About HS Code 46
HS Chapter 46 encompasses 'Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork.' This chapter is crucial for classifying finished articles created by weaving, plaiting, or otherwise working with natural plaiting materials. Its scope is broad, covering a range of products from simple mats to intricate basketry, but it specifically excludes raw plaiting materials (covered in Chapter 14) and articles where the plaiting material serves merely as a component of an item primarily classified elsewhere, such as furniture (Chapter 94) or headgear (Chapter 65). The primary distinction lies in whether the article is a direct manufacture of plaiting materials, primarily serving as basketware or wickerwork, or if it's a more complex item where the plaiting material is secondary. Key sub-categories include heading 4601 for plaits and similar products, often in strips or sheets, and heading 4602 for finished basketwork, wickerwork, and other articles made directly to shape. Correct classification under Chapter 46 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (like GSP or FTAs), and adherence to import regulations, including potential phytosanitary requirements for certain natural materials. Historically, these goods often represent traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, supporting artisan communities in many developing nations and catering to a global demand for natural, handcrafted home decor and accessories.
Products Under This Code
Woven straw mats, rattan storage baskets, wicker laundry hampers, bamboo placemats, raffia handbags, esparto area rugs, unfinished straw hat bodies, decorative wicker wall hangings, woven palm leaf storage boxes, bamboo fruit bowls, reed diffusers (the reed part), straw animal figurines, corn husk door mats, seagrass planters, willow picnic baskets, jute macrame plant hangers, woven straw coasters, rattan magazine racks, bamboo room divider screens, decorative straw wreaths, woven straw bottle holders, wicker pet beds, raffia table runners, braided rush seat pads
Real World Examples
A US-based home decor retailer imports handmade wicker storage baskets from Vietnam, destined for their retail stores across the country. These baskets, classified under HS 4602.90, are shipped via ocean freight from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles. An Italian fashion boutique sources artisan raffia handbags from Madagascar, valued for their unique craftsmanship. These fashion accessories, falling under 4602.19, are typically air freighted from Antananarivo to Milan for quick market entry. A Japanese wholesaler imports woven bamboo placemats and coasters from China to cater to the growing demand for natural tableware. These items, classified under 4602.11 or 4602.19, are transported by sea from Shanghai to Tokyo. An Australian craft supplier imports decorative straw wreaths and figures from Indonesia for seasonal holiday sales, categorizing them under 4602.19. They are shipped by sea from Jakarta to Sydney. A Mexican furniture manufacturer imports woven rattan sheets, used for chair backs and seats, from the Philippines. These semi-finished materials are classified under 4601.29 or 4601.99 and arrive via ocean freight from Manila to Manzanillo.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications in Chapter 46 often arise from confusing raw materials with finished articles. Traders might incorrectly classify unprocessed plaiting materials (e.g., raw rattan canes) under Chapter 46, when they properly belong in Chapter 14 ('Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included'). Another frequent error involves classifying furniture made from plaiting materials (e.g., a rattan chair) under Chapter 46 instead of Chapter 94 ('Furniture'), as Chapter 46 is for basketware and wickerwork, not primary furniture. Similarly, finished headgear like straw hats ready for wear should be classified in Chapter 65 ('Headgear'), while only unfinished hat bodies or plaited strips for hat making fall under Chapter 46. The key is to assess the degree of manufacture and the primary function of the article.
Headings in This Chapter 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Wood & Wood Products industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of goods under Chapter 46 typically include countries with abundant natural resources for plaiting materials and strong artisanal traditions, such as China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Madagascar. Key importers are developed economies like the United States, the European Union (e.g., Germany, France), Japan, Australia, and Canada, driven by consumer demand for natural, handcrafted, and sustainable products. Trade agreements, including various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, often provide preferential tariff rates for these goods when sourced from eligible developing countries. However, traders must also be aware of potential phytosanitary regulations or CITES restrictions if specific plaiting materials are subject to environmental protection measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 46?
HS code 46 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork. HS Chapter 46 encompasses 'Manufactures of straw, esparto or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork.' This chapter is crucial for classifying finished articles created by weaving, plaiting, or otherwise working with natural plaiting materials. Its scope is broad, covering a range of products from simple mats to intricate basketry, but it specifically excludes raw plaiting materials (covered in Chapter 14) and articles where the plaiting material serves merely as a component of an item primarily classified elsewhere, such as furniture (Chapter 94) or headgear (Chapter 65). The primary distinction lies in whether the article is a direct manufacture of plaiting materials, primarily serving as basketware or wickerwork, or if it's a more complex item where the plaiting material is secondary. Key sub-categories include heading 4601 for plaits and similar products, often in strips or sheets, and heading 4602 for finished basketwork, wickerwork, and other articles made directly to shape. Correct classification under Chapter 46 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (like GSP or FTAs), and adherence to import regulations, including potential phytosanitary requirements for certain natural materials. Historically, these goods often represent traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, supporting artisan communities in many developing nations and catering to a global demand for natural, handcrafted home decor and accessories.
What products fall under HS code 46?
Woven straw mats, rattan storage baskets, wicker laundry hampers, bamboo placemats, raffia handbags, esparto area rugs, unfinished straw hat bodies, decorative wicker wall hangings, woven palm leaf storage boxes, bamboo fruit bowls, reed diffusers (the reed part), straw animal figurines, corn husk door mats, seagrass planters, willow picnic baskets, jute macrame plant hangers, woven straw coasters, rattan magazine racks, bamboo room divider screens, decorative straw wreaths, woven straw bottle holders, wicker pet beds, raffia table runners, braided rush seat pads
What are common misclassifications for HS code 46?
Common misclassifications in Chapter 46 often arise from confusing raw materials with finished articles. Traders might incorrectly classify unprocessed plaiting materials (e.g., raw rattan canes) under Chapter 46, when they properly belong in Chapter 14 ('Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included'). Another frequent error involves classifying furniture made from plaiting materials (e.g., a rattan chair) under Chapter 46 instead of Chapter 94 ('Furniture'), as Chapter 46 is for basketware and wickerwork, not primary furniture. Similarly, finished headgear like straw hats ready for wear should be classified in Chapter 65 ('Headgear'), while only unfinished hat bodies or plaited strips for hat making fall under Chapter 46. The key is to assess the degree of manufacture and the primary function of the article.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 46?
Major exporters of goods under Chapter 46 typically include countries with abundant natural resources for plaiting materials and strong artisanal traditions, such as China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Madagascar. Key importers are developed economies like the United States, the European Union (e.g., Germany, France), Japan, Australia, and Canada, driven by consumer demand for natural, handcrafted, and sustainable products. Trade agreements, including various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, often provide preferential tariff rates for these goods when sourced from eligible developing countries. However, traders must also be aware of potential phytosanitary regulations or CITES restrictions if specific plaiting materials are subject to environmental protection measures.
How is HS code 46 structured?
HS code 46 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.