HS 392350 Stoppers, lids, caps and other closures

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 392350 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the MFN rate is often around 6.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, goods from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), or South Korea (KR) may benefit from Free (0%) duty rates under specific agreements. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK) for the specific country of import and the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate.

Import duty for HS code 392350 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem and you import 10,000 plastic caps valued at $0.50 each, the total declared value is $5,000 (10,000 caps * $0.50/cap). The import duty would be calculated as: $5,000 (declared value) * 0.065 (duty rate) = $325. If the goods are subject to a specific duty (e.g., per kilogram), the calculation would be rate per unit * quantity. Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the official tariff schedule.

HS code 392350 covers stoppers, lids, caps, and other closures, specifically designed for use with articles of Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The key classification criteria are that the item must be made of plastic (or other materials covered by heading 3923, such as certain composite materials) and its primary function must be to close or seal an opening of a container or article. This includes screw caps, press-on lids, stoppers, corks, and similar closures. Items that are integral parts of a container or bottle, or closures for non-plastic articles, would likely be classified elsewhere.

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 392350. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods from Mexico and Canada. For imports into the European Union, the EU's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as Canada, Japan, and South Korea often provides preferential access. The UK also has numerous FTAs post-Brexit. Importers must ensure their goods meet the Rules of Origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to claim preferential treatment, which typically requires a Certificate of Origin.

While HS code 392350 itself does not usually trigger highly specialized documentation beyond standard import requirements, importers and customs brokers must ensure accuracy. Essential documents include a commercial invoice detailing the goods, quantity, value, and origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or other proof of origin acceptable to the importing country's customs authority is mandatory. Depending on the plastic type and intended use, there might be specific product safety or material composition declarations required by certain countries, though these are not directly tied to the HS code classification itself but rather to import regulations.