How Fireworks Tariffs Work

Import duties are calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) of your shipment. The rate depends on the importing country's tariff schedule and the HS Code — almost always 3604.10 for fireworks. A Certificate of Origin can reduce or eliminate duties under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). China has FTAs with ASEAN, Australia, Chile, Peru, and several other markets that can significantly reduce fireworks import duties.

Tariff Rates by Market

🇪🇺 European Union: Generally 6.5% MFN rate. Can be reduced under GSP+ for qualifying developing countries.
🇺🇸 United States: Varies — generally 2.7-6.5%. Check current HTSUS for Section 3604.10.
🇦🇺 Australia: 0-5% under China-Australia FTA (verify current schedule).
🇧🇷 Brazil: Higher than average — Mercosur common external tariff applies. Expect 10-18%.
🇦🇪 UAE/GCC: Generally 5% GCC common external tariff.
🇷🇺 Russia: Varies under EAC customs union. Generally 5-15%.
🌏 ASEAN: Many products qualify for 0% under ASEAN-China FTA with Certificate of Origin Form E.
🇿🇦 South Africa: Generally 5-10% under SACU common tariff.
🇯🇵 Japan: Generally 0-3.9% — relatively low.
🌎 Chile/Peru: 0% under respective China FTAs with Certificate of Origin.

How to Reduce Your Duty Bill

1. Request Certificate of Origin Form E (ASEAN) or Form F (Chile) from your supplier — this is the key to FTA duty reductions.
2. Verify the HS Code — incorrect classification = wrong duty rate = potential penalties.
3. Structure your Incoterms — freight and insurance are part of the dutiable value under CIF. Under FOB, you control these costs.
4. Consider bonded warehousing — defer duty payment until goods are actually sold.
5. Work with a customs broker who specializes in dangerous goods — fireworks are not standard cargo.

China Export Tax Rebate

Chinese fireworks exporters receive a 13% VAT rebate on exports (current rate as of 2026). This rebate is built into the pricing from legitimate factories. If a supplier's price seems too good to be true, they may not be claiming the rebate properly — which can create problems for your import documentation. Always work with suppliers who provide proper export documentation and VAT invoices.