paper cup holder
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420110030 | 13.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420110010 | 13.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924905650 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯€ Paper Cup Holder (Paper Cup Dispenser/Stand)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Paper Cup Holders"?
A Paper Cup Holder is a kitchen or commercial accessory designed to store, dispense, or organize paper cups. In international trade, the classification depends strictly on the material used and the specific function (whether it is a standalone unit or a component/part).
1. Plastic Cup Holders:
Typically made of PP, ABS, or other polymers. If it is a complete unit (frame + base), it falls under plastic household articles.
2. Wooden/Bamboo Cup Holders:
Made of solid wood, bamboo, or other vegetable materials. These are classified under wood articles.
3. Metal Cup Holders:
Made of steel, aluminum, or copper alloys. These fall under metal tableware or kitchenware.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a complete unit (stand + holder mechanism), it is classified based on its primary material.
- If it is a component/part (e.g., just the plastic bracket that clips onto a counter), it may fall under "parts" of the respective material.
- Commercial vs. Household: Most paper cup holders are classified as "Household Articles" unless specifically designed for heavy-duty industrial machinery integration.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
3924.10.40.00 |
Plastic tableware, kitchenware, or toilet articles | Plastic paper cup holders, racks, dispensers | β Plastic (PP/ABS) |
4420.11.00.30 |
Wooden or bamboo articles | Wooden/Bamboo paper cup holders, stands | β Wood/Bamboo |
4420.11.00.10 |
Parts of wooden/bamboo articles | Wooden brackets, clips for cup holders | β Wood/Bamboo (Part) |
3924.90.56.50 |
Other plastic household articles | Plastic components not covered in 3924.10 (e.g., complex bases) | β Plastic (Misc) |
7323.99.90.30 |
Steel, aluminum, or copper articles of iron or steel | Metal paper cup stands, racks, dispensers | β Metal (Steel/Al/Cu) |
π Key Reminder:
- Plastic: Complete holders go to3924.10.40.00. Complex plastic parts might go to3924.90.56.50.
- Wood: Complete holders go to4420.11.00.30. Individual wooden parts go to4420.11.00.10.
- Metal: All metal cup holders, regardless of metal type (steel, aluminum, copper), go to7323.99.90.30.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detail (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Tariff Regime)
π― 1. 3924.10.40.00 ββ Plastic Paper Cup Holders
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Specific list exclusion or low-tier category) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% (Under Section 122 of the Trade Act) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Section 321 exemption does not apply to goods subject to Section 301/122 duties) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3924.10.40.00 β Section 301 List β Section 122 Authority |
π Explanation:
- Plastic kitchenware often benefits from lower base tariffs, but the 10% Section 122 tariff is a critical addition for Chinese-origin plastic goods.
- Total 13.4% is moderate compared to metal goods, but still significant for low-margin items.
π― 2. 4420.11.00.30 & 4420.11.00.10 ββ Wooden/Bamboo Paper Cup Holders
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 4420.11.00.30 β Section 122 Authority |
π Note:
- Both complete holders (.30) and parts (.10) share the same effective tariff rate of 13.2%.
- Bamboo products are treated similarly to wood under this heading.
π― 3. 3924.90.56.50 ββ Other Plastic Articles (Non-Household/Complex)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3924.90.56.50 β Section 301 List β Section 122 Authority |
π Warning:
- If your plastic holder is classified as "Other" (e.g., not standard household ware or complex molded parts), the Section 301 surcharge of 7.5% kicks in.
- Total 20.9% is significantly higher than standard plastic kitchenware. Ensure correct subheading classification.
π― 4. 7323.99.90.30 ββ Metal Paper Cup Holders
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Additional Metal Surcharge | 50.0% (For Steel, Aluminum, Copper products under specific trade actions) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 88.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 7323.99.90.30 β Section 301 List β Section 122 β Metal-specific Trade Actions |
π Critical Alert:
- Metal cup holders face the highest tariff burden at 88.4%.
- This includes Base (3.4%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) + Metal-Specific Surcharge (50%).
- This rate applies to Steel, Aluminum, and Copper.
- Recommendation: Avoid shipping metal cup holders from China to the US unless the margin can absorb an ~88% tax. Consider alternative materials (Plastic/Wood) or third-country assembly.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Suggestions (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., 100% PP, Solid Wood, Stainless Steel), dimensions, weight. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the product, packaging, and any brand logos. Show if itβs a complete unit or part. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Paper Cup Holder" and specify material (Plastic/Wood/Metal). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity per carton, gross/net weight. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Prove origin (China). If transshipped, ensure proper documentation. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state "Made of Plastic," "Made of Wood," etc., to avoid misclassification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, No Hidden Parts, Tax Rate Defined!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Holder | "Plastic Paper Cup Holder, Household Use" β 3924.10.40.00 |
Misclassify as "Plastic Part" β 3924.90.56.50 (Higher Tax) |
| Wooden Holder | "Wooden Paper Cup Stand" β 4420.11.00.30 |
Split wooden stand into "bracket" + "base" β Risk of audit |
| Metal Holder | "Metal Paper Cup Holder" β 7323.99.90.30 |
Avoid Declaration if Possible due to 88.4% tax |
| Mixed Material | Declare primary material. If >50% plastic, use plastic code. | Ambiguous "Multi-material" β Customs may choose highest tax |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Holders | Provide design drawings to prove itβs a standard household item, not an industrial machine part. |
| Plastic Parts Only | If shipping only the plastic clip/holder (no base), ensure itβs not considered a "part of a machine." Use 4420.11.00.10 or 3924.90.56.50 if applicable. |
| Metal Coating on Plastic | If plastic holder is painted metal-colored, it remains Plastic (3924.10.40.00). Do not declare as Metal. |
| Bamboo vs. Wood | Bamboo is classified under Wood (Heading 44). No separate tariff. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 (Plastic) |
13.4% | FCC (if electronic), FDA (food contact) | 88.4% for Metal! |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4420.11.00.30 (Wood) |
13.2% | FSC (if sustainable), FDA | |
| π¨π³ China | 3924.10.40.00 |
0% - 5% | CCC (if applicable), GB Standards | Low tax, easy clearance |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3924.10 |
0% - 4.5% | CE, LFGB (Food Contact) | No Section 122/301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3924.10 |
0% - 10% | JIS, Food Sanitation Act |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-risk market for Paper Cup Holders due to Section 122 and 301 tariffs.
- Metal holders are practically unviable for direct shipment from China to the US due to 88.4% total tax.
- Plastic and Wood are recommended for US market entry, with costs ~13%.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Plastic Holder as a Metal Holder to avoid high plastic tariffs?
π Consequence: Customs audit reveals material mismatch β Penalty + Rejection.
β Error 2: Declaring a Complete Metal Holder as "Parts of Machinery"?
π Consequence: Misclassification β 88.4% tax still applies + fines.
β Error 3: Shipping Metal Cup Holders without declaring origin?
π Consequence: 88.4% duty + 20% penalty for false declaration.
β Error 4: Using "Cup Dispenser" for a simple Holder?
π Consequence: May trigger FDA scrutiny if it implies "Food Contact Surface" without certification.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Paper Cup Holder, Household Use, PP Material, FDA Compliant, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time & Cost Saving!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic & Wood: ~13% Tax (Safe Zone)"
πΉ "Metal: ~88% Tax (Danger Zone! Avoid if Possible)"
πΉ "Material is King: Plastic β Metal, Wood β Plastic"
πΉ "Declare Correctly, Save Thousands!"
π Pro Tip:
If you must ship Metal Holders, consider transshipment through Vietnam or Mexico (subject to strict rules of origin) or switch to Plastic/Bamboo alternatives.
For Plastic/Wood, ensure FDA compliance for food-contact surfaces to avoid CDC/FDA delays.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
π Submit Product Photos & Material Specs
π Optimize HS Code for Cost Efficiency
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on Accurate Tariff Classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.