防水罐
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7611000030 | 37.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7309000030 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7611000090 | 37.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923109000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🛡️ Waterproof Storage Tanks & Cylinders (防水储罐/桶)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Waterproof Tank"?
"Waterproof Storage Tanks" (防水罐) are generally categorized based on their material, shape, and specific use. In international trade, the classification is critical because aluminum and steel storage containers face significantly different tariff treatments under current US trade policies.
1. Aluminum Storage Tanks (Aluminum Cylinders)
Material: Primarily aluminum or aluminum alloys.
Form: Rigid containers, cylinders, or tanks.
Key Feature:* Designed for storage of liquids or gases, resistant to corrosion/water damage.
2. Iron/Steel Storage Tanks (Steel Cylinders)
Material: Iron or steel.
Form: Rigid containers, tanks, or drums.
Key Feature:* Heavy-duty storage, often used for industrial chemicals or water.
3. Plastic Waterproof Boxes/Cases
Material: Plastic (polymer).
Form: Boxes, cases, or containers.
Key Feature:* Often used for packaging, transport, or light-duty storage; classified under "Packaging Articles."
⚠️ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the container is made of Aluminum → It falls under Chapter 76 (Aluminum).
- If the container is made of Iron/Steel → It falls under Chapter 73 (Iron/Steel).
- If the container is made of Plastic and used as packaging → It falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Key Attributes | Tariff Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7611.00.00.30 |
Waterproof Storage Tank, Cylindrical Form, Aluminum | Aluminum | Rigid tank/cylinder for storage | 37.6% Total |
7309.00.00.30 |
Waterproof Storage Tank, Cylindrical Form, Iron/Steel | Iron/Steel | Rigid tank/cylinder for storage | 85.0% Total |
7611.00.00.90 |
Other Waterproof Containers, Aluminum/Metal | Aluminum/Metal | Other shapes/cases not specified above | 37.6% Total |
3923.10.20.00 |
Waterproof Box/Case, Plastic | Plastic | Packaging article for goods transport | 35.0% Total |
3923.10.90.00 |
Other Plastic Boxes/Cases for Transport | Plastic | General packaging/container use | 38.0% Total |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Steel vs. Aluminum: The most significant cost difference lies between Steel (7309) and Aluminum (7611). Steel tanks attract a massive 50% Section 301/122 surcharge on top of other duties, leading to an 85% total rate. Aluminum only incurs a smaller surcharge, totaling 37.6%.
- Plastic Cases: If your "tank" is actually a hard plastic case for equipment (like a Pelican case), it is classified as packaging (3923), not a metal storage tank. This saves you from the heavy steel/aluminum duties, but still attracts Section 301/122 taxes.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Ongoing (as per current trade measures)
🎯 1. 7611.00.00.30 & 7611.00.00.90 —— Aluminum Storage Tanks/Containers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Additional Duty) | +25.0% (Standard Section 301 penalty for Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (Specific surcharge for certain aluminum/metal products) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 37.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 37.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No (Deny de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 7611.00.00.30 → IEEPA: 9903.01.25 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
📌 Explanation:
- The 2.6% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty.
- The 25% is the standard USITC Section 301 tariff.
- The 10% is a specific additional surcharge under Section 122 for aluminum products.
- Total: 37.6%. This is high but significantly lower than steel alternatives.
🎯 2. 7309.00.00.30 —— Iron/Steel Storage Tanks
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Additional Duty) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% (Specific high surcharge for steel products) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 85.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 85.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No (Deny de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 7309.00.00.30 → IEEPA: 9903.01.25 (25%) + Section 122 Steel Surcharge (50%) |
📌 Critical Warning:
- Steel tanks are subject to a 50% Section 122 surcharge specifically for steel, aluminum, and copper products, in addition to the standard 25% Section 301.
- Total: 85.0%. This is a prohibitive tariff. Importing steel storage tanks from China is extremely expensive and may require alternative sourcing or redesign.
🎯 3. 3923.10.20.00 & 3923.10.90.00 —— Plastic Waterproof Boxes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (for .20) / 3.0% (for .90) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% (for .20) / 38.0% (for .90) |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No (Deny de minimis) |
📌 Explanation:
- Plastic packaging items do not face the heavier 50% steel/aluminum surcharge.
- They only face the standard 25% Section 301 and a lighter 10% Section 122 surcharge.
- Total: 35%-38%. This is the most cost-effective option if the product can be classified as a plastic packaging case rather than a metal tank.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must clearly state Material (Aluminum, Steel, or Plastic) and Form (Tank, Cylinder, Box). |
| ✅ Technical Drawings | ✔️ | To prove if it's a "Tank" (Chapter 73/76) or a "Packaging Box" (Chapter 39). |
| ✅ Material Certificates | ✔️ | Mill certificates for metals; plastic type codes (e.g., PP, PE) for plastics. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must describe item accurately (e.g., "Aluminum Storage Tank" vs. "Steel Drums"). Mislabeling leads to audits. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show contents clearly. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Material Dictates Duty: Steel 85%, Al 37%, Plastic 35%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Tank | 7611.00.00.30 "Aluminum Storage Tank" |
Declaring as "Steel Tank" | 85% Tax instead of 37.6% → Overpayment |
| Steel Tank | 7309.00.00.30 "Steel Storage Tank" |
Declaring as "Aluminum Tank" | Audit Risk & Penalty |
| Plastic Case | 3923.10.20.00 "Plastic Waterproof Box" |
Declaring as "Metal Tank" | 85% or 37.6% Tax instead of 35% → Overpayment |
| Mixed Materials | Declare primary material | Ignoring component material | Classification Error |
📌 Strategy:
- If your product is rigid, thick-walled, and intended for industrial storage, customs may view it as a Tank (73/76).
- If it is lighter, has a lid/latch, and is used for transport/packaging, argue for Plastic Packaging (3923) to save on the 50% steel surcharge (if applicable) and generally lower rates.
✅ 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Tanks | Provide customer drawings to prove specific design intent. |
| Plastic Tanks (HDPE/PP) | Ensure HS Code 3923 is used, not 7611 or 7309. Plastic tanks are exempt from the 50% steel surcharge. |
| Aluminum Alloy | Even if alloyed, if primary material is aluminum, it falls under 7611. The 37.6% rate applies. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7611.00.00.30 (Al) |
37.6% | High due to Section 122. |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7309.00.00.30 (Steel) |
85.0% | Prohibitive. Avoid if possible. |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3923.10.20.00 (Plastic) |
35.0% | Most competitive for packaging cases. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 7611.00.00.30 |
5-10% | Lower import duties into China. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 7611.00.00 |
~5-10% | No Section 301/122 surcharges. |
📌 Conclusion:
- US Market is the most challenging due to Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges.
- Steel tanks are heavily penalized (85%).
- Aluminum tanks are moderately taxed (37.6%).
- Plastic cases are the most tax-efficient (35%) if they fit the packaging definition.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Classifying a Plastic Case as a Steel Tank
👉 Consequence: 85% Tax instead of 35% → Loss of 50% margin!
❌ Error 2: Classifying an Aluminum Tank as a Steel Tank
👉 Consequence: 85% Tax instead of 37.6% → Loss of 47.4% margin!
❌ Error 3: Failing to declare Section 122 Surcharge
👉 Consequence: Underpayment → Penalties & Back Taxes from US Customs.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Aluminum Storage Tank, 500L, Welded, For Chemical Storage, Model XYZ"
"Plastic Waterproof Case, Polyethylene, For Equipment Transport, Model XYZ"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Rule:
🔹 "Steel is 85%, Aluminum is 37%, Plastic is 35%!"
🔹 "Check Material First, Then Shape, Then Duty!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your product can be legally described as a "Packaging Case" (even if it's a tank-like structure), try to qualify for HS Code 3923. This avoids the heavier metal-specific surcharges. Always consult a customs broker for Pre-Ruling if the material is ambiguous.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify your product's primary material.
📦 Choose the correct HS Code to avoid 85% surprises.
🚀 Optimize your supply chain cost with precise classification!
✨ Precise Classification Starts Here!
💼 Your Bottom Line Depends on the First Letter of the HS Code!
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.