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 elsewhere. It mainly includes: worked animal carving materials and articles thereof (such as bone, horn, ivory, etc.), brooms, brushes, sieves, hand sieves, travel sets, buttons, zippers, ballpoint pens, pencils, crayons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, etc. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, characterized by diverse types and different functions. They are usually not classified in chapters based on material but are grouped here by use or characteristics. Heading 9613 covers various lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method (such as friction, piezoelectric, electronic, etc.) or their use (such as cigarette lighters, gas stove igniters, welding torch igniters, etc.). Specifically, it includes: disposable lighters, refillable lighters, desk lighters, other lighters, and various igniters. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include chemical igniters (such as flints), electrical ignition devices (such as automotive spark plugs), and ignition devices dedicated to specific industrial uses. HS code 961310 is a six-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles), covering various manufactured goods not listed in other chapters. The 3rd-4th digits "13" represent heading 9613, i.e., lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method or use. The 5th-6th digits "10" represent subheading 961310, specifically referring to disposable lighters, i.e., lighters designed to be non-refillable and discarded after use. This subheading further distinguishes the types of lighters: disposable lighters are usually characterized by a plastic shell, piezoelectric ignition, and pre-filled butane fuel, as opposed to refillable lighters (subheading 961320) and other lighters (subheading 961380). Disposable lighters are classified under 961310 because they fall within the category of lighters and are designed to be non-refillable. The difference from adjacent codes is: 961320 is for refillable lighters, which have a refill valve and can be reused; 961380 is for other lighters and igniters, including desk lighters, arc lighters, etc. Disposable lighters do not have a refilling function and are usually cheap and portable, so they are classified under 961310.
Chapter
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 elsewhere. It mainly includes: worked animal carving materials and articles thereof (such as bone, horn, ivory, etc.), brooms, brushes, sieves, hand sieves, travel sets, buttons, zippers, ballpoint pens, pencils, crayons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, etc. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, characterized by diverse types and different functions. They are usually not classified in chapters based on material but are grouped here by use or characteristics.
Heading
Heading 9613 covers various lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method (such as friction, piezoelectric, electronic, etc.) or their use (such as cigarette lighters, gas stove igniters, welding torch igniters, etc.). Specifically, it includes: disposable lighters, refillable lighters, desk lighters, other lighters, and various igniters. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include chemical igniters (such as flints), electrical ignition devices (such as automotive spark plugs), and ignition devices dedicated to specific industrial uses.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 961310 is a six-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles), covering various manufactured goods not listed in other chapters. The 3rd-4th digits "13" represent heading 9613, i.e., lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method or use. The 5th-6th digits "10" represent subheading 961310, specifically referring to disposable lighters, i.e., lighters designed to be non-refillable and discarded after use. This subheading further distinguishes the types of lighters: disposable lighters are usually characterized by a plastic shell, piezoelectric ignition, and pre-filled butane fuel, as opposed to refillable lighters (subheading 961320) and other lighters (subheading 961380).
Classification Basis
Disposable lighters are classified under 961310 because they fall within the category of lighters and are designed to be non-refillable. The difference from adjacent codes is: 961320 is for refillable lighters, which have a refill valve and can be reused; 961380 is for other lighters and igniters, including desk lighters, arc lighters, etc. Disposable lighters do not have a refilling function and are usually cheap and portable, so they are classified under 961310.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "disposable lighter" or "Disposable lighter". Brand: Fill in the brand name of the lighter; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". The brand must be consistent with the actual product or packaging. Model: Fill in the model code specified by the manufacturer or exporter to distinguish different specifications. If there is no model, fill in "no model". Ignition Method: Explain the ignition principle of the lighter, such as piezoelectric ignition, electronic ignition, friction ignition, etc. Disposable lighters are mostly piezoelectric ignition. Shell Material: Declare the main material of the lighter shell, such as plastic, metal, etc. Disposable lighters usually have a plastic shell. Refillable: Clearly declare whether the lighter is designed to be refillable. Disposable lighters should be declared as "non-refillable". Fuel Type: Declare the type of fuel used in the lighter, such as butane, propane, etc. Disposable lighters usually use butane. Packaging Specifications: Fill in the packaging method and quantity of the lighters, such as "50 pieces per box, 1000 pieces per carton". Product Name: Disposable lighter; Brand: ABC; Model: XY-100; Ignition Method: Piezoelectric ignition; Shell Material: Plastic; Refillable: Non-refillable; Fuel Type: Butane; Packaging Specifications: 50 pieces per box, 1000 pieces per carton. Mistakenly declaring a refillable lighter as a disposable lighter, leading to classification errors and tariff differences. Failure to declare brand or model, which may affect intellectual property customs protection and statistics. Ignoring the ignition method and shell material, which may cause customs to question the accuracy of classification.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "disposable lighter" or "Disposable lighter".
⚠️ Only writing "lighter" without indicating disposable, or mistakenly writing "refillable lighter".
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the lighter; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". The brand must be consistent with the actual product or packaging.
⚠️ Brand spelling errors, or failure to truthfully declare infringing brands.
Model
Fill in the model code specified by the manufacturer or exporter to distinguish different specifications. If there is no model, fill in "no model".
⚠️ Model does not match the actual product, or confusing different models.
Ignition Method
Explain the ignition principle of the lighter, such as piezoelectric ignition, electronic ignition, friction ignition, etc. Disposable lighters are mostly piezoelectric ignition.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting as electronic ignition when it is actually piezoelectric ignition.
Shell Material
Declare the main material of the lighter shell, such as plastic, metal, etc. Disposable lighters usually have a plastic shell.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting a plastic shell as metal, or failing to distinguish the material.
Refillable
Clearly declare whether the lighter is designed to be refillable. Disposable lighters should be declared as "non-refillable".
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting a refillable lighter as non-refillable, leading to classification errors.
Fuel Type
Declare the type of fuel used in the lighter, such as butane, propane, etc. Disposable lighters usually use butane.
⚠️ Failure to declare the fuel type, or incorrectly declaring it as gasoline, etc.
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the packaging method and quantity of the lighters, such as "50 pieces per box, 1000 pieces per carton".
⚠️ Packaging quantity does not match the actual, affecting customs statistics.
Mistakenly declaring a refillable lighter as a disposable lighter, leading to classification errors and tariff differences.
Failure to declare brand or model, which may affect intellectual property customs protection and statistics.
Ignoring the ignition method and shell material, which may cause customs to question the accuracy of classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criterion for classification is the design feature of the lighter: whether it is refillable. According to HS notes, disposable lighters refer to lighters that are non-refillable and discarded when the fuel is exhausted. In addition, factors such as ignition method and shell material should be considered, but the decisive factor is whether it is refillable. If a lighter has a refill valve, even if not refilled, it should be classified under the refillable lighter subheading. 961320 Refillable lighters: Refillable lighters have a refill valve and can be reused; disposable lighters have no refill valve and cannot be reused. 961380 Other lighters and igniters: Includes desk lighters, arc lighters, gas stove igniters, etc., not falling under disposable or refillable lighters. 961390 Parts of lighters: Refers to dedicated parts of lighters, such as igniters, valves, etc., rather than complete lighters. 360610 Liquid fuel for lighters: Refers to liquid or liquefied gas fuel for lighters, such as butane, which is a chemical product, not the lighter itself. 854370 Other electrical equipment: Some electronic igniters may be classified under this code, but lighters are generally not classified under Chapter 85. Confirm whether the lighter is refillable; if refillable, classify under 961320. Check whether the lighter is complete; parts should be classified under 961390. Verify whether the ignition method is piezoelectric or electronic, which affects subheading division. Confirm the shell material; plastic and metal do not affect classification but must be declared. Check for illegal brands or infringement risks.
Basis
The core criterion for classification is the design feature of the lighter: whether it is refillable. According to HS notes, disposable lighters refer to lighters that are non-refillable and discarded when the fuel is exhausted. In addition, factors such as ignition method and shell material should be considered, but the decisive factor is whether it is refillable. If a lighter has a refill valve, even if not refilled, it should be classified under the refillable lighter subheading.
Confused Codes:
961320 - Refillable lighters
Refillable lighters have a refill valve and can be reused; disposable lighters have no refill valve and cannot be reused.
961380 - Other lighters and igniters
Includes desk lighters, arc lighters, gas stove igniters, etc., not falling under disposable or refillable lighters.
961390 - Parts of lighters
Refers to dedicated parts of lighters, such as igniters, valves, etc., rather than complete lighters.
360610 - Liquid fuel for lighters
Refers to liquid or liquefied gas fuel for lighters, such as butane, which is a chemical product, not the lighter itself.
854370 - Other electrical equipment
Some electronic igniters may be classified under this code, but lighters are generally not classified under Chapter 85.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm whether the lighter is refillable; if refillable, classify under 961320.
✓ Check whether the lighter is complete; parts should be classified under 961390.
✓ Verify whether the ignition method is piezoelectric or electronic, which affects subheading division.
✓ Confirm the shell material; plastic and metal do not affect classification but must be declared.
✓ Check for illegal brands or infringement risks.
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish disposable lighters from refillable lighters? Mainly check whether there is a refill valve at the bottom of the lighter. Disposable lighters are usually sealed, have no refill valve, and are discarded when the fuel is exhausted; refillable lighters have a refill valve and can be refilled for reuse. If a lighter has a refill valve, even if not refilled, it should be classified under 961320. What is the HS code for disposable lighters? The HS code for disposable lighters is 961310. This code belongs to Chapter 96 Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles, heading 9613 lighters and other igniters, subheading 961310 disposable lighters. What elements are required to declare disposable lighters? Need to declare product name, brand, model, ignition method, shell material, whether refillable, fuel type, packaging specifications, etc. Among them, whether refillable is key and directly affects classification. What are the regulatory conditions for exporting disposable lighters? Disposable lighters are dangerous goods (containing flammable gas), and export must comply with dangerous goods transportation regulations, such as UN1057. Customs regulatory conditions may include export dangerous goods packaging use appraisal, dangerous goods business qualifications, etc. Specific requirements should be checked against the latest regulations. What is the difference in classification between disposable lighters and electronic lighters? If an electronic lighter is disposable and non-refillable, it is still classified under 961310; if refillable, it is classified under 961320. However, if the electronic lighter is of a special type such as an arc lighter, it may be classified under 961380. The core of classification is still whether it is refillable and the type of lighter. How to query the tariff rate for disposable lighters? The tariff rate depends on the destination country and country of origin. It can be queried through national customs websites or the WTO tariff database. For China's export tariff, refer to the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China"; for import country rates, refer to that country's tariff schedule. Note that rates may change, and it is recommended to use the latest version. Which codes are easily confused with disposable lighters during classification? Easily confused with 961320 (refillable lighters), 961380 (other lighters and igniters), 961390 (parts of lighters). The key to distinction is whether it is refillable and whether it is a complete lighter. What are the considerations for selling disposable lighters via cross-border e-commerce? When selling disposable lighters via cross-border e-commerce, note: dangerous goods transportation restrictions, many platforms prohibit air transport; must comply with destination country safety standards, such as ISO9994; intellectual property issues, avoid infringing brands; correctly declare HS code to avoid customs clearance delays.
Q: How to distinguish disposable lighters from refillable lighters?
A: Mainly check whether there is a refill valve at the bottom of the lighter. Disposable lighters are usually sealed, have no refill valve, and are discarded when the fuel is exhausted; refillable lighters have a refill valve and can be refilled for reuse. If a lighter has a refill valve, even if not refilled, it should be classified under 961320.
Q: What is the HS code for disposable lighters?
A: The HS code for disposable lighters is 961310. This code belongs to Chapter 96 Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles, heading 9613 lighters and other igniters, subheading 961310 disposable lighters.
Q: What elements are required to declare disposable lighters?
A: Need to declare product name, brand, model, ignition method, shell material, whether refillable, fuel type, packaging specifications, etc. Among them, whether refillable is key and directly affects classification.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for exporting disposable lighters?
A: Disposable lighters are dangerous goods (containing flammable gas), and export must comply with dangerous goods transportation regulations, such as UN1057. Customs regulatory conditions may include export dangerous goods packaging use appraisal, dangerous goods business qualifications, etc. Specific requirements should be checked against the latest regulations.
Q: What is the difference in classification between disposable lighters and electronic lighters?
A: If an electronic lighter is disposable and non-refillable, it is still classified under 961310; if refillable, it is classified under 961320. However, if the electronic lighter is of a special type such as an arc lighter, it may be classified under 961380. The core of classification is still whether it is refillable and the type of lighter.
Q: How to query the tariff rate for disposable lighters?
A: The tariff rate depends on the destination country and country of origin. It can be queried through national customs websites or the WTO tariff database. For China's export tariff, refer to the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China"; for import country rates, refer to that country's tariff schedule. Note that rates may change, and it is recommended to use the latest version.
Q: Which codes are easily confused with disposable lighters during classification?
A: Easily confused with 961320 (refillable lighters), 961380 (other lighters and igniters), 961390 (parts of lighters). The key to distinction is whether it is refillable and whether it is a complete lighter.
Q: What are the considerations for selling disposable lighters via cross-border e-commerce?
A: When selling disposable lighters via cross-border e-commerce, note: dangerous goods transportation restrictions, many platforms prohibit air transport; must comply with destination country safety standards, such as ISO9994; intellectual property issues, avoid infringing brands; correctly declare HS code to avoid customs clearance delays.
⚠️ 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.