HomeChapter 98Heading 9803

HS Heading 9803 : Substantial containers and holders, if products of the United States (including shooks and staves of United States production when returned as boxes or barrels containing merchandise), or if of foreign production and previously imported and duty (if any) thereon paid, or if of a class specified by the Secretary of the Treasury as instruments of international traffic, repair components for containers of foreign production which are instruments of international traffic, and accessories and equipment for such containers, whether the accessories and equipment are imported with a container to be reexported separately or with another container, or imported separately to be reexported with a container

HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION

HS Heading 9803 encompasses substantial containers and holders, if products of the united states (including shooks and staves of united states production when returned as boxes or barrels containing merchandise), or if of foreign production and previously imported and duty (if any) thereon paid, or if of a class specified by the secretary of the treasury as instruments of international traffic, repair components for containers of foreign production which are instruments of international traffic, and accessories and equipment for such containers, whether the accessories and equipment are imported with a container to be reexported separately or with another container, or imported separately to be reexported with a container. It classifies 1 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 98 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].

Chapter
Heading
9803
Subheadings
1 HS6
Status
Verified 2026

Subheadings Under Heading 9803

HS Code WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description Chapter Operational Package
9803.00 Substantial containers and holders, if products of the United States (including shooks and staves of United States production when returned as boxes or barrels containing merchandise), or if of foreign production and previously imported and duty (if any) thereon paid, or if of a class specified by the Secretary of the Treasury as instruments of international traffic, repair components for containers of foreign production which are instruments of international traffic, and accessories and equipment for such containers, whether the accessories and equipment are imported with a container to be reexported separately or with another container, or imported separately to be reexported with a container 98 View 9803.00 Package →
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 9803

Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.

Official Primary Sources & Authority References

USITC HTS Heading 9803 ↗

United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

CBP CROSS Rulings ↗

CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 9803 precedent rulings.

WCO Nomenclature ↗

World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.

U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗

U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.

Heading 9803 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 9803?
HS Heading 9803 covers Substantial containers and holders, if products of the United States (including shooks and staves of United States production when returned as boxes or barrels containing merchandise), or if of foreign production and previously imported and duty (if any) thereon paid, or if of a class specified by the Secretary of the Treasury as instruments of international traffic, repair components for containers of foreign production which are instruments of international traffic, and accessories and equipment for such containers, whether the accessories and equipment are imported with a container to be reexported separately or with another container, or imported separately to be reexported with a container, grouping 1 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 9803?
Subheadings under Heading 9803 range from 9803.11 to 9803.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 9803?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 9803 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 9803?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 9803?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 9803?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 9803 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 9803?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 9803?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 9803?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.