Wooden Toothpicks
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4421915000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π₯’ Wooden Toothpicks (Toothpicks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Wooden Toothpicks"?
Wooden toothpicks are small, pointed wooden sticks used for picking food from between teeth or for culinary garnishing. In international trade, they fall under "Other articles of wood."
Key Classification Logic:
Material: Must be wood (including bamboo).
Form: Small wares, specifically toothpicks, skewers, candy sticks, etc.
Processing: Simple shaping, sharpening, or polishing. If heavily processed into other items (e.g., chopsticks with specific finishes, or wooden toys), they may fall under different headings. For standard toothpicks*, the classification is specific.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Toothpicks are explicitly listed under HS Code 4421.91.50.00.
- Bamboo toothpicks are also covered under this heading as "Of bamboo."
- Do not confuse with wooden chopsticks (which may have different subheadings depending on finish) or wooden spoons (which are "Tableware" under 4421.99).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
4421.91.50.00 |
Toothpicks (including bamboo toothpicks) | Standard wooden/bamboo toothpicks | Wood / Bamboo |
4421.99.50.00 |
Other articles of wood (e.g., skewers, tongue depressors) | Items similar to toothpicks but not classified as toothpicks (e.g., large skewers, decorative sticks) | Wood / Bamboo |
π Key Reminder:
- The provided data specifically maps Toothpicks to4421.91.50.00.
- While4421.99.50.00covers other small wares like skewers and tongue depressors, toothpicks have their own specific subheading under 4421.91 ("Toothpicks, skewers...").
- Do not misclassify toothpicks as "other articles" (4421.99) if they are standard toothpicks.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates as per provided data
π― 1. 4421.91.50.00 ββ Toothpicks
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Low-value shipments may still qualify for de minimis, but rate is 0% anyway) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 4421.91.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff: 0.0% for most wood articles of small ware.
- Additional Taxes: 0.0%. Unlike electronics or steel, wooden small wares like toothpicks are not subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs or additional IEEPA surcharges in this specific dataset.
- Total Cost Impact: None. This is a duty-free item for US imports from China under the current dataset.π Note on
4421.99.50.00(Other Small Wares):
- Also 0.0% total tax.
- Applies to items like skewers, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, tongue depressors, and drink mixers if they are not classified as toothpicks.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Wooden Toothpicks" or "Bamboo Toothpicks" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and quantity |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify "Wood" or "Bamboo" |
| β Fumigation Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for wood products to prove compliance with ISPM 15 standards |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Standard shipping documents |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Specify Material, Declare Form, Fumigation is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Toothpicks | 4421.91.50.00 |
Misdeclare as "Wooden Sticks" (4421.99) β May cause confusion |
| Bamboo Toothpicks | 4421.91.50.00 |
Do not declare as "Plastic" if made of bamboo |
| Skewers/Kebabs | 4421.99.50.00 |
Do not declare as toothpicks if they are large skewers |
| Fumigated Wood | Provide Fumigation Cert | Never ship untreated wood into the US without phytosanitary proof |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Bulk vs. Retail | Even if in bulk, declare as toothpicks. Packaging doesn't change HS code. |
| Wood Type | Specify if hardwood or softwood, but HS code remains the same for toothpicks. |
| Bamboo vs. Wood | Both fall under 4421.91.50.00 for toothpicks. |
| Quality Issues | Ensure no signs of pests. CBP may inspect and detain if infestation is suspected. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4421.91.50.00 |
0.0% | Duty-free, no additional taxes for toothpicks |
| π¨π³ China | 4421.91.50.00 |
Varies | Import duties may apply; check latest China tariff schedule |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4421.99.90 |
4.5% | EU classification may differ slightly; check local HS |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4421.99.000 |
3.2% | Varies by specific wood type and processing |
π Conclusion:
- The US offers 0% duty for wooden toothpicks under4421.91.50.00.
- No additional Section 301 or IEEPA taxes apply to this specific wood product in the provided data.
- Phytosanitary compliance is more critical than tariff cost for smooth clearance.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Wooden Sticks" without specifying "Toothpicks"
π Consequence: May lead to incorrect HS code assignment (e.g., 4421.99) and potential delays for verification.
β Mistake 2: Omitting Fumigation Certificate
π Consequence: Detention or Return by USDA/CBP due to pest control regulations.
β Mistake 3: Misdeclaring Bamboo as Plastic
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code and potential penalties for false declaration.
β Correct Practice:
"Wooden Toothpicks, Fumigated, HS Code 4421.91.50.00, Duty Free, With Phytosanitary Certificate"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost-Effective and Efficient!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Toothpicks = 4421.91.50.00, Duty 0%, Fumigate First!"
πΉ "Wood Products Need Phytosanitary, Not Just Tariff Info!"
π Tip:
- Ensure your supplier provides a valid Fumigation Certificate for all wood/bamboo products.
- Double-check that the product is indeed toothpicks and not other small wares like skewers (which use 4421.99.50.00 but are still 0% tax).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder + Provide Fumigation Certificate + Declare accurately as 4421.91.50.00
π Ensure smooth customs clearance for your wooden toothpicks!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Your duty cost is $0, but compliance is priceless!
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.