Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering a wide range of manufactured goods that are difficult to classify under other chapters, including worked carving materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, hand sieves, lighters, smokers' articles, combs, hair accessories, perfume sprayers, powder puffs, vacuum flasks, sewing supplies, buttons, zippers, pens, pencils, crayons, blackboards, date stamps, typewriter ribbons, lighters, straws, etc. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, hand tools, or light industrial products, usually classified by function or use rather than by material. Heading 9604 covers hand sieves (hand sifting tools) and similar manual sifting tools, including handheld screens, sieves, strainers, etc., used for sifting, filtering, or sorting materials. These tools are usually made of wire mesh, perforated metal plates, fabric, or other materials, with frames or handles for manual operation. This heading does not include motorized sifting equipment (classified under Chapter 84), large industrial sifting machines (classified under Chapter 84), or sieves used as kitchen utensils (classified under Chapter 73 or 82). Code 960400 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles), digits 3-4 "04" represent heading 9604 (hand sieves), and digits 5-6 "00" indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading. Therefore, 960400 in its complete meaning is "hand sieves," meaning all hand sieve products classified under this heading use this code with no finer subheadings. When declaring, note that this code is a complete six-digit code requiring no further subdivision. Hand sieves are classified under 9604 rather than other codes because they are manual sifting tools, conforming to the definition of heading 9604 "hand sieves." Differences from adjacent codes: 9603 covers brooms and brushes, 9605 covers personal travel articles, 9606 covers buttons, etc. Hand sieves are not classified by material (e.g., metal hand sieves are not classified under Chapter 73), nor by use under Chapter 82 (tools), but are classified under Chapter 96 due to their specific function.

Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should be accurately described as "hand sieve" or "hand sifting tool," avoiding general terms such as "sieve." Material: The main materials of the hand sieve, such as stainless steel wire mesh, brass wire mesh, plastic frame, wooden handle, etc., must be specifically listed. Use: Explain the specific use of the hand sieve, such as sifting powder, granules, grain, sand, etc., as well as the usage scenario (laboratory, kitchen, agriculture, etc.). Brand: The brand name of the declared goods; if no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: The model or specifications of the declared goods, such as diameter, mesh count, and other parameters. Appearance Dimensions: The dimensions of the hand sieve, such as diameter, length, width, etc., usually in centimeters or millimeters. Processing Method: Explain the processing method of the hand sieve, such as welding, weaving, stamping, etc. Customs declaration form example: Product Name: Hand sifting sieve Material: Stainless steel wire mesh + plastic frame Use: For laboratory sifting of powder samples Brand: No brand Model: Φ20cm, 100 mesh Appearance Dimensions: Diameter 20 cm Processing Method: Woven mesh, injection-molded frame HS Code: 96040000 Declaration Elements: 1. Product Name: Hand sieve; 2. Material: Stainless steel wire mesh + plastic frame; 3. Use: Laboratory powder sifting; 4. Brand: No brand; 5. Model: Φ20cm, 100 mesh; 6. Appearance Dimensions: Diameter 20 cm; 7. Processing Method: Woven mesh, injection-molded frame. Incorrectly classifying hand sieves under 7323 (iron or steel table, kitchen articles) or 8205 (hand tools), ignoring their manual sifting function. Failure to provide mesh count or aperture size during declaration, preventing customs from determining whether the item qualifies as a hand sieve. Misreporting motorized sifting equipment as hand sieves, when they should actually be classified under 8474 or 8479.

The core classification criteria are: whether the product is a manually operated sifting tool, whether it has a frame or handle for handheld use, and whether it is used for sifting, filtering, or sorting materials. According to HS notes, 9604 includes hand sieves, hand strainers, etc., but does not include motorized sifting equipment, large industrial sifting machines, or sieves used as kitchen utensils (e.g., flour sieves are usually classified under 7323 or 8210). If a hand sieve is specifically used in a particular industry (such as laboratory), it is still classified under 9604 because its function has not changed. 960310 Brooms and brushes: 9603 covers cleaning tools such as brooms and brushes, while 9604 covers sifting tools. The difference lies in function: cleaning vs. sifting. 732393 Stainless steel table and kitchen articles: Kitchen sieves (such as flour sieves) made of stainless steel and used in the kitchen may be classified under 7323, but hand sieves that are general-purpose sifting tools are classified under 9604. 820551 Hand tools: 8205 covers hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc. Although hand sieves are manually operated, they are classified under 9604 due to their specific sifting function. 847410 Sifting machines: 8474 covers motorized sifting equipment, while hand sieves are manual tools; the power source is different. Is the product handheld in operation? Is it used for sifting, filtering, or sorting materials? Does it have a mesh screen or perforated plate? Is it not motorized equipment? Is it not exclusively for kitchen use and not tableware?

How are hand sieves and sifting machines distinguished in HS codes? Hand sieves are classified under 9604, and sifting machines under 8474 or 8479. The key distinction is the power source: hand sieves are manually operated, while sifting machines are motorized (electric, pneumatic, etc.). If the equipment has a motor or mechanical transmission device, even if small, it should be classified under Chapter 84. Are laboratory standard sieves classified under 9604? Yes, laboratory standard sieves are usually hand sieves and are classified under 9604. However, if they are electric vibrating sieve machines, they are classified under 8474. When declaring, note "manual" and the use. What code should kitchen flour sieves be classified under? Kitchen flour sieves made of stainless steel and exclusively used in the kitchen are usually classified under 7323 (table and kitchen articles). However, if they are general-purpose hand sieves, they may also be classified under 9604. It is recommended to judge based on the primary use and material; if it has a handle and is used for sifting flour, it may be classified under 9604. How should "Material" be filled in for hand sieve declaration elements? The mesh material and frame material should be listed separately, such as "stainless steel wire mesh + plastic frame." If it is a single material, such as all stainless steel, fill in "stainless steel." Avoid filling in only "metal." Are there finer subheadings for the HS code of hand sieves? No, 960400 is a six-digit subheading with no further subdivision. When declaring, use the 10-digit code (e.g., 9604000000), but the first six digits are fixed as 960400. How can I check the import tariff rate for hand sieves? Tariff rates vary by country and may change. It is recommended to check the importing country's customs official website or use official tariff databases, such as the "Import and Export Tariff" of China's General Administration of Customs. You may also consult a professional customs broker. How should hand sieves be declared if packaged as a set? If packaged as a set and all items are classified under 9604, they may be declared as a complete set with the code still being 960400. If other goods are included, they must be declared separately. Does the export tax rebate apply to hand sieves? Export tax rebates depend on national policy. In China, hand sieves (960400) generally have an export tax rebate; the specific rebate rate should be checked in the latest export tax rebate catalog. It is recommended to consult the tax authorities or a customs broker.