President Trump has imposed a variety of tariffs. A 10% tariffon all imports from China and ending de minimis treatment of all imports from China. For U.S. buyers sourcing glass candle holders from China and shipping them via ocean freight to New York, understanding U.S. tariff policies and optimizing procurement strategies is critical to minimizing costs and ensuring compliance. Below is a detailed guide to help you make informed decisions.

Key U.S. Tariff Policies to Consider

HS Code Classification

• Glass candle holders typically fall under HTS Code 7013.99 (other glassware for table/kitchen purposes). Confirm the exact classification with a customs broker, as tariffs vary based on product specifics (e.g., decorative vs. functional use).
• Misclassification risks penalties or shipment delays.

Tariff Rates

Under HTS 7013.99, the general U.S. tariff rate is 3.9% (as of 2023). However, rates may differ if:

• The product contains metal components (e.g., bases or decorative elements).
• It qualifies as a "decorative article" (HTS 7013.99.50), which may incur 5.3%.

Section 301 Tariffs: Most Chinese-origin goods are subject to an additional 7.5–25% duty. Verify whether your product is exempt or eligible for exclusions.

Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD)* - While glass candle holders are not currently subject to AD/CVD, monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Commerce, as these duties can apply suddenly to specific categories.

Other Fees

• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of the entered value (min $29.67, max $614.35).
• Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% of the cargo’s value.
• Customs Bond: Required for shipments valued over $2,500.
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Procurement Strategies for Cost Efficiency

Supplier Due Diligence

• Verify Export Compliance: Ensure suppliers provide accurate HS codes, origin statements, and invoices.
• Audit Quality: Conduct factory inspections or hire third-party inspectors to avoid defects that could lead to rejected shipments.

Optimize Incoterms 

• Choose FOB (Free on Board) to control freight costs and reduce liability. Avoid CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), which limits your ability to negotiate with carriers.

Leverage Duty Reduction Programs

• De Minimis Rule: Shipments valued under $800 (per entry) are tariff-free. Consider splitting orders for small quantities.
• First Sale Rule: If purchasing through a middleman, declare the price paid to the factory (not the trader) to lower the dutiable value.

Bulk Shipping and Consolidation

• Use Full Container Load (FCL) for large orders to reduce per-unit costs. For smaller shipments, opt for Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation.
• Plan shipments 8–10 weeks ahead to account for port congestion (common in NYC/NJ ports).

Tariff Engineering 

Modify designs to qualify for lower tariffs. For example, adding non-glass components (e.g., wooden bases) may shift the product to a different HS code. Consult a trade attorney before making changes.

Risk Mitigation Tips

•  Purchase Cargo Insurance: Cover risks like damage during transit or customs seizures.
• Hire a Licensed Customs Broker: They can streamline clearance, resolve disputes, and identify duty-saving opportunities.
• Stay Updated on Trade Policies: Monitor the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) websites for tariff changes.

Conclusion

Importing glass candle holders from China requires meticulous attention to tariffs, supplier reliability, and logistics planning. By classifying products correctly, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, and collaborating with experienced logistics partners, U.S. buyers can achieve cost-effective, compliant imports. Always consult a trade professional to address case-specific challenges. 

Sunny Glassware will remain vigilant regarding tariff policy developments and promptly develop optimal procurement and logistics strategies for our American clients, thereby optimizing their procurement expenses.