HS code for salt and pepper grinder
The U.S. HS code for a salt and pepper grinder is usually 8210.00.00.00 (manual), with a 3.7% general duty and an estimated total of 16.2% from China and 16.2% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 41.2% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | 8210.00.00.00 | 3.7% | 16.2% |
- 8210.00.00.00: Hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10 kg or less, used in the preparation, conditioning or serving of food or drink, and base metal parts thereof
What decides the code
A salt or pepper grinder is a hand-operated mechanical food preparation appliance of base metal, classified under heading 8210 when it weighs 10 kg or less.
- The grinder is hand-operated and mechanical, with a turning mechanism that crushes the salt or pepper. This fits heading 8210.
- The appliance weighs 10 kg or less. A grinder above that weight falls outside heading 8210.
- The grinder is used in the preparation or serving of food at the table. This use supports classification in heading 8210.
- Base metal parts of the grinder are classified with the appliance under heading 8210.
Common mistakes
- Classifying the grinder in heading 8205 as another hand tool is wrong. Heading 8210 covers hand-operated mechanical food preparation appliances specifically.
- Classifying the grinder by its ceramic or plastic grinding mechanism is wrong. The appliance itself is classified under heading 8210, not by the material of the grinding parts.
- Classifying the grinder as tableware in Chapter 69 or 73 is wrong. A mechanical grinding appliance belongs in heading 8210, not with non-mechanical table articles.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.2% = 3.7% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.2%.
- Vietnam
- 16.2% = 3.7% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8210.00.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Manual
- CN 8210 00 00, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a salt and pepper grinder?
The U.S. HTS code for a salt and pepper grinder is usually 8210.00.00.00 (manual). The first six digits, 8210.00, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a salt and pepper grinder from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8210.00.00.00 is 3.7%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.2% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 16.2%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8210.00.00.00Hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10 kg or less, used in the preparation, conditioning or serving of food or drink, and base metal parts thereof
- Heading 8210Hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10 kg or less, used in the preparation, conditioning or serving of food or drink, and base metal parts thereof
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.