painted pebbles
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6802100000 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2517100055 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2517100015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9602005080 | 20.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6802990090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πͺ¨ Painted Pebbles: The Aesthetic Stone Guide | HS Code Classification & Duty Breakdown 2026
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Natural & Decorative Stones
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification β Are You Sure What "Painted Pebbles" Are?
Painted Pebbles are natural stones (usually river rocks) that have been cleaned, sorted by size, and often painted with non-toxic, waterproof paints for artistic, craft, or decorative purposes.
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on processing level and intent: * Raw/Semi-processed Stones: If the "painting" is minimal, artistic, or considered part of the stone's natural aesthetic enhancement (common in craft supplies), they often fall under Mineral/Rock categories (Chapter 25 or 68). * Processed Art Materials: If heavily processed into specific shapes or used as carving material, they may fall under Other Mineral Products (Chapter 96).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If the stone retains its natural form and is primarily used for gardening, decoration, or simple crafts (even if painted) β Chapter 25 (Mineral Products) or Chapter 68 (Stone Products). - If the stone is carved, shaped, or used specifically as a carving blank for art β Chapter 96 (Other Manufactured Articles). - Painting itself does not automatically move the item to Chapter 49 (Printed Materials) or 67 (Feathers/Plumes); it remains a mineral product unless the base material changes fundamentally.
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Authorized Codes)
Below are the 5 specific HS Codes from your provided data, categorized by their logical grouping in customs classification.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Category Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
6802.10.00.00 |
Natural Stone / Cobblestones, <7cm, for building/decoration | Construction filler, garden landscaping, decorative paving | Stone Products (Chapter 68) |
2517.10.00.55 |
Cobblestones/Gravel, for painting/crafts | Art supplies, DIY craft kits, school projects | Mineral Products (Chapter 25) |
2517.10.00.15 |
Pebbles/Cobblestones, generic mineral form | Bulk stone supply for landscaping or industrial use | Mineral Products (Chapter 25) |
9602.00.50.80 |
Mineral stone, carved/processed as carving material | Art blanks, sculpting practice, premium craft stones | Other Manufactured Articles (Chapter 96) |
6802.99.00.90 |
Natural stone pebbles, non-specific category | General decorative stones, aquarium gravel, unlisted uses | Stone Products (Chapter 68) |
π Critical Insight: - Chapter 25 (
2517.10.xx.xx): Treats pebbles as raw/semi-raw minerals. Lower base duty (0%) but still subject to USITC/IEEPA surcharges. - Chapter 68 (6802.xx.xx): Treats pebbles as worked stone. Higher base duty (4.8%-6.5%) due to additional processing/cleaning. - Chapter 96 (9602.00.xx.xx): Treats pebbles as artistic/carvable material. Lowest base duty (2.7%) because it is viewed as a specialized craft supply.
π° Part III: 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Destination: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 (Current Trade Environment)
β Key Surcharges: Section 301 (USITC 25%) + Section 122 (IEEPA 10%)
π― 1. 2517.10.00.55 & 2517.10.00.15 β Lowest Total Duty Strategy
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Cobblestones/Gravel for Painting/Crafts |
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC (301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Why Choose This? | Lowest base rate. Ideal for bulk craft supplies or landscaping stones where the "painting" is considered part of the natural productβs appeal. |
| Legal Path | USITC:2517.10.00.55 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 (301) + IEEPA:9903.01.24 (122) |
π Note: Even if the stones are "painted," if the paint is thin or decorative, CBP often classifies them under Chapter 25. Do not pay more than necessary!
π― 2. 9602.00.50.80 β Lowest Base Rate, But Higher Base Burden
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Mineral Stone as Carving Material |
| Base Duty | 2.7% |
| USITC (301) | +7.5% (Note: Some 9602 items have lower 301 rates depending on specific subheading interpretation) |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.2% |
| Why Choose This? | BEST RATE OVERALL. If you can justify the pebbles as "carving blanks" or "artistic mineral products," this code offers the lowest total duty. Requires strong documentation that the stones are intended for artistic shaping/painting as a primary craft function. |
| Legal Path | USITC:9602.00.50.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 (301, if applicable at 7.5%) + IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
β οΈ Warning: CBP may challenge this if the stones are not clearly "carvable" or if they are sold as "finished decor." You must prove artistic intent.
π― 3. 6802.10.00.00 β Building/Decorative Stone
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Natural Stone, <7cm, for Construction/Decoration |
| Base Duty | 4.8% |
| USITC (301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.8% |
| Why Choose This? | If the pebbles are small (<7cm) and used for gardening, aquariums, or landscaping, this is a safe, defensible code. Higher duty than Chapter 25/96. |
| Legal Path | USITC:6802.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 + IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π― 4. 6802.99.00.90 β Other Stone Products
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Natural Stone, Non-Specific Category |
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| USITC (301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Why Choose This? | This is the "catch-all" for stone products not elsewhere specified. Avoid unless necessary. Highest duty among the options. |
| Legal Path | USITC:6802.99.00.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 + IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Best Practices
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Natural River Pebbles, Painted with Non-Toxic Acrylic," "Size: 2-5cm," "Use: Craft/Decoration." |
| Material Breakdown | βοΈ | Confirm >90% natural stone. If paint is heavy, it might be reclassified. |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for proving Chinese origin (triggers surcharges). |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | If "painted," show paint is non-toxic/lead-free. Avoids FDA/CPSC scrutiny. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Painted Natural Stone Pebbles for Art/Craft." |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Show weight/volume. CBP checks for misdeclared weight. |
β 2. Strategic Declaration Tips
π₯ "Define the End-Use to Lower the Duty!"
| End-Use Claim | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art/Craft Carving Blanks | 9602.00.50.80 |
20.2% | BEST. Argue they are "mineral materials for artistic shaping." |
| Landscaping/Garden Decor | 2517.10.00.55 |
35.0% | SAFE. Argue they are "natural stone for outdoor use." Painting is incidental. |
| Small Stone (<7cm) Building Material | 6802.10.00.00 |
39.8% | DEFENSIBLE. Use if stones are uniform and small. |
| General Decoration (No Specific Use) | 6802.99.00.90 |
41.5% | AVOID. High duty, no specific justification. |
π Key Advice:
- If you are selling painting kits (pebbles + paint + brushes), consider declaring separately if possible, but usually the kit is classified by its essential character (the stones).
- If the pebbles are heavily painted (e.g., solid color, thick layers), CBP might argue they are no longer "natural stone" but "art materials." In this case,9602.00.50.80is stronger because it covers "other mineral products" for artistic use.
β 3. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Declaring as "Art Supplies" (Chapter 49/97) | Wrong classification, 45%+ duty, penalties | Stick to Chapter 25/68/96 for mineral-based items. |
| Ignoring Size Description | CBP reclassifies to higher duty code | Clearly state diameter/size on invoice. <7cm qualifies for 6802.10.00.00. |
| Not Mentioning Paint | Suspicion of hidden hazardous materials | Disclose paint type (non-toxic, water-based) in specs to avoid EPA/FDA delays. |
| Using Generic "Stone" Description | CBP picks highest duty (6802.99.00.90) |
Be specific: "Painted River Pebbles for Craft." |
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Best HS Code | Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9602.00.50.80 |
20.2% | Lowest due to low base rate. Must justify artistic use. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2517.10.00 |
~0-2% | No IEEPA surcharges. Lower duties overall. |
| π¬π§ UK | 2517.10.00 |
~0-2% | Post-Brexit, similar to EU for minerals. |
| π¨π³ China | 2517.10.00 |
0% | Zero duty for importing minerals/crafts. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 2517.10.00 |
0% | CUSMA benefits if processed in NA, but raw stones are low duty. |
π Conclusion for US Market:
The 20.2% duty via9602.00.50.80is significantly better than the 35-41% rates. However, it requires strong documentation proving the stones are intended for artistic/carving purposes. If CBP disagrees, they may downgrade to2517.10.00.55(35%) or6802.10.00.00(39.8%).
π Part VI: Final Recommendation
π Top Choice: 9602.00.50.80 (20.2% Total Duty)
- Why: Lowest financial impact.
- Condition: You must market and declare the pebbles as "Artistic Mineral Material" or "Carving Blanks." Include artist endorsements or craft kit packaging in your documentation.
π₯ Safe Choice: 2517.10.00.55 (35.0% Total Duty)
- Why: Easier to justify as "natural stone for crafts/landscaping."
- Condition: Accept higher duty but lower risk of misclassification challenges.
π« Avoid: 6802.99.00.90 (41.5% Total Duty)
- Why: No specific justification, highest cost, no benefit.
π£ Immediate Action Plan:
1. Choose 9602.00.50.80 if you can prove artistic intent.
2. Prepare a "Statement of End-Use" explaining the stones are for painting/crafting.
3. Ensure Paint is Non-Toxic β Provide SDS to prevent delays.
4. Label Clearly β "Painted River Pebbles β Art & Craft Use."
β¨ Pro Tip: If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Pre-Ruling from CBP to lock in the
9602.00.50.80classification before shipping. This saves potential thousands in disputes.
π Your Profit Margin Depends on Precision.
πΉ Lowest Duty: 9602.00.50.80 (20.2%)
πΉ Highest Duty: 6802.99.00.90 (41.5%)
πΉ Best Balance: 2517.10.00.55 (35.0%)
Ship Smart. Pay Less. Clear Faster. π
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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.