Wooden Crate
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4415109000 | 45.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4415103000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403608093 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9403910080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202993000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
๐ฆ Wooden Crate / Wooden Storage Box
(ๆจ็ฎฑ / ๆจๅถๅจ็ฉ็ฎฑ)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Wooden Crate"?
"Woods Crate" is a broad term in international trade that covers two fundamentally different categories based on function and design. Misclassification here is fatal due to the high้ๅ ็จ (additional duties) applied to these items.
1. Packaging Material (Packaging):
- Wooden crates, cases, and similar packings used primarily for transporting other goods.
- These are classified under Chapter 44 (Wood and articles of wood).
2. Furniture/Container (Storage/Furnishing):
- Wooden storage boxes, chests, or cabinets used for long-term storage or as furniture within a home/office.
- These are classified under Chapter 94 (Furniture) or Chapter 42 (Articles of leather/travel goods).
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a plain box/crate designed to hold other products for shipment โ Chapter 44.
- If the item is a finished storage chest or furniture piece โ Chapter 94.
- If the item has non-wooden components (e.g., leather handles, canvas covers) but is primarily a container โ Chapter 42.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Authorized Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4415.10.90.00 |
Wooden crates, cases, etc. (Packaging) | Export packaging, industrial transport crates | 45.7% | Primary purpose is packaging/transport. |
4415.10.30.00 |
Wooden crates, cases, etc. (Case-type) | General wooden crates for goods | 35.0% | Specific sub-category for "case-type" packaging. |
9403.60.80.93 |
Wooden storage chest (Furniture) | Home storage, decorative chests, furniture | 35.0% | Classified as "Other wooden furniture". |
9403.91.00.80 |
Parts of wooden furniture | Detached wooden panels for chests/cabinets | 35.0% | Spare parts for furniture, not finished goods. |
4202.99.30.00 |
Wooden storage container (Container-type) | Wooden boxes with non-wooden elements (e.g., leather straps) | 35.0% | Classified as "Articles of apparel/accessories" (travel/storage goods). |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- Packaging Crates (Ch 44) generally face higher base tariffs (10.7% vs 0%) compared to Furniture (Ch 94).
- However, both categories are subject to the same Additional Taxes (Section 301 + 122), leading to high total rates.
- Do NOT mix "Packaging" with "Furniture" declarations. If itโs a crate for shipping electronics, itโs4415.xx. If itโs a box for storing blankets, itโs9403.xx.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (Section 301 + Section 122)
๐ฏ 1. 4415.10.90.00 โ Wooden Crates for Packaging (Transport)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 10.7% (MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade Act of 1974, Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain wood products/packaging under recent enforcement) |
| Total Tax Rate | 45.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 45.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4415.10.90.00 โ FOOTNOTE:301.9903.88.01 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
๐ Explanation:
- This is the most expensive classification because it starts with a 10.7% base duty.
- The 35% combined surcharge (25% + 10%) is added on top.
- Risk: High. Customs may scrutinize if itโs truly "packaging" or "furniture."
๐ฏ 2. 4415.10.30.00 โ Wooden Crates (Case-Type)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4415.10.30.00 โ FOOTNOTE:301 + Section 122 |
๐ Advantage:
- Lower total cost (35%) compared to4415.10.90.00.
- Requires proving the item is a specific "case-type" packaging under USITC subheadings.
๐ฏ 3. 9403.60.80.93 / 9403.91.00.80 / 4202.99.30.00 โ Furniture & Storage Containers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
๐ Explanation:
- Furniture (9403) and certain containers (4202) have 0% base duty.
- The 35% total is purely due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges.
- Strategy: If the product can be legitimately classified as "Storage Furniture" (9403) rather than "Packaging" (4415), you save 10.7% in base duty.
- Caveat: Must not be used for shipping other goods. If declared as furniture but used as export packaging, customs will reclassify and penalize.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Proven Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Show entire crate/box, including any branding or usage context. |
| โ Bill of Materials (BOM) | โ๏ธ | List all components (wood type, hinges, locks, liners). |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state "Finished Wooden Storage Chest" (for 9403) or "Wooden Export Crate" (for 4415). |
| โ Usage Declaration | โ๏ธ | Critical: State if it is for temporary transport (Packaging) or permanent storage (Furniture). |
| โ Phytosanitary Certificate | โ๏ธ | Mandatory for all wood products to confirm ISPM 15 compliance (fumigation/heat treatment). |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail contents inside. If the crate is packed with electronics, it strongly suggests Packaging (4415). |
โ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Logic)
๐ฅ "Use Defines Class: Transport = 4415, Storage = 9403/4202"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Crate used to ship electronics, then discarded | 4415.10.90.00 or 4415.10.30.00 |
Primary function is transport packaging. |
| Wooden chest bought for home linen storage | 9403.60.80.93 |
Primary function is furniture/storage. |
| Wooden box with leather handles for travel | 4202.99.30.00 |
Classified under travel goods/containers. |
| Wooden crate shipped to a warehouse for later use | 9403.60.80.93 |
If intended for long-term storage, itโs furniture. |
โ 3. Special Situations & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Wooden Crate filled with goods | If the crate is shipped with the goods, customs may view it as part of the packaging. Ensure invoice separates value if possible, or declare as total package value under 4415. |
| ISPM 15 Mark Missing | REFUSED ENTRY. All wood packaging material must have the IPPC stamp. Without it, the entire shipment may be destroyed or re-exported. |
| OEM Wooden Crates | Provide design drawings. If itโs a custom-shaped crate for a specific product, 4415.10.90.00 is safer. |
| High-Value Art Crates | If used for museum transport, ensure documentation proves reusability and specialized design to avoid classification as simple furniture. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4415.10.30.00 (Preferred) |
35.0% | ISPM 15 + Section 301/122 | 4415.10.90.00 is 45.7%. Try to qualify for .30 or furniture. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4415.10.90.00 |
15-20% | Phytosanitary Certificate | No Section 301 surcharge. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4415.10.90.00 |
0-2.5% | Fumigation Proof | Low base duty, but strict wood treatment rules. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 4415.10.90.00 |
0-2.5% | Fumigation Proof | Post-Brexit tariffs are generally low for packaging. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 4415.10.90.00 |
1.5-3.0% | Phytosanitary | Very low tariffs, focus on wood quality certification. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- Minimizing Base Duty is key. Choosing4415.10.30.00(0% base) over4415.10.90.00(10.7% base) saves 10.7% on every dollar.
- Furniture classification (9403) is only viable if the item is not for export packaging.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from the Field)
โ Error 1: Declaring a Wooden Storage Chest as Packaging
๐ Consequence: Unnecessary payment of 10.7% base duty. You pay 45.7% instead of 35.0%.
๐ Fix: Prove itโs a finished furniture item (show hinges, locks, interior lining) and declare as 9403.60.80.93.
โ Error 2: Missing ISPM 15 Stamp on Wooden Crates
๐ Consequence: Shipment Detained/Destroyed. Customs does not accept wooden packaging without proof of pest treatment.
๐ Fix: Ensure all wood components have the visible IPPC mark.
โ Error 3: Confusing "Crate" with "Box" in Chapter 42
๐ Consequence: Misclassification. If the crate has leather, canvas, or plastic as primary structural/visual elements, it may fall under 4202.99.30.00.
๐ Fix: Analyze material composition. If wood >50% by weight, stick to Chapter 44/94.
โ Error 4: Splitting Value of Crate & Goods
๐ Consequence: Customs rejects value split if the crate is integral to the shipping.
๐ Fix: Declare total CIF value under the packaging HS code if itโs a single shipment.
โ Correct Practice:
"Custom-built wooden export crate for machinery, ISPM 15 treated, fumigated, heat-treated, no wood pests."
HS Code:4415.10.30.00(Target for 0% base duty)
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximized Profit
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Packaging vs. Furniture: Use Defines Tax."
๐น "Chapter 44 has a 10.7% trap; Chapter 94 is 0% base."
๐น "ISPM 15 is the passport for wood; without it, you're stuck."
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are exporting wooden crates to the US, try to qualify for 4415.10.30.00 (Case-type) rather than 4415.10.90.00 (Other). This saves 10.7% on the CIF value.
For storage boxes, ensure they look like furniture (finished edges, handles, locks) to qualify for 9403 (0% base).
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Check your Wood Treatment Certificate before shipping.
๐ Review Invoice Descriptions to align with HS Code intent.
๐ Optimize your HS Code to reduce the 35-45% tax burden!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every percentage point 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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.