tea ball strainers
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6911108010 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6911900050 | 22.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323930060 | 62.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π΅ Tea Ball Strainers (Infusers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is a "Tea Ball"?
A Tea Ball Strainer (also known as a tea infuser) is a kitchen or tea-ware accessory used to steep loose-leaf tea in hot water while retaining the leaves. In international trade, classification depends strictly on Material and Specific Function, as these factors drastically alter the HS Code and the resulting tariff burden under current US-China trade policies.
The data indicates three primary material categories: 1. Plastic: Home use, kitchenware. 2. Ceramic: Filter/Drinking ware, porcelain tableware. 3. Metal: Kitchen/Tableware, specifically Stainless Steel or general Metal articles.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the item is Plastic β It falls under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastic).
- If the item is Ceramic β It falls under Chapter 69 (Ceramic Products).
- If the item is Metal β It falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel), which carries the highest risk due to Section 232/301 tariffs.
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided dataset, here are the specific HS Codes, summaries, and tax breakdowns.
| HS Code | Material Inference | Summary & Description | Total Tax Rate | Tax Details Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3924.10.40.00 | Plastic | Inferred material is plastic; intended for home use, fits the attribute of Tableware/Cookware. | 13.4% | Base Tariff: 3.4% Add'l Tariff: 0.0% Section 122 Tariff: 10% |
| 6911.10.80.10 | Ceramic | Inferred material is ceramic; intended for filtering tea, falls under Porcelain Tableware. | 38.3% | Base Tariff: 20.8% Add'l Tariff: 7.5% Section 122 Tariff: 10% |
| 6911.90.00.50 | Ceramic | Inferred material is ceramic; intended for kitchen/tea art utensils, fits Tableware classification. | 22.9% | Base Tariff: 5.4% Add'l Tariff: 7.5% Section 122 Tariff: 10% |
| 7323.99.90.30 | Metal | Inferred material is metal; intended for filtering tea, fits Kitchen/Tableware. | 88.4% | Base Tariff: 3.4% Add'l Tariff: 25.0% Section 122 Tariff: 10% Steel/Aluminum/Copper Add'l: 50% |
| 7323.93.00.60 | Stainless Steel/Metal | Inferred material is stainless steel or metal; intended for kitchen utensils, fits Stainless Steel classification. | 62.0% | Base Tariff: 2.0% Add'l Tariff: 0.0% Section 122 Tariff: 10% Steel/Aluminum/Copper Add'l: 50% |
π Key Insight:
- Plastic (3924.10.40.00) is the most cost-effective option with a total tariff of 13.4%.
- Ceramic varies significantly: 6911.90.00.50 (22.9%) is much better than 6911.10.80.10 (38.3%). The distinction often lies in whether it is considered "Porcelain Tableware" (higher base) vs. "Other Ceramic Tableware/Kitchenware" (lower base).
- Metal (7323.99.90.30) is the most expensive at 88.4% due to the cumulative impact of the 50% "Steel/Aluminum/Copper" add-on tariff.
- Stainless Steel (7323.93.00.60) avoids the 25% add-on tariff but still incurs the 50% steel-specific add-on, resulting in 62.0%.
π° Part III: 2026 Tariff Rate Explanation (Detailed Breakdown)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Validity: Current rates include Section 301 (Trade War) and Section 122/232 implications as per dataset.
π― 1. 3924.10.40.00 β Plastic Tableware (Lowest Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Add'l | 0.0% (Not applicable or exempted in this specific sub-category per dataset) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Total Rate | 13.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Deny de minimis for Section 301/122 goods) |
π Explanation:
- Plastic tableware faces a modest 3.4% base duty.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a specific surcharge.
- No Section 301 (25%) is applied in this dataset entry, making it the cheapest path for importers.
π― 2. 6911.90.00.50 β Ceramic Kitchen/Tableware (Mid-Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.4% |
| Add'l Rate | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Total Rate | 22.9% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.9% |
π Explanation:
- This code is for "Other ceramic tableware" or specific kitchen/tea art items.
- The base rate is low (5.4%), but the 7.5% add-on and 10% Section 122 tariff push it to 22.9%.
- Avoid6911.10.80.10if possible, as its base rate (20.8%) is much higher, leading to 38.3% total.
π― 3. 7323.99.90.30 β Metal/Kitchenware (Highest Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% |
| Add'l Rate | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Steel/Alu/Copper Add'l | 50% |
| Total Rate | 88.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
π Warning:
- This is the wor-case scenario.
- The 50% Steel/Aluminum/Copper add-on tariff is the primary driver.
- Even though the base is low, the cumulative tax is nearly double the value of the goods.
π― 4. 7323.93.00.60 β Stainless Steel Utensils (High Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 2.0% |
| Add'l Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10% |
| Steel/Alu/Copper Add'l | 50% |
| Total Rate | 62.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 62.0% |
π Explanation:
- Stainless steel (7323.93) avoids the 25% add-on tariff but still suffers the 50% steel-specific tariff.
- Total 62.0% is still very high compared to plastic or ceramic.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Material Declaration is Critical
| Strategy | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Material Choice | Prefers Plastic (3924.10.40.00) or Ceramic (6911.90.00.50) to avoid the 50% steel tariff. |
| If Metal is Mandatory | Specify "Stainless Steel" (7323.93.00.60) to avoid the additional 25% add-on, saving 26.4% vs. the 88.4% code. |
| Description Accuracy | Do NOT use generic terms like "Kitchen Tool." Use specific terms: "Plastic Tea Infuser," "Porcelain Tea Strainer," or "Stainless Steel Tea Ball." |
β 2. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Photos | β Required | Must clearly show material texture (plastic shine, ceramic glaze, metal mesh). |
| Specification Sheet | β Required | Confirm material composition (e.g., "100% Food-Grade Plastic," "Porcelain"). |
| Commercial Invoice | β Required | Clearly state HS Code and material. |
| Origin Certificate | β Required | If not from China, check for FTZ exemptions. |
| Material Test Report | β Recommended | For plastic: FDA/ LFGB compliance. For metal: SS304/SS316 grade proof. |
β 3. Common Pitfalls & Solutions
| Pitfall | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Misdeclaring Metal as Plastic | High Penalty & Retention | Customs will inspect. If found to be metal, back-taxes + penalty apply. Declare truthfully. |
Using 6911.10.80.10 for All Ceramics |
Overpaying Tax | If your ceramic strainer is not strictly "Porcelain Tableware" but a general kitchen utensil, argue for 6911.90.00.50 (22.9% vs 38.3%). |
| Ignoring Steel Surcharge | Cost Shock | If using steel, budget for 62-88% tax. Consider sourcing non-steel materials or alternative markets. |
| Not Distinguishing Ceramic Types | Classification Dispute | Ensure the product description matches the code. "Tea Art Utensil" vs. "Tableware" can change the base rate. |
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 (Plastic) |
13.4% | Best Option. Lowest tax among all materials. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 6911.90.00.50 (Ceramic) |
22.9% | Acceptable. Avoid 6911.10.80.10 (38.3%). |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7323.93.00.60 (Steel) |
62.0% | High. Only if material is unavoidable. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7323.99.90.30 (Metal) |
88.4% | Avoid. Highest tax burden. |
| π¨π³ China | Varies | Varies | Domestic consumption has different rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Varies | Varies | No Section 301/122 tariffs. Generally lower rates for all materials. |
π Conclusion for US Importers:
- Plastic tea strainers are the most tariff-efficient option (13.4%).
- Ceramic is the second-best option if you choose the correct sub-code (6911.90.00.50at 22.9%).
- Metal/Stainless Steel faces punitive tariffs (62-88%) due to Section 232/301 steel tariffs. Strongly consider switching materials if cost is a primary concern.
π Part VI: Final Recommendations & Action Plan
π― Strategic Advice:
- Audit Your Supply Chain: If you are currently importing metal tea strainers, immediately evaluate switching to plastic or ceramic to save ~50-75% in tariffs.
- Precise Labeling: Ensure your invoices and descriptions explicitly state the material. For ceramics, distinguish between "Porcelain Tableware" and "Other Ceramic Kitchenware" to aim for the lower tax code.
- Pre-Classification Ruling: For large volumes, consider applying for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Customs Ruling to lock in the HS Code and avoid post-import audits.
- De Minimis Exemption: Be aware that Section 301 and 122 tariffs are NOT exempt under the $800 de minimis rule. All imports, regardless of value, are subject to these taxes.
β Checklist for Importers:
- [ ] Confirm Material Composition (Plastic/Ceramic/Metal).
- [ ] Select HS Code based on material:
- Plastic β
3924.10.40.00(13.4%) - Ceramic (Non-Porcelain) β
6911.90.00.50(22.9%) - Ceramic (Porcelain) β
6911.10.80.10(38.3%) - Stainless Steel β
7323.93.00.60(62.0%) - Other Metal β
7323.99.90.30(88.4%)
- Plastic β
- [ ] Prepare Material Test Reports (FDA/LFGB for plastic, SGS for metal).
- [ ] Calculate Landed Cost including the full tax rate.
- [ ] Consult with a Customs Broker for final classification verification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos and material specs.
π Evaluate material switch from metal to plastic/ceramic to reduce tax burden by up to 75%.
π Optimize your supply chain for 2026 tariffs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ 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) 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.