木制铅笔杆毛坯
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4421919820 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999820 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
✏️ Wooden Pencil Slats (Raw Wood for Pencils)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What are "Wooden Pencil Slats"?
Wooden Pencil Slats (also known as Pencil Halves, Pencil Blanks, or Pencil Strips) are the foundational raw materials used in pencil manufacturing. They are not finished pencils but rather semi-finished wooden components that hold the graphite core.
In international trade, these are classified under Chapter 44 (Wood and Articles of Wood). The critical distinction lies in the degree of processing: - Raw Sausages/Halves: Wooden strips with one or both grooves cut to hold the graphite/clay core. - Finished Pencils: Fully assembled, painted, and ferrule-attached pencils (classified under Chapter 96).
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the wood is merely cut into strips with grooves (but no graphite, paint, or metal ferrule) → Classified under HS Code 4421.
- If it is a finished pencil (graphite inserted, painted, eraser attached) → Classified under HS Code 9609 (NOT in DATA).
- If it is bamboo → Classified under different subheadings within Chapter 44 (but DATA specifies "Of bamboo" then "Other", implying generic wood).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based strictly on the provided <DATA>, the classification falls under "Other articles of wood". This is because pencil slats are considered "finished enough" to be distinct from raw lumber (Chapter 4401/4403) but not "finished pencils" (Chapter 96).
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4421.91.98.20 |
Other articles of wood: Other: Of bamboo: Other: Other Pencil slats | Bamboo-based pencil blanks | Made from Bamboo |
4421.99.98.20 |
Other articles of wood: Other: Other: Other: Other Pencil slats | Wood-based pencil blanks | Made from Hardwood/Softwood (e.g., Cedar, Basswood) |
🔍 Critical Note:
-4421.91...is for Bamboo slats.
-4421.99...is for Non-Bamboo Wood slats (e.g., Western Red Cedar, Basswood).
- Both codes fall under the broader category of "Other Articles of Wood" because they are not primary timber products nor finished consumer goods.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Duties & Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Status: Based on provided DATA
🎯 1. 4421.91.98.20 – Pencil Slats (Of Bamboo)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (Generally, low-duty wood articles may qualify if under $800, but subject to CBP discretion on wood pests) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4421.91.98.20 |
📌 Explanation:
- According to the provided data, bamboo pencil slats have zero tariff burden.
- This is significantly lower than many other wood products.
- Why? Bamboo is often treated more favorably or falls into specific "other articles" exemptions where base rates are low and no major trade remedy duties apply to this specific sub-item in the dataset.
🎯 2. 4421.99.98.20 – Pencil Slats (Other Wood)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (Subject to phytosanitary rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4421.99.98.20 |
📌 Explanation:
- Non-bamboo wood pencil slats (like cedar) also carry 0% tax in this dataset.
- Caution: While duty is 0%, non-tariff barriers (Phytosanitary/ISPM 15) are critical for wood products. See Clearance Advice below.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Expert Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Wooden Pencil Slats" or "Pencil Halves", NOT "Pencils" or "Lumber". |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail wood type (e.g., "Western Red Cedar") and quantity. |
| ✅ Phytosanitary Certificate | ✔️ | CRITICAL. Raw wood requires treatment (heat treatment/fumigation) per ISPM 15. |
| ✅ Wood Species Declaration | ✔️ | Specify if Bamboo or Hardwood/Softwood to determine correct HS Code (4421.91 vs 4421.99). |
| ✅ FDA Form 2877 | ❌ | Not usually required for plain wood, but check if treated with chemicals. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 “Correct Description, Correct Code, Zero Tax but Watch the Pests!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Slats | 4421.91.98.20 |
4421.99.98.20 |
Possible misclassification, but same tax. Still risks inspection. |
| Cedar Slats | 4421.99.98.20 |
4403.99 (Timber) |
Misclassification as raw timber → Higher scrutiny. |
| Finished Pencils | 9609.10 |
4421.99.98.20 |
Severe Penalty. Wrong chapter. |
| Untreated Wood | N/A | Any HS Code | Seizure by USDA APHIS due to pest risk. |
📌 Crucial Advice:
- Do NOT declare as "Lumber" or "Timber". These are articles of wood, not raw logs.
- Do NOT declare as "Pencils". If graphite is present, it’s Chapter 96. If only wood, it’s Chapter 44.
- Wood Treatment: Ensure all wood is ISPM 15 compliant (heat-treated or fumigated). Customs will flag untreated wood for destruction.
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Packaging | If slats are packaged with graphite leads but not yet assembled, still declare as slats if the essential character is wood. |
| Treated Wood | If slats are chemically treated (e.g., with borate), declare chemical treatment method. |
| De Minimis ($800) | Since tax is 0%, Section 321 (De Minimis) may apply for shipments under $800, but Phytosanitary rules still apply. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4421.91.98.20 / 4421.99.98.20 |
0% | ISPM 15 (Phytosanitary) | No Section 301 surcharge per DATA. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4421.99.98 (Approx.) |
0-5% | FSC/PEFC (Sustainability) | Strict wood sourcing rules. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4421.99.98 |
0-10% | N/A | Import duty may vary by origin. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 4421.99 |
0-5% | ISPM 15 | Strict pest control. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% duty for both bamboo and wood pencil slats per this dataset.
- Non-tariff barriers (Phytosanitary) are the main hurdle, not cost.
- Ensure wood type accuracy to avoid misclassification.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Pencils" (HS 9609) when no graphite is present.
👉 Consequence: Wrong duty rate, potential fraud allegation.
❌ Mistake 2: Failing to provide Phytosanitary Certificate for untreated wood.
👉 Consequence: Seizure and destruction by USDA APHIS. No refund.
❌ Mistake 3: Confusing "Bamboo" vs. "Wood".
👉 Consequence: While tax is same in DATA, misclassification can lead to audit flags and delayed clearance.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring ISPM 15 Marking.
👉 Consequence: Rejected at port. Must re-export or destroy.
✅ Correct Practice:
“Wooden Pencil Slats (Cedar), Heat-Treated, ISPM 15 Marked, No Graphite, Model PS-100”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost-Free, Risk-Free!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 “Wooden Slats, Zero Duty, But Check the Wood, Check the Pests, Check the Code!”
🔹 “0% Tax is Sweet, But 100% Seizure is a Pain. IsPM 15 is Key!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider pre-shipment inspection for phytosanitary compliance.
For small e-commerce shipments, ensure the supplier provides ISPM 15 stamped pallets/boxes.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify wood type (Bamboo vs. Wood)
📄 Request Phytosanitary Certificate
🚀 Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid Delays, Maximize Profit!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Every Dollar Saved is Worth the Precision!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.