ice cube tray

🧊 Ice Cube Tray – Comprehensive HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026 Edition)

🌐 HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Expert-Level Compliance Guide
📌 One Product, One Correct Code – Avoid Costly Mistakes!

📦 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is an Ice Cube Tray?

An ice cube tray is a small, reusable or disposable container made of plastic, silicone, or metal, designed to hold water and freeze it into individual ice cubes. It is used in kitchens, bars, restaurants, and households for cooling beverages.

⚠️ Key Classification Rule:
- If made of plastic and used for food or drink contact, it falls under tableware/kitchenware. - If made of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel), it may be classified differently — but plastic ice cube trays are clearly defined in the tariff schedule.

✅ Correct Category:
- Plastic tableware and kitchenware → specifically trays used for food preparation or storage → HS Code: 3924.10.30.00

📌 2. HS Code Breakdown (Official 2026 Tariff Schedule)

🔍 Critical Distinction:
- Trays = 3924.10.30.00 → specifically includes ice cube trays
- Other = 3924.10.40.00 → applies to non-tray kitchenware (e.g., spoons, bowls, lids)

📌 You must NOT use 3924.10.40.00 for ice cube trays — this is a common error that triggers audits and penalties.

💰 3. 2026 Tariff Rate Analysis (US Market – China Origin)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025–2026 (ongoing tariff regime)

🎯 HS Code: 3924.10.30.00 — Plastic Ice Cube Trays

📌 Why 12.8%?
- The 5.3% base rate applies to all plastic kitchenware. - The 7.5% additional tariff is due to China’s inclusion in the Section 301 list. - Combined, this creates a 12.8% total — not 5.3% or 7.5% alone.

⚠️ Warning:
- Do not claim "non-essential" or "non-industrial" exemption — ice cube trays are consumer goods and not exempt. - No duty-free treatment for plastic trays from China.

🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)

📌 Pro Tip:
Use “Ice Cube Tray” as the product name in the invoice — not “Plastic Mold” or “Kitchen Tool”.

✅ 2.申报技巧 (Smart Filing Strategy)

🔥 “Tray = 30.00, Not 40.00 — Avoid the 12.8% Trap!”

📌 Golden Rule:
- If it’s a tray used for food → always use 3924.10.30.00
- If it’s not a tray (e.g., spoon, bowl, lid) → use 3924.10.40.00

✅ 3. Special Cases & Exceptions

📌 Note: Even disposable plastic trays are not exempt — they are still food-contact items.

🌍 5. Global Tariff Comparison (2026)

📌 Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies a 12.8% tariff on Chinese-made ice cube trays. - EU, Australia, Japan offer duty-free access if compliant with safety standards.

🚨 6. Common Mistakes & Real-World Penalties

❌ Mistake 1: Using 3924.10.40.00 for ice cube trays
👉 Result: Customs audit, reclassification, back taxes, penalties up to 100% of value

❌ Mistake 2: Not labeling “food-grade” on invoice
👉 Result: Delayed clearance, request for documentation, possible detention

❌ Mistake 3: Claiming “low value” to avoid duty
👉 Result: No de minimis for China → 12.8% due regardless of value

❌ Mistake 4: Using “plastic mold” instead of “ice cube tray”
👉 Result: Misclassification → incorrect tariff → fines

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

Product: Plastic Ice Cube Tray, 12-Cavity, Reusable, Food-Grade, BPA-Free, PP Material
HS Code: 3924.10.30.00
Origin: China
Duty: 12.8% of CIF value

🎯 7. Final Verdict: Get It Right the First Time!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:

🔹 “Tray = 30.00, Not 40.00”
🔹 “Food Contact = 12.8% in the U.S.”
🔹 “No de minimis for China”

📌 Pro Tip:

If your ice cube trays are produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, apply for IEEPA exemption — tariff drops to 0%!

📞 Action Step:
✅ Contact a licensed customs broker
✅ Submit product photos + material safety data
✅ Request HS Code pre-ruling (Advance Ruling)
✅ Avoid surprises at the port!

📣 Your Ice Cube Tray Should Be Cold — Not Your Profit!
❄️ Accurate classification = Lower duty = Faster clearance = More margin!

✨ Professional Customs, Precision Classification — That’s How You Win!
💼 One wrong code can cost you 12.8% — Don’t gamble!