically prepared for brooms/brushes, do NOT use1404.90.40.00. It attracts a higher base duty.
- If it is raw, prefer1213.00.00.00or1404.90.90.90(both 0% base) to save 2.3% in duty.
- Never use1401.90.40.00unless customs explicitly demands it, as it results in the highest total tax (38.2%).
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Phytosanitary Compliance | Ensure the straw is dry and free of soil/seeds. Provide a Phytosanitary Certificate from the country of origin. |
| Moisture Content | Specify moisture content in docs. High moisture may lead to rejection or fungal issues. |
| Packaging | Bales must be securely wrapped (netting/plastic) to prevent spillage. Loose straw may be treated as "waste" with different rules. |
| Pre-shipment Inspection | Consider third-party inspection to verify HS code compliance before shipping to avoid delays. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1213.00.00.00 / 1404.90.90.90 |
0% | 35.0% | Best for raw straw |
| πΊπΈ USA | 1404.90.40.00 |
2.3% | 37.3% | For broom/brush materials |
| π¨π³ China | 1213.00.00.00 |
~10-15% | ~10-15% | Import duties vary by agreement |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1213.00.00.00 |
0-5% | 0-5% | Lower duties if phytosanitary docs are clean |
| π¬π§ UK | 1213.00.00.00 |
0-5% | 0-5% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA has high duties due to Section 301 and IEEPA, but the difference between HS codes is small (2.3-3.2%).
- Focus on correct classification to avoid penalties and overpayment.
- Raw straw (HS 1213/1404.90.90) is cheaper than processed straw (HS 1404.90.40).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying raw straw as "Broom Material" (1404.90.40.00) when itβs not processed.
π Consequence: Paying 2.3% extra base duty unnecessarily.
π Fix: Use 1213.00.00.00 for raw straw.
β Error 2: Missing Phytosanitary Certificate.
π Consequence: Goods held at port, destroyed, or returned.
π Fix: Obtain Phytosanitary Certificate from origin country.
β Error 3: Using 1401.90.40.00 without justification.
π Consequence: Highest total duty (38.2%).
π Fix: Only use if explicitly required by customs.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Wheat Straw Bales, Unprocessed, for Agricultural Use, HS Code 1213.00.00.00, Phytosanitary Certificate Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Key Rule:
πΉ "Raw Straw = 0% Base Duty (35% Total)"
πΉ "Broom Straw = 2.3% Base Duty (37.3% Total)"
πΉ "Misc. Veg. Mat. = 3.2% Base Duty (38.2% Total) β AVOID!"πΉ "HS Code Choice Saves 2.3% to 3.2% β Donβt Leave Money on the Table!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping large volumes, consider Advance Ruling (Ruling Letter) from US Customs (CBP) to confirm your HS code classification. This protects you from audits and penalties.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult a customs broker + Provide product photos + Verify Phytosanitary docs
π Ensure correct HS code to minimize duty and avoid delays!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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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.