Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a typical chapter in the HS classification organized by material. This chapter includes plastics in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), waste and scrap, semi-manufactures, and various finished plastic articles (such as plates, sheets, film, tubes, packaging containers, household items, etc.). However, note that this chapter does not include articles mixed or combined with other materials (e.g., articles combining plastics with textiles are classified in Chapter 59), nor does it include specialized plastic parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, etc. (classified in Chapters 87 and 88). The arrangement logic of this chapter is raw materials before finished products, and general-purpose before specialized. Heading 3923 specifically covers plastic containers and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, including boxes, cases, crates, bottles, jars, pots, barrels, bags, sacks, capsules, ampoules, etc., as well as plastic stoppers, lids, caps, sealing films, etc. The core characteristic of this heading is that these articles are used to close, protect, or carry goods, and are usually used together with containers. However, note that 3923 does not include plastic articles clearly intended for household or personal decoration (such as picture frames, jewelry boxes), nor does it include plastic parts dedicated to a particular machine. Code 392350 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof). Digits 3-4 "23" represent heading 3923 (Plastic containers and similar articles for packing). Digits 5-6 "50" represent subheading 392350, namely plastic stoppers, lids and similar articles. In HS classification, subheading levels are usually further subdivided according to function or shape. 392350 specifically includes: plastic stoppers, lids, caps, sealing caps, closure caps, bottle caps, jar lids, cork substitutes, etc., provided that the material is plastic and they are used to close containers. However, note that this subheading does not include articles combining plastic inner plugs or outer caps with other materials (e.g., plastic caps with metal threads should be classified in Chapter 83). This commodity is classified under 392350 rather than adjacent codes for the following reasons: 1) The material is plastic, conforming to the broad category of Chapter 39; 2) The function is to close containers, falling within the scope of "similar articles" of heading 3923; 3) It is not combined with other materials to the extent of changing its essential character. If the cap has metal threads or metal reinforcements, it may be classified in Chapter 83 (articles of base metal); if it is a rubber stopper, it is classified in Chapter 40; if it is a paper lid, it is classified in Chapter 48. Therefore, when classifying, priority should be given to material and function.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a typical chapter in the HS classification organized by material. This chapter includes plastics in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), waste and scrap, semi-manufactures, and various finished plastic articles (such as plates, sheets, film, tubes, packaging containers, household items, etc.). However, note that this chapter does not include articles mixed or combined with other materials (e.g., articles combining plastics with textiles are classified in Chapter 59), nor does it include specialized plastic parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, etc. (classified in Chapters 87 and 88). The arrangement logic of this chapter is raw materials before finished products, and general-purpose before specialized.
Heading
Heading 3923 specifically covers plastic containers and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, including boxes, cases, crates, bottles, jars, pots, barrels, bags, sacks, capsules, ampoules, etc., as well as plastic stoppers, lids, caps, sealing films, etc. The core characteristic of this heading is that these articles are used to close, protect, or carry goods, and are usually used together with containers. However, note that 3923 does not include plastic articles clearly intended for household or personal decoration (such as picture frames, jewelry boxes), nor does it include plastic parts dedicated to a particular machine.
Digit Breakdown
Code 392350 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof). Digits 3-4 "23" represent heading 3923 (Plastic containers and similar articles for packing). Digits 5-6 "50" represent subheading 392350, namely plastic stoppers, lids and similar articles. In HS classification, subheading levels are usually further subdivided according to function or shape. 392350 specifically includes: plastic stoppers, lids, caps, sealing caps, closure caps, bottle caps, jar lids, cork substitutes, etc., provided that the material is plastic and they are used to close containers. However, note that this subheading does not include articles combining plastic inner plugs or outer caps with other materials (e.g., plastic caps with metal threads should be classified in Chapter 83).
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 392350 rather than adjacent codes for the following reasons: 1) The material is plastic, conforming to the broad category of Chapter 39; 2) The function is to close containers, falling within the scope of "similar articles" of heading 3923; 3) It is not combined with other materials to the extent of changing its essential character. If the cap has metal threads or metal reinforcements, it may be classified in Chapter 83 (articles of base metal); if it is a rubber stopper, it is classified in Chapter 40; if it is a paper lid, it is classified in Chapter 48. Therefore, when classifying, priority should be given to material and function.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include material, shape, and use, such as "plastic bottle cap" or "plastic sealing plug". Avoid using colloquial names or brand names. Material: The specific type of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. If it is a mixed plastic, the main component must be indicated. Use: Clearly state the container or scenario for which it is used, such as "for beverage bottles", "for pharmaceutical packaging", "for cosmetic jars". The use affects whether it falls within the packaging scope of 3923. Shape: Describe the appearance and form, such as "round cap", "square plug", "threaded", "snap-on", "with pull ring", etc. The shape helps distinguish whether it belongs to "similar articles". Dimensions: Provide key dimensions such as diameter and height (in millimeters) to help customs determine whether it matches the container. Abnormal dimensions may raise classification doubts. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name (in Chinese and English); if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Brand does not affect classification but affects intellectual property verification. Model: The model or item number assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish different specifications. If there is no model, fill in "no model". Whether imported together with containers: If imported together with containers and not separately packaged, it may be classified as a complete set; if imported separately, it is classified under this code. The status must be clearly stated. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Plastic tamper-evident bottle cap
Material: Polyethylene (PE)
Use: For sealing PET beverage bottles
Shape: Round, threaded, with tamper-evident ring
Dimensions: Diameter 28mm, height 15mm
Brand: No brand
Model: No model
Whether imported together with containers: No, imported separately
Declaration code: 3923500000
Remarks: This commodity is a plastic stopper, lid and similar article, conforming to heading 3923 and subheading 392350. Mistakenly classifying plastic caps with metal threads under 392350, when they should actually be classified in Chapter 83 (articles of base metal). Mistakenly classifying rubber stoppers under 392350, when they should correctly be classified in Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). Ignoring the "imported together with containers" status, resulting in the complete set of goods being incorrectly split and classified.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include material, shape, and use, such as "plastic bottle cap" or "plastic sealing plug". Avoid using colloquial names or brand names.
⚠️ Writing only "cap" or "plug" without indicating material and use, leading to classification disputes.
Material
The specific type of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. If it is a mixed plastic, the main component must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing vaguely "plastic" without distinguishing the specific type, which may affect subheading classification (as certain plastics need to be subdivided by type).
Use
Clearly state the container or scenario for which it is used, such as "for beverage bottles", "for pharmaceutical packaging", "for cosmetic jars". The use affects whether it falls within the packaging scope of 3923.
⚠️ Writing "for sealing" is too broad and does not specify the type of container it is used with, which may lead to misclassification under other headings.
Shape
Describe the appearance and form, such as "round cap", "square plug", "threaded", "snap-on", "with pull ring", etc. The shape helps distinguish whether it belongs to "similar articles".
⚠️ Ignoring shape features, such as declaring a threaded cap as an ordinary cap, which may affect distinction from metal caps.
Dimensions
Provide key dimensions such as diameter and height (in millimeters) to help customs determine whether it matches the container. Abnormal dimensions may raise classification doubts.
⚠️ Not providing dimensions, or writing only "small" or "large", lacking quantitative data.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name (in Chinese and English); if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Brand does not affect classification but affects intellectual property verification.
⚠️ Failing to declare the brand or incorrectly declaring the brand, leading to infringement risks discovered during customs inspection.
Model
The model or item number assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish different specifications. If there is no model, fill in "no model".
⚠️ Confusing model with brand, or filling in internal codes that cannot be identified.
Whether imported together with containers
If imported together with containers and not separately packaged, it may be classified as a complete set; if imported separately, it is classified under this code. The status must be clearly stated.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, resulting in the complete set of containers and caps being classified separately, affecting tariffs.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Plastic tamper-evident bottle cap
Material: Polyethylene (PE)
Use: For sealing PET beverage bottles
Shape: Round, threaded, with tamper-evident ring
Dimensions: Diameter 28mm, height 15mm
Brand: No brand
Model: No model
Whether imported together with containers: No, imported separately
Declaration code: 3923500000
Remarks: This commodity is a plastic stopper, lid and similar article, conforming to heading 3923 and subheading 392350.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying plastic caps with metal threads under 392350, when they should actually be classified in Chapter 83 (articles of base metal).
Mistakenly classifying rubber stoppers under 392350, when they should correctly be classified in Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof).
Ignoring the "imported together with containers" status, resulting in the complete set of goods being incorrectly split and classified.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) The material must be plastic and not combined with other materials to the extent of changing its essential character; 2) The function is to close containers, falling within the scope of "similar articles" of heading 3923; 3) It is usually used together with containers, but when imported separately it is still classified under this code; 4) If it has metal threads, metal reinforcements, etc., it may be classified as an article of base metal; 5) If it is a dedicated machine part, it is classified according to the machine. Therefore, a comprehensive judgment based on material, function, use, and structure is required. 392330 Plastic jars, pots and similar articles: 392330 is the container itself (such as plastic jars), while 392350 is the lid or stopper of the container. If the lid and jar are imported together and not separately packaged, they may be classified as a complete set under 392330, but a separately imported lid is still classified under 392350. 392690 Other articles of plastics: 392690 is other plastic articles not elsewhere specified. If the lid is clearly not used for packaging containers (such as a decorative lid), it is classified under 392690. However, 392350 specifically refers to lids and stoppers used to close containers. 830910 Stoppers, caps and similar articles of base metal: 830910 is caps made of base metal (such as aluminum or iron). If a plastic cap has metal threads or metal inserts and the metal plays the main role, it is classified under 830910. Pure plastic caps are classified under 392350. 401693 Gaskets, washers, etc. of vulcanized rubber: 401693 is rubber sealing articles. If the stopper or lid is made of rubber, it is classified under 401693. When plastic and rubber are combined, classification is determined by the main material. 482390 Other paper articles: 482390 includes paper lids or stoppers. If the material is paper, it is classified under 482390. When plastic and paper are combined, classification is determined by the essential character. Is the material plastic? Is the function to close containers? Is it imported together with containers? Does it have metal threads or reinforcements? Is it dedicated to a particular machine?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) The material must be plastic and not combined with other materials to the extent of changing its essential character; 2) The function is to close containers, falling within the scope of "similar articles" of heading 3923; 3) It is usually used together with containers, but when imported separately it is still classified under this code; 4) If it has metal threads, metal reinforcements, etc., it may be classified as an article of base metal; 5) If it is a dedicated machine part, it is classified according to the machine. Therefore, a comprehensive judgment based on material, function, use, and structure is required.
Confused Codes:
392330 - Plastic jars, pots and similar articles
392330 is the container itself (such as plastic jars), while 392350 is the lid or stopper of the container. If the lid and jar are imported together and not separately packaged, they may be classified as a complete set under 392330, but a separately imported lid is still classified under 392350.
392690 - Other articles of plastics
392690 is other plastic articles not elsewhere specified. If the lid is clearly not used for packaging containers (such as a decorative lid), it is classified under 392690. However, 392350 specifically refers to lids and stoppers used to close containers.
830910 - Stoppers, caps and similar articles of base metal
830910 is caps made of base metal (such as aluminum or iron). If a plastic cap has metal threads or metal inserts and the metal plays the main role, it is classified under 830910. Pure plastic caps are classified under 392350.
401693 - Gaskets, washers, etc. of vulcanized rubber
401693 is rubber sealing articles. If the stopper or lid is made of rubber, it is classified under 401693. When plastic and rubber are combined, classification is determined by the main material.
482390 - Other paper articles
482390 includes paper lids or stoppers. If the material is paper, it is classified under 482390. When plastic and paper are combined, classification is determined by the essential character.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the material plastic?
✓ Is the function to close containers?
✓ Is it imported together with containers?
✓ Does it have metal threads or reinforcements?
✓ Is it dedicated to a particular machine?
❓ FAQ
How do I check the current tariff rate for 392350? You can check through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, or use tools such as the "Customs Classification Intelligent Navigation". Enter code 3923500000 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if any). Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, so it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements. What is the difference in classification between plastic bottle caps and metal bottle caps? Plastic bottle caps are classified under 392350, and metal bottle caps under 830910. If the cap has a plastic body but metal threads, it is necessary to determine whether the metal plays the main role: if the metal only serves as auxiliary reinforcement, it is still classified under 392350; if the metal constitutes the essential character, it is classified under 830910. How are caps imported together with containers classified? If the cap is imported together with the container and is assembled or not separately packaged, it is usually classified as a complete set under the code corresponding to the container (such as 392330). If the cap is separately packaged or imported separately, they are classified separately, with the cap under 392350. Does 392350 include plastic sealing rings? Plastic sealing rings used to close containers can be classified under 392350. However, if they are rubber sealing rings, they are classified under 401693. Classification depends on the material. In addition, if the sealing ring is combined with a cap, it is classified as a whole. How should "similar articles" be described in declaration? "Similar articles" refers to plastic articles with functions similar to stoppers and lids, such as caps, sealing caps, inner plugs, etc. When declaring, the shape and use should be specifically described, such as "plastic inner plug used to prevent liquid leakage", avoiding the vague term "plastic cap". How to distinguish 392350 from 392690? 392350 specifically refers to stoppers, lids and similar articles used for packaging containers; 392690 is other plastic articles not elsewhere specified. If the plastic lid is clearly used for packaging (such as bottle caps, jar lids), it is classified under 392350; if it is used for decoration, furniture, or other non-packaging purposes, it is classified under 392690. Do plastic bottle caps exported in small cross-border e-commerce parcels require customs declaration? According to customs regulations, cross-border e-commerce retail export goods need to be declared through cross-border e-commerce platforms. If the value is below the prescribed limit, simplified declaration may be available. However, if plastic bottle caps are legally inspected commodities or involve intellectual property, formal customs declaration is still required. It is recommended to consult the local customs. What are the consequences of classification errors? Classification errors may lead to tax supplements, fines, downgrading of credit rating, or even suspicion of smuggling. If the classification error affects export tax rebates, the rebates may be recovered. It is recommended that enterprises establish a classification review mechanism or consult professional customs brokers.
Q: How do I check the current tariff rate for 392350?
A: You can check through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, or use tools such as the "Customs Classification Intelligent Navigation". Enter code 3923500000 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if any). Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, so it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: What is the difference in classification between plastic bottle caps and metal bottle caps?
A: Plastic bottle caps are classified under 392350, and metal bottle caps under 830910. If the cap has a plastic body but metal threads, it is necessary to determine whether the metal plays the main role: if the metal only serves as auxiliary reinforcement, it is still classified under 392350; if the metal constitutes the essential character, it is classified under 830910.
Q: How are caps imported together with containers classified?
A: If the cap is imported together with the container and is assembled or not separately packaged, it is usually classified as a complete set under the code corresponding to the container (such as 392330). If the cap is separately packaged or imported separately, they are classified separately, with the cap under 392350.
Q: Does 392350 include plastic sealing rings?
A: Plastic sealing rings used to close containers can be classified under 392350. However, if they are rubber sealing rings, they are classified under 401693. Classification depends on the material. In addition, if the sealing ring is combined with a cap, it is classified as a whole.
Q: How should "similar articles" be described in declaration?
A: "Similar articles" refers to plastic articles with functions similar to stoppers and lids, such as caps, sealing caps, inner plugs, etc. When declaring, the shape and use should be specifically described, such as "plastic inner plug used to prevent liquid leakage", avoiding the vague term "plastic cap".
Q: How to distinguish 392350 from 392690?
A: 392350 specifically refers to stoppers, lids and similar articles used for packaging containers; 392690 is other plastic articles not elsewhere specified. If the plastic lid is clearly used for packaging (such as bottle caps, jar lids), it is classified under 392350; if it is used for decoration, furniture, or other non-packaging purposes, it is classified under 392690.
Q: Do plastic bottle caps exported in small cross-border e-commerce parcels require customs declaration?
A: According to customs regulations, cross-border e-commerce retail export goods need to be declared through cross-border e-commerce platforms. If the value is below the prescribed limit, simplified declaration may be available. However, if plastic bottle caps are legally inspected commodities or involve intellectual property, formal customs declaration is still required. It is recommended to consult the local customs.
Q: What are the consequences of classification errors?
A: Classification errors may lead to tax supplements, fines, downgrading of credit rating, or even suspicion of smuggling. If the classification error affects export tax rebates, the rebates may be recovered. It is recommended that enterprises establish a classification review mechanism or consult professional customs brokers.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.