Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering a wide range of manufactured goods that are not easily classified elsewhere. It mainly includes: worked animal or vegetable carving materials and articles thereof (such as bone, horn, ivory, coral, etc.); brooms, brushes, sieves, coarse screens, etc.; hand sieves; complete travel dressing sets; buttons, zippers, snap fasteners, pens, pencils, crayons, chalks, lighters, smoking pipes, and other miscellaneous items. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, characterized by diverse types and functions, and are usually classified by use or function rather than by material. Heading 9613 covers various lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method (such as friction, piezoelectric, electronic, etc.), except for chemical igniters (such as fuses for lighters). Specifically, it includes: disposable lighters, refillable lighters, desk lighters, pipe lighters, pocket lighters, etc. This heading also includes other igniters, such as those used to ignite gas stoves, welding torches, etc. However, note that ignition devices specially designed for vehicle engines should be classified under Chapter 85, while liquefied butane fuel for cigarette lighters should be classified under Chapter 27. The first 2 digits = 96, representing Chapter 96 'Miscellaneous manufactured articles', indicating that the goods are miscellaneous manufactured articles not listed in other chapters. The 3rd-4th digits = 13, representing heading 9613 'Lighters and other igniters', which covers all types of lighters and igniters. The 5th-6th digits = 20, representing subheading 961320 'Refillable lighters', specifically referring to lighters that can be refilled and reused, as distinguished from disposable lighters (usually classified under 961310) and other igniters (such as 961380). Therefore, 961320 fully represents refillable lighters, whose core feature is that they can be repeatedly filled with gas. The goods are refillable lighters, whose core feature is that they can be repeatedly filled with gas rather than being discarded after single use. According to HS classification rules, lighters are first classified under heading 9613 by function, and then subheadings are determined based on whether they are refillable. 961310 is for disposable lighters, 961320 is for refillable lighters, and 961380 is for other igniters. Therefore, refillable lighters must be classified under 961320, and cannot be classified under 961310 (disposable) or 961380 (other igniters).
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering a wide range of manufactured goods that are not easily classified elsewhere. It mainly includes: worked animal or vegetable carving materials and articles thereof (such as bone, horn, ivory, coral, etc.); brooms, brushes, sieves, coarse screens, etc.; hand sieves; complete travel dressing sets; buttons, zippers, snap fasteners, pens, pencils, crayons, chalks, lighters, smoking pipes, and other miscellaneous items. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, characterized by diverse types and functions, and are usually classified by use or function rather than by material.
Heading
Heading 9613 covers various lighters and other igniters, regardless of their ignition method (such as friction, piezoelectric, electronic, etc.), except for chemical igniters (such as fuses for lighters). Specifically, it includes: disposable lighters, refillable lighters, desk lighters, pipe lighters, pocket lighters, etc. This heading also includes other igniters, such as those used to ignite gas stoves, welding torches, etc. However, note that ignition devices specially designed for vehicle engines should be classified under Chapter 85, while liquefied butane fuel for cigarette lighters should be classified under Chapter 27.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits = 96, representing Chapter 96 'Miscellaneous manufactured articles', indicating that the goods are miscellaneous manufactured articles not listed in other chapters. The 3rd-4th digits = 13, representing heading 9613 'Lighters and other igniters', which covers all types of lighters and igniters. The 5th-6th digits = 20, representing subheading 961320 'Refillable lighters', specifically referring to lighters that can be refilled and reused, as distinguished from disposable lighters (usually classified under 961310) and other igniters (such as 961380). Therefore, 961320 fully represents refillable lighters, whose core feature is that they can be repeatedly filled with gas.
Classification Basis
The goods are refillable lighters, whose core feature is that they can be repeatedly filled with gas rather than being discarded after single use. According to HS classification rules, lighters are first classified under heading 9613 by function, and then subheadings are determined based on whether they are refillable. 961310 is for disposable lighters, 961320 is for refillable lighters, and 961380 is for other igniters. Therefore, refillable lighters must be classified under 961320, and cannot be classified under 961310 (disposable) or 961380 (other igniters).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'refillable lighter'. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the lighter; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the model or specification code provided by the manufacturer to facilitate identification of the specific product. Material: The main material of the lighter shell, such as plastic, metal, etc. Refillable: Clearly declare whether it can be repeatedly filled with gas, which is the key to classification under 961320. Ignition Method: Such as friction ignition, piezoelectric ignition, electronic ignition, etc. Use: Such as lighting cigarettes, lighting gas stoves, etc.; the general use is for cigarettes. Packaging Specification: Such as quantity per carton, quantity per piece, etc., used for statistics and inspection. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Refillable lighter
Brand: ZIPPO
Model: ZP-2023
Material: Metal shell
Refillable: Yes
Ignition Method: Friction ignition
Use: Lighting cigarettes
Packaging Specification: 200 pieces per carton
Remarks: This product is a metal lighter that can be repeatedly filled with gas, not for single use. Mistakenly classifying refillable lighters under 961310 (disposable lighters), resulting in incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions. Ignoring the key attribute 'refillable', only classifying under 9613 as 'lighter' but not subdividing to 961320. Confusing lighters with igniters, mistakenly classifying under 961380, but 961380 does not include lighters.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'refillable lighter'.
⚠️ Mistakenly declared as 'disposable lighter' or 'igniter'.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the lighter; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the model or specification code provided by the manufacturer to facilitate identification of the specific product.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual product.
Material
The main material of the lighter shell, such as plastic, metal, etc.
⚠️ Only filling in 'plastic' without specifying the specific type.
Refillable
Clearly declare whether it can be repeatedly filled with gas, which is the key to classification under 961320.
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as 'non-refillable' leading to classification errors.
Ignition Method
Such as friction ignition, piezoelectric ignition, electronic ignition, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the ignition method, but it may affect subheading determination.
Use
Such as lighting cigarettes, lighting gas stoves, etc.; the general use is for cigarettes.
⚠️ Use description is too broad.
Packaging Specification
Such as quantity per carton, quantity per piece, etc., used for statistics and inspection.
⚠️ Packaging specifications do not match the actual goods.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Refillable lighter
Brand: ZIPPO
Model: ZP-2023
Material: Metal shell
Refillable: Yes
Ignition Method: Friction ignition
Use: Lighting cigarettes
Packaging Specification: 200 pieces per carton
Remarks: This product is a metal lighter that can be repeatedly filled with gas, not for single use.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying refillable lighters under 961310 (disposable lighters), resulting in incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Ignoring the key attribute 'refillable', only classifying under 9613 as 'lighter' but not subdividing to 961320.
Confusing lighters with igniters, mistakenly classifying under 961380, but 961380 does not include lighters.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criterion for classification is whether the lighter is refillable. According to the HS subheading structure, 961310 is for disposable lighters, 961320 is for refillable lighters, and 961380 is for other igniters. Refillable lighters have a design that allows repeated filling with gas, usually with a refill valve, while disposable lighters are not refillable. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether the product is a lighter rather than other igniters, such as gas igniters which should be classified under 961380. When classifying, reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for 9613 to ensure the product meets the definition of 'lighter'. 961310 Disposable lighters: Disposable lighters are not refillable and are discarded after use; refillable lighters can be repeatedly filled with gas, usually have a refill valve, and are more durable. 961380 Other igniters: Other igniters include gas igniters, welding torch igniters, etc., but do not include lighters. Lighters are specifically used for lighting cigarettes, etc., while other igniters are used for industrial or household ignition. 961390 Parts: 961390 is for parts of lighters and igniters, such as flints, mechanisms, etc. Complete refillable lighters are classified under 961320, while parts are classified under 961390. 360610 Liquefied butane: Liquefied butane is lighter fuel, classified under Chapter 36 (Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations), while lighters themselves are classified under 9613. Is the product a lighter rather than other igniters? Is it refillable with gas? Does it have a refill valve? Is it discarded after single use? Is it specifically used for lighting cigarettes?
Basis
The core criterion for classification is whether the lighter is refillable. According to the HS subheading structure, 961310 is for disposable lighters, 961320 is for refillable lighters, and 961380 is for other igniters. Refillable lighters have a design that allows repeated filling with gas, usually with a refill valve, while disposable lighters are not refillable. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether the product is a lighter rather than other igniters, such as gas igniters which should be classified under 961380. When classifying, reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for 9613 to ensure the product meets the definition of 'lighter'.
Confused Codes:
961310 - Disposable lighters
Disposable lighters are not refillable and are discarded after use; refillable lighters can be repeatedly filled with gas, usually have a refill valve, and are more durable.
961380 - Other igniters
Other igniters include gas igniters, welding torch igniters, etc., but do not include lighters. Lighters are specifically used for lighting cigarettes, etc., while other igniters are used for industrial or household ignition.
961390 - Parts
961390 is for parts of lighters and igniters, such as flints, mechanisms, etc. Complete refillable lighters are classified under 961320, while parts are classified under 961390.
360610 - Liquefied butane
Liquefied butane is lighter fuel, classified under Chapter 36 (Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations), while lighters themselves are classified under 9613.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the product a lighter rather than other igniters?
✓ Is it refillable with gas?
✓ Does it have a refill valve?
✓ Is it discarded after single use?
✓ Is it specifically used for lighting cigarettes?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a lighter is refillable or disposable? Refillable lighters usually have a refill valve, can be repeatedly filled with gas through a gas cylinder, and are designed for multiple uses; disposable lighters are not refillable and are discarded after use. When declaring, carefully inspect the actual product or ask the manufacturer to ensure correct classification. What is the difference in HS codes between refillable lighters and disposable lighters? Refillable lighters are classified under HS code 961320, and disposable lighters under 961310. Both belong to heading 9613, but different subheadings, mainly distinguished by whether they can be repeatedly filled with gas. Correct classification helps avoid differences in tariffs and regulatory conditions. Which HS code should lighter parts be classified under? Lighter parts, such as flints, mechanisms, shells, etc., should be classified under HS code 961390. However, note that if the parts themselves constitute a complete lighter, they should be classified under 961310 or 961320. Classification should be judged based on the specific function of the parts and whether they constitute a complete machine. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting refillable lighters? Exports of refillable lighters usually need to comply with the safety standards of the destination country, such as ISO 9994. When exporting from China, it may involve dangerous goods transportation (if containing gas), requiring documents such as MSDS. Specific regulatory conditions can be queried from the General Administration of Customs or consulted with customs brokers. Which HS code should butane gas for lighter refilling be classified under? Butane gas for lighter refilling should be classified under HS code 360610, belonging to Chapter 36 for combustible preparations. Lighters themselves are classified under 9613, and the two should be declared separately. If a lighter can be both refillable and disposable, how should it be classified? According to HS classification rules, if a lighter is designed to be refillable but can also be used as disposable, it is usually classified according to its main function. If mainly designed as refillable, classify under 961320; if mainly designed as disposable, classify under 961310. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and actual usage. How to query the import tax rate for refillable lighters? The import tax rate for refillable lighters varies by country and may change. The latest information can be obtained through the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or by querying customs classification decisions and tariff schedules. It is recommended to use official databases or consult professional customs brokers. How to declare refillable lighters in cross-border e-commerce? In cross-border e-commerce, refillable lighters must be declared under 961320, providing detailed product name, brand, model, whether refillable, etc. Since lighters may be dangerous goods, it is necessary to comply with the transportation regulations of the platform and logistics company, such as providing MSDS, UN38.3 test reports, etc.
Q: How to determine whether a lighter is refillable or disposable?
A: Refillable lighters usually have a refill valve, can be repeatedly filled with gas through a gas cylinder, and are designed for multiple uses; disposable lighters are not refillable and are discarded after use. When declaring, carefully inspect the actual product or ask the manufacturer to ensure correct classification.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between refillable lighters and disposable lighters?
A: Refillable lighters are classified under HS code 961320, and disposable lighters under 961310. Both belong to heading 9613, but different subheadings, mainly distinguished by whether they can be repeatedly filled with gas. Correct classification helps avoid differences in tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Q: Which HS code should lighter parts be classified under?
A: Lighter parts, such as flints, mechanisms, shells, etc., should be classified under HS code 961390. However, note that if the parts themselves constitute a complete lighter, they should be classified under 961310 or 961320. Classification should be judged based on the specific function of the parts and whether they constitute a complete machine.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting refillable lighters?
A: Exports of refillable lighters usually need to comply with the safety standards of the destination country, such as ISO 9994. When exporting from China, it may involve dangerous goods transportation (if containing gas), requiring documents such as MSDS. Specific regulatory conditions can be queried from the General Administration of Customs or consulted with customs brokers.
Q: Which HS code should butane gas for lighter refilling be classified under?
A: Butane gas for lighter refilling should be classified under HS code 360610, belonging to Chapter 36 for combustible preparations. Lighters themselves are classified under 9613, and the two should be declared separately.
Q: If a lighter can be both refillable and disposable, how should it be classified?
A: According to HS classification rules, if a lighter is designed to be refillable but can also be used as disposable, it is usually classified according to its main function. If mainly designed as refillable, classify under 961320; if mainly designed as disposable, classify under 961310. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and actual usage.
Q: How to query the import tax rate for refillable lighters?
A: The import tax rate for refillable lighters varies by country and may change. The latest information can be obtained through the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or by querying customs classification decisions and tariff schedules. It is recommended to use official databases or consult professional customs brokers.
Q: How to declare refillable lighters in cross-border e-commerce?
A: In cross-border e-commerce, refillable lighters must be declared under 961320, providing detailed product name, brand, model, whether refillable, etc. Since lighters may be dangerous goods, it is necessary to comply with the transportation regulations of the platform and logistics company, such as providing MSDS, UN38.3 test reports, etc.
⚠️ 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.