Whipped Butter
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 040510 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 040520 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106902600 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106903600 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1517909090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1517906000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ Whipped Butter (Aerated Dairy Spread)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What is "Whipped Butter"?
Whipped butter (also known as aerated butter or butter spread) is a dairy product where air is incorporated into butter to reduce density and create a lighter, spreadable consistency. In international trade, it is primarily classified under Chapter 4: Dairy Produce; Birds' Eggs and Honey; Edible Products of Animal Origin, specifically as Butter.
However, customs classification can be tricky if the product contains added ingredients (like milk solids, vegetable oils, or stabilizers) that push it into food preparation categories (Chapter 21). Below is the precise breakdown based on the provided data.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Details | Key Classification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
0405.10 |
Butter | Failed to retrieve tax information | Pure butter, whether salted or unsalted. If "Whipped Butter" is 100% milk fat with only air added, it falls here. β οΈ Tax Data Error: Please verify with local customs. |
1517.90.90.90 |
Margarine; edible mixtures... (Other) | Base Duty: 8.8Β’/kg + Add-on Duty: 7.5% | If the product contains >15% fat but is not strictly "butter" (e.g., contains vegetable oils or milk solids > certain thresholds), it may be misclassified or classified as a general margarine-like product. High Risk of Higher Duty. |
1517.90.60.00 |
Margarine... (Dairy products described in Additional U.S. Note 1 to Chapter 4) | Base Duty: 0.0% + Add-on Duty: 0.0% | Optimal Path for High-End Dairy. If the product meets specific "dairy product" definitions under U.S. Note 1 (e.g., high milk fat content, specific processing), it qualifies for 0% duty. This is the best-case scenario for compliant dairy products. |
2106.90.26.00 |
Food preparations... (Butter substitutes with >45% butterfat) | Base Duty: 0.0% + Add-on Duty: 0.0% | For "Butter Substitutes" that still contain over 45% butterfat. If your whipped butter is a blend (butter + other fats) but retains high butter content, this 0% duty code applies. |
2106.90.36.00 |
Food preparations... (Other butter substitutes with >45% butterfat) | Base Duty: 0.0% + Add-on Duty: 0.0% | Similar to above, but for "Other" preparations. Also 0% duty. |
π Critical Distinction:
- Pure Whipped Butter (Air + Butter) β Should ideally be0405.10. However, due to the Tax Retrieval Error in the data, you MUST verify if it can be classified under the 0% duty codes (1517.90.60.00or2106.90.26.00) to avoid potential tax uncertainty.
- Blended Whipped Butter (Butter + Vegetable Oil + Milk Solids) β Likely falls under2106.90.26.00or1517.90.60.00if it meets the "dairy product" or "butter substitute with >45% butterfat" criteria.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation
π― 1. The "Zero Duty" Opportunity: 1517.90.60.00 & 2106.90.26.00
β Applicable Countries: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Add-on Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Add-on Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Duty is already 0%) |
| Legal Basis | U.S. Additional U.S. Note 1 to Chapter 4; Specific Subheading Notes |
π Explanation:
- These codes represent preferential duty rates for specific dairy-based products that meet strict compositional requirements.
- For1517.90.60.00: The product must be a "dairy product described in Additional U.S. note 1 to chapter 4." This typically means it is primarily butter or a butter-based preparation with specific fat content.
- For2106.90.26.00: The product is a "butter substitute" but must contain over 45% butterfat. If your whipped butter is 100% butter, it might still qualify under0405.10, but if it's a blend, this 0% code is crucial.
π― 2. The "High Duty" Risk: 1517.90.90.90
β οΈ If Misclassified
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 8.8Β’/kg (Specific Duty) |
| USITC Add-on Duty | 7.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Duty Rate | 8.8Β’/kg + 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight in kg Γ $0.088) + (CIF Value Γ 7.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | General Tariff Schedule for Margarine/Fat Preparations |
π Explanation:
- This code is for general margarine or fat mixtures that do not qualify for the specific dairy exemptions.
- If your whipped butter is deemed a "margarine" (due to added vegetable oils or low milk fat content), this duty applies.
- 8.8Β’/kg is a specific duty, which can be high for low-weight, high-value products. 7.5% is a significant ad valorem tax.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify Milk Fat Content % (Critical for >45% threshold). |
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Clearly state if it contains vegetable oils, stabilizers, or emulsifiers. |
| β Product Label | βοΈ | Must match the declared description (e.g., "Whipped Butter," "Aerated Butter," or "Butter Substitute"). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state HS Code and duty rate. |
| β U.S. Additional U.S. Note 1 Compliance | βοΈ | If claiming 1517.90.60.00, provide evidence that the product meets the "dairy product" definition. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Fat Content is King: Above 45% = 0% Duty!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Butter, Whipped | 0405.10 |
Unknown (Check Local Customs) | Pure butter. However, due to tax retrieval error, verify if it qualifies for 1517.90.60.00 for 0% duty. |
| Blended Whipped Butter (>45% Butterfat) | 2106.90.26.00 |
0.0% | Meets "butter substitute" criteria with high butter content. |
| Blended Whipped Butter (<45% Butterfat) | 1517.90.90.90 |
8.8Β’/kg + 7.5% | Classified as general margarine/fat preparation. Higher duty. |
| Margarine-Based Spread | 1517.90.90.90 |
8.8Β’/kg + 7.5% | Not a dairy product under Note 1. |
β 3. Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Whipped Butter" vs. "Butter Substitute" | If the product contains vegetable oils, it is not pure butter (0405.10). It must be classified under 2106.90 or 1517.90. Ensure the butterfat content is >45% to qualify for 0% duty. |
Tax Retrieval Error for 0405.10 |
Since the tax data for 0405.10 is "Failed to retrieve," do not assume 0%. Consult a customs broker to confirm if 0405.10 is subject to any hidden duties or if it should be classified under 1517.90.60.00 for clarity. |
| Labeling Misleading | If the label says "Butter" but the ingredient list shows vegetable oils, customs will reclassify it to 1517.90.90.90 and impose 7.5% + 8.8Β’/kg. |
π V. Global Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1517.90.60.00 or 2106.90.26.00 |
0.0% | Best for dairy-compliant products. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 1517.90.90.90 |
8.8Β’/kg + 7.5% | Worst-case scenario for margarine-like products. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 0405.10 |
~37.5% (Standard) | EU has high dairy tariffs unless under quota. |
| π¨π³ China | 0405.10 |
12% | Standard duty for butter. |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers a significant advantage (0% duty) for whipped butter if classified correctly under1517.90.60.00or2106.90.26.00.
- Avoid1517.90.90.90unless your product is a low-fat margarine substitute.
- Verify0405.10tax status with a customs broker due to data uncertainty.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Assuming "Whipped Butter" is always 0405.10.
π Consequence: If it contains vegetable oils, it may be reclassified to 1517.90.90.90 with 7.5% + 8.8Β’/kg duty.
β Error 2: Not providing Certificate of Analysis (COA) for fat content.
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify the >45% butterfat threshold, leading to rejection of 0% duty claim.
β Error 3: Using "Butter Substitute" on the label for pure butter.
π Consequence: Misleading labeling can trigger customs audits and penalties.
β Correct Approach:
"Check Fat Content: >45% = 0% Duty. <45% = 7.5% + 8.8Β’/kg. Pure Butter = Verify
0405.10Status."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Fat Over 45%, Duty is Zero!"
πΉ "Margarine or Blend? Watch Out for 7.5%!"
πΉ "Pure Butter? Confirm0405.10Tax Status!"
π Pro Tip:
If your whipped butter is pure butter (no vegetable oils), confirm with customs if it can be classified under
0405.10for potential duty exemption or lower rates. If it is a blend, ensure butterfat >45% to claim 0% duty under2106.90.26.00or1517.90.60.00.
π£ Action Item:
π Contact Customs Broker + Provide COA with Fat Content + Classify Correctly
π Save Taxes, Clear Goods Smoothly, Boost Profits!
β¨ Professional Classification Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Profit Gained!
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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.