Votive Prayer Wax Candle from China
A molded wax candle designed for religious rituals, typically cylindrical with a wick, crafted entirely from paraffin wax without metal or glass components. It falls under HTS 9602.00.40.00 as a molded article of wax, distinct from standard candles in Chapter 34 which are primarily for illumination.
Duty Rate — China → United States
21.8%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Verify the article is purely molded wax without wicks or containers to avoid reclassification under Chapter 34
• Provide detailed manufacturing process documentation showing molding/carving to distinguish from basic candles
• Label fiber content if blended with stearin; common pitfall is undervaluation leading to audits