About HS Code 7612
Heading 7612 encompasses a wide range of aluminium containers, including casks, drums, cans, boxes, and rigid or collapsible tubular containers, specifically designed for holding materials other than compressed or liquefied gas. A crucial boundary for this classification is the capacity limit of 300 liters or less. These containers may or may not be lined or heat-insulated, allowing for versatility in their application. This heading is vital in international trade for the packaging of food, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where aluminium's properties like lightness, corrosion resistance, and recyclability are highly valued. Key sub-categories include beverage cans, food tins, aerosol cans (empty, non-gas), and various types of tubes for pastes and creams. Proper classification under 7612 ensures compliance with import duties, packaging regulations, and safety standards, which are essential for product integrity and consumer safety across global supply chains. Historically, aluminium packaging has grown significantly due to its sustainability credentials and efficiency in transport. As part of Chapter 76, which covers 'Aluminium and articles thereof,' this heading specifically addresses finished articles of aluminium used for storage and transport, distinct from raw forms or other specialized applications.
Products Under This Code
Aluminium beverage cans, aluminium food tins, empty cosmetic tubes, pharmaceutical bottles (small), small chemical drums (empty), paint cans, aerosol cans (empty, non-gas), collapsible tubes for toothpaste, aluminium boxes for electronics, tea caddies, spice tins, sample containers, industrial lubricant cans (empty), battery casings (empty), metal tins for confectionery, rigid tubular containers for glues, small fuel cans (empty), medical specimen containers, custom industrial packaging, aluminium water bottles (empty), aluminium oil cans, aluminium storage canisters, aluminium first-aid boxes, aluminium laboratory containers.
Real World Examples
A German beverage company imports millions of empty aluminium beer cans from China via bulk sea freight to its bottling plants, leveraging efficient Asian manufacturing and global shipping routes. A US pharmaceutical firm exports small, sterile aluminium tubes for ointments to Mexico, utilizing USMCA trade benefits for reduced tariffs and streamlined customs processes. An Indian food processor imports specialized lined aluminium food cans from Thailand for packaging ready-to-eat meals, shipped through Southeast Asian maritime routes. A cosmetics brand in France sources collapsible aluminium tubes for hand cream from Italy, benefiting from the seamless logistics and customs within the European Union.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for 7612 include confusing it with 7613, which is specifically for containers of compressed or liquefied gas. The 'non-gas' and '300L capacity or less' stipulations are critical. Traders might also incorrectly classify composite containers, where aluminium is not the predominant material, under this heading, potentially leading to classification under Chapter 39 (plastics) or Chapter 48 (paper/cardboard). Another error is classifying articles that are clearly not containers, or those exceeding the capacity limit, under the residual heading 7616. Always verify the material, primary function, and capacity to ensure accurate classification.
Subheadings 2
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of goods under 7612 include China, Germany, the USA, and Japan, reflecting their advanced manufacturing capabilities in packaging. Key importers are globally distributed, with significant demand from the USA, EU countries, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, driven by their large consumer markets. Trade agreements such as USMCA, EU-ASEAN FTAs, and Mercosur can significantly impact tariffs and market access, making these containers more competitive. Environmental regulations and recycling initiatives also play a growing role in the global trade of aluminium packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 7612?
HS code 7612 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not. Heading 7612 encompasses a wide range of aluminium containers, including casks, drums, cans, boxes, and rigid or collapsible tubular containers, specifically designed for holding materials other than compressed or liquefied gas. A crucial boundary for this classification is the capacity limit of 300 liters or less. These containers may or may not be lined or heat-insulated, allowing for versatility in their application. This heading is vital in international trade for the packaging of food, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where aluminium's properties like lightness, corrosion resistance, and recyclability are highly valued. Key sub-categories include beverage cans, food tins, aerosol cans (empty, non-gas), and various types of tubes for pastes and creams. Proper classification under 7612 ensures compliance with import duties, packaging regulations, and safety standards, which are essential for product integrity and consumer safety across global supply chains. Historically, aluminium packaging has grown significantly due to its sustainability credentials and efficiency in transport. As part of Chapter 76, which covers 'Aluminium and articles thereof,' this heading specifically addresses finished articles of aluminium used for storage and transport, distinct from raw forms or other specialized applications.
What products fall under HS code 7612?
Aluminium beverage cans, aluminium food tins, empty cosmetic tubes, pharmaceutical bottles (small), small chemical drums (empty), paint cans, aerosol cans (empty, non-gas), collapsible tubes for toothpaste, aluminium boxes for electronics, tea caddies, spice tins, sample containers, industrial lubricant cans (empty), battery casings (empty), metal tins for confectionery, rigid tubular containers for glues, small fuel cans (empty), medical specimen containers, custom industrial packaging, aluminium water bottles (empty), aluminium oil cans, aluminium storage canisters, aluminium first-aid boxes, aluminium laboratory containers.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7612?
Common misclassifications for 7612 include confusing it with 7613, which is specifically for containers of compressed or liquefied gas. The 'non-gas' and '300L capacity or less' stipulations are critical. Traders might also incorrectly classify composite containers, where aluminium is not the predominant material, under this heading, potentially leading to classification under Chapter 39 (plastics) or Chapter 48 (paper/cardboard). Another error is classifying articles that are clearly not containers, or those exceeding the capacity limit, under the residual heading 7616. Always verify the material, primary function, and capacity to ensure accurate classification.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 7612?
Major exporters of goods under 7612 include China, Germany, the USA, and Japan, reflecting their advanced manufacturing capabilities in packaging. Key importers are globally distributed, with significant demand from the USA, EU countries, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, driven by their large consumer markets. Trade agreements such as USMCA, EU-ASEAN FTAs, and Mercosur can significantly impact tariffs and market access, making these containers more competitive. Environmental regulations and recycling initiatives also play a growing role in the global trade of aluminium packaging.
How is HS code 7612 structured?
HS code 7612 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 76 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (76) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.