tinplate
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7204300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7204490080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7210110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7210120000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7212100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7212500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Tinplate Scraps (Tinplate Waste & Scrap)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Tinplate Scrap"?
Tinplate Scrap refers to waste and scrap materials derived from tinplate, which is essentially tin-coated iron or steel. In international trade, these materials are categorized based on their form (e.g., general scrap, rolled product residues) and chemical composition (iron or alloy steel).
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- General Scrap/Shreds: If the material is simply waste, shreds, or general scrap from tinplate products, it falls under 7204.30.00.00 or 7204.49.00.80.
- Rolled Product Residues: If the material consists of residual or secondary forms of flat-rolled products (such as cut-offs, edge trimmings, or defective sheets) that are still recognizable as processed tinplate, it falls under 7210.11.00.00, 7210.12.00.00, 7212.10.00.00, or 7212.50.00.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Form/State |
|---|---|---|---|
7204.30.00.00 |
Tinplate scrap (Waste and scrap of tinplate) | General waste, shreds, or bulk scrap from tinplate production/use | β General Scrap |
7204.49.00.80 |
Tinplate scrap (Waste and scrap of iron or steel) | General waste classified under iron/steel categories | β General Scrap |
7210.11.00.00 |
Tinplate scrap (Residues of tinplate flat-rolled products) | Residual parts from tinplate (tin-coated steel) flat rolling processes | β Flat-Rolled Residue |
7210.12.00.00 |
Tinplate scrap (Residues of tinplate sheet/strip) | Residual/secondary forms of tinplate sheets/strips | β Flat-Rolled Residue |
7212.10.00.00 |
Tinplate scrap (Subsequent processed forms) | Scrap from tin-coated iron/non-alloy steel after further processing | β Processed Scrap |
7212.50.00.00 |
Tinplate scrap (Coated metal waste) | Metal waste after coating treatment (iron/non-alloy steel) | β Coated Scrap |
π Key Reminder:
- All listed HS codes for Tinplate Scrap from China to the US are subject to high additional tariffs.
- Whether classified as "general scrap" (7204.xx) or "flat-rolled residue" (7210.xx/7212.xx), the total tax burden is identical: 35.0%.
- Do not assume that "scrap" automatically qualifies for lower tariffs; the origin and additional trade policies dictate the final cost.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current (Applicable to imports including subsequent entries)
π― 1. All HS Codes (7204.30.00.00, 7204.49.00.80, 7210.11.00.00, 7210.12.00.00, 7212.10.00.00, 7212.50.00.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (Additional tariff imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific tariff clause for Chinese origin goods, often linked to recent trade measures) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Scrap metals are generally excluded from de minimis low-value shipment exemptions) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC: [HS Code] β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% β Total: 35% |
π Explanation:
- The Base Rate is 0% because scrap metals often enjoy lower standard import duties in the US.
- However, the 25% Section 301 Tariff is the dominant cost driver for Chinese-origin steel/iron products.
- The 10% Section 122 Tariff adds further pressure, bringing the total to 35%.
- Total Liability: For every $10,000 CIF value, you must pay $3,500 in duties alone.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Document Checklist (None Can Be Omitted)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Tinplate Scrap," "Waste and Scrap of Iron/Steel," or "Residue of Flat-Rolled Products." Avoid vague terms like "Metal Waste." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail the weight, quantity, and packaging type. Ensure consistency with the invoice. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the condition of the scrap (shredded, sheets, coiled, etc.) to verify HS code classification. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Proof of Chinese origin, triggering the additional tariffs. |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | Optional but recommended to prove composition (Iron/Steel vs. Alloy) if challenged. |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Standard transport document. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βClassify by Form, Declare by Origin, Tariff is 35%, Donβt Guess!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| General Tinplate Shreds/Waste | 7204.30.00.00 or 7204.49.00.80 |
Misclassifying as "Alloy Steel" to seek lower rates β Audit risk |
| Flat-Rolled Residues (Trim/Edge) | 7210.11.00.00 / 7210.12.00.00 |
Declaring as "General Scrap" β May trigger customs inquiry on form |
| Coated Scrap (Post-processing) | 7212.50.00.00 |
Declaring as "Uncoated Scrap" β Misclassification penalty |
| All Cases | Total Tax: 35% | Assuming 0% base rate means no tax β Missed 35% Liability! |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Scrap (Tin + Other Metals) | If contaminated with non-ferrous metals, HS code may change. Ensure purity for accurate classification. |
| Contaminated Scrap | If the scrap contains oil, paint, or non-metallic residues, it may be classified differently. Cleanliness affects valuation. |
| Origin Marking | Ensure all packages clearly mark "Made in China." Hidden origin can lead to severe penalties. |
| Valuation Disputes | Customs may question the CIF value of scrap. Provide purchase contracts and market price references for tinplate scrap. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7204.30.00.00 / 7210.xx |
35% (25% S301 + 10% S122) | None specific | High barrier. Total tax is 35%. |
| π¨π³ China | 7204.30.00.00 |
0% | None | Import of scrap is often restricted or taxed differently (export vs import). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7204.30.00.00 |
Varies (0-6.5%) | REACH | No Section 301 equivalent, but environmental standards are strict. |
| π¬π§ UK | 7204.30.00.00 |
Varies | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 7204.30.00.00 |
Varies | RCM | No major anti-dumping duties on tinplate scrap generally. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most difficult market for tinplate scrap due to the 35% total tariff burden.
- EU and other regions may have lower tariff rates, but environmental and recycling regulations are stricter.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Ensure the profit margin exceeds the 35% duty + logistics + handling costs before exporting to the US.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Tinplate Scrap" with a 0% base rate and forgetting the 35% additional taxes.
π Consequence: Seizure of goods, heavy fines, and back-payment of duties + interest.
β Mistake 2: Misclassifying "Flat-Rolled Residues" (7210.xx) as "General Scrap" (7204.xx) to avoid scrutiny.
π Consequence: Customs audit, delay in clearance, and potential penalty for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like "Metal Waste" in the commercial invoice.
π Consequence: Customs may detain goods for re-classification, leading to storage fees and demurrage charges.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring the "Section 122" tariff component.
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties. The 10% is separate from the 25% Section 301 tax.
β Correct Practice:
"Tinplate Scrap, Waste and Scrap of Tin-Coated Iron or Steel, HS Code 7204.30.00.00, Origin: China, Total Duty: 35%"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Base 0%, S301 25%, S122 10%, Total 35%!"
πΉ "Form Matters: General Scrap vs. Rolled Residue, But Tax is Same!"
πΉ "China Origin, US Market, High Tariff, Plan Ahead!"
π Pro Tip:
- Apply for Advance Rulings: If you are a large importer, consider requesting a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the HS code and tariff liability.
- Supply Chain Adjustment: If the 35% tariff is prohibitive, consider processing in third countries (subject to rules of origin) or selling to markets with lower tariffs (e.g., EU, Southeast Asia).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product images + Verify HS code
π Ensure accurate classification to avoid costly delays and penalties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Counts in Your Profit Margin!
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.