Wick
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5908000000 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5601290090 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3406000000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5601210090 | 38.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5601210010 | 38.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π―οΈ Wick (Candle/Oil Lamp Wicks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly is a "Wick"?
A Wick is a consumable accessory or component used in oil lamps, candles, or similar devices to draw fuel via capillary action for combustion. In international trade, wicks are classified based on their material composition, manufacturing method, and specific intended use. The classification significantly impacts the total tax burden, especially when importing into the US from China.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the wick is a simple textile material (cotton, fiber, felt) used as a filler or padding β Chapter 56
- If the wick is considered part of a candle or lighting accessory β Chapter 34
- If the wick is specifically based on textile material for lamp use β Chapter 59
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5908.00.00.00 |
Wicks, of textile material, for lamps, stoves, lighters, candles or the like | General textile-based wicks for lamps/stoves | 38.4% | Base: 3.4%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5601.29.00.90 |
Wicks, of cotton, wool, horsehair, jute or other textile fibers, padded or otherwise filled with materials of any substance | Cotton/fiber/felt-based wicks as filling materials | 39.0% | Base: 4.0%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
3406.00.00.00 |
Candles, tapers and similar articles (including molded or cast figures); artificial wax; prepared modeling pastes | Wicks classified as consumable accessories/components of candles | 17.5% | Base: 0.0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
5601.21.00.90 |
Wadded goods and products thereof, n.e.s. in Chapter 56; textile wicks | Cotton fiber woven or padded wick products | 38.6% | Base: 3.6%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5601.21.00.10 |
Cotton wicks, classified under cotton material and padded product logic | Specific cotton wicks for specialized uses | 38.6% | Base: 3.6%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 34 (3406.00.00.00) offers the lowest tax rate (17.5%) if the wick can be legally argued as part of a "candle" or "similar article."
- Chapter 56/59 wicks are taxed heavily due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) tariffs.
- Do not misclassify a cotton wick as a general textile to avoid penalties; specificity matters.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes and Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From 2025-11-10 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5908.00.00.00 ββ Wicks of Textile Material for Lamps
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (denied under Section 301/122) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5908.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- This classification applies to wicks explicitly made for lamps, stoves, or lighters.
- Total 38.4% is high due to dual surcharges (25% + 10%).
- No de minimis exemption applies for Chinese-origin goods under these sections.
π― 2. 5601.29.00.90 ββ Wicks as Filled/Padded Textile Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.0% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5601.29.00.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- This is the highest tax rate among wick classifications.
- Applies when wicks are treated as "padded goods" or "filled textile products" rather than dedicated lamp accessories.
- Use only if product description strictly matches "filled/padded textile wicks."
π― 3. 3406.00.00.00 ββ Wicks as Candle Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (Section 301 still applies partially) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3406.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Optimization Tip:
- This is the most cost-effective classification if your product can be described as a "wick for candles" or "accessory to candle-making."
- Crucial: Must provide documentation showing it is used in candle manufacturing/consumption, not industrial lamp fueling.
π― 4. 5601.21.00.90 & 5601.21.00.10 ββ Cotton Wicks (Padded/Woven)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.6% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.6% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5601.21.00.xx β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- These two codes are very similar; distinction lies in specific cotton product sub-categorization.
- Both carry high tariffs due to Section 301 (25%).
- Only use if customs authorities require specific cotton/padded classification over general textile wick.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Missing Any Will Cause Delays)
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail material (cotton, wool, synthetic), diameter, length, usage (candle vs. lamp) |
| β Product Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Show packaging, brand, model, and any usage instructions |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Wick for Candle/Lamp," avoid vague terms like "Textile Part" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify units, weight, and packaging type |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may qualify for lower rates; if from China, confirm Section 122/301 applicability |
| β Third-Party Test Report | β (Optional) | If claiming safety for consumer candles, provide flammability reports |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Specify Usage, Avoid Ambiguity, Lower Tax with Context!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Wicks for Candles | 3406.00.00.00 |
Misdeclare as textile β 38.4%+ |
| Wicks for Oil Lamps | 5908.00.00.00 |
Misdeclare as candle part β Audit risk |
| Padded Cotton Wicks | 5601.21.00.90/10 |
Vague "Cotton Product" β 39.0% |
| Industrial Lamp Wicks | 5908.00.00.00 |
Try to force 3406 β Rejection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Wicks | Provide design specs and client confirmation to justify specific HS code |
| Mixed Packaging (Candle + Wick) | Declare separately if wicks are sold independently; if bundled, consider overall value |
| Non-Standard Materials | If not cotton/textile, re-evaluate classification (may fall under plastics/other) |
| Small Sample Shipments | Still subject to full tariffs; de minimis (Section 321) does NOT apply to Section 301/122 goods |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3406.00.00.00 (if candle) |
17.5% | No specific | Avoid 5601/5908 due to 38-39% |
| π¨π³ China | 3406.00.00.00 |
~3-5% | CCC (if applicable) | No surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5908.00.00 |
0-4% | CE/RoHS (if consumer) | No Section 301/122 |
| π¬π§ UK | 3406.00.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3406.00.00 |
5% | ACCC | No surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariffs for wicks due to Section 301 and 122.
- Optimizing classification to Chapter 34 can save ~20% in tax costs.
- Other major markets (EU, UK, AU) do not impose these additional surcharges, making exports there more cost-effective.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Cotton Wicks" as "General Textiles"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 5601.29.00.90 β 39.0% tax instead of 17.5%.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 (10%) for Chinese Goods
π Consequence: Underpayment β Penalty + Back Taxes.
β Mistake 3: Using vague terms like "Lighting Accessory"
π Consequence: Customs ambiguity β Delays, inspections, potential reclassification.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) Applies
π Consequence: Section 301/122 goods are NOT eligible for de minimis exemption. All taxes apply regardless of value.
β Correct Approach:
"Candle Wicks, 100% Cotton, Packaged for Retail, Model XYZ, for Use in Decorative Candles"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Savings, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Candle Wick = 17.5%, Lamp Wick = 38.4%, Padded Cotton = 39%!"
πΉ "Section 122 & 301 Hit Hard, No De Minimis for China!"
πΉ "Choose Chapter 34 If Possible, Save 20% in Taxes!"
π Pro Tip:
If your wicks are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, or India, you may avoid Section 122/301 surcharges, reducing tariffs to Base Rate Only (0-4%).
π Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling or consult a licensed customs broker to verify the best HS code for your specific product.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos & Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance, Maximize Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax 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.