About HS Codes & Buyers’ Guide
Please refer to our official guide — “The Definitive HS Codes for Biodegradable Tableware: 2025–2026 Exporters Guide” (link: https://www.bioleaderpack.com/the-definitive-hs-codes-for-biodegradable-tableware-2025-2026-exporters-guide/) for the latest and most comprehensive recommendations on HS code usage. This guide systematically organizes the HS codes corresponding to biodegradable tableware categories, which helps improve customs declaration accuracy and clearance efficiency. We recommend that customers use this guide as a reference standard and cross-check with local customs authorities before placing orders or conducting customs clearance.
Note: Import duty rates vary by destination country.
Your local customs authority’s database or HS lookup portal should be used to verify the exact tariff rate applicable to your shipment.
Here are the HS Codes for specific products, listed one per line:
4823.69.10 – Sugarcane Bagasse Tableware
4823.70.00 – Sugarcane Bagasse Tableware
4823.70.10 – Molded Pulp Tableware (commonly used for bagasse)
3924.10.00 – Cornstarch Tableware
3924.10.40 – Cornstarch Tableware (commonly used for cutlery)
4823.69.90 – Paper Cups & Paper Bowls
4823.69.00.20 – Paper Cups & Paper Lids
3923.50.00 – PET / PP Plastic Lids
3923.30.00 – PLA Cups
3923.50.00 – PET Cups
HS Code for Sugarcane Bagasse Tableware, HS Code for Molded Pulp Tableware, HS Code for Cornstarch Tableware, HS Code for PLA Cups, HS Code for PET Cups, HS Code for Paper Cups and Paper Lids, HS Code for Compostable Tableware, HS Code for Biodegradable Packaging, HS Code for Eco-Friendly Tableware, HS Code for Biodegradable Cups, HS Code for Disposable Tableware, HS Code for Sustainable Packaging, HS Code for Plastic-Free Packaging, HS Code for Cornstarch Cutlery, HS Code for Food Packaging, are all essential for identifying specific product categories in international trade and ensuring accurate customs declarations and tariff classification.
1. Sugarcane Bagasse Tableware

Material Description
Sugarcane Bagasse is a byproduct of sugar production from sugarcane. After extracting juice from the cane, the leftover fiber is cleaned, pulped, molded, and heat-pressed to create a strong, food-safe, and fully biodegradable product. The material contains no plastics, and it is entirely compostable/industrial compostable. Water-based coatings may be used, making it safe for food contact.
Typical Product Types
Plates (Round, Square)
Clamshell Boxes (Takeout Containers)
Food Boxes (Multi-compartment, Bento-style)
Bowls (Shallow and Deep, Round, Oval)
Trays (Serving Trays)
Main Applications
Takeaway & Fast Food Packaging (for hot meals, rice, salads)
Restaurants & Buffet Settings (for self-service, hot food, and packed meals)
Catering & Outdoor Events (banquets, picnics, street food)
Energy Food & Ready-to-Eat (convenience meals, lunch boxes)
Advantages
Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly — significantly reduces reliance on plastic and minimizes environmental impact
High Strength & Heat Resistance — suitable for hot and oily food
Leakproof & Durable — prevents leakage and breakage, ideal for liquid-based or saucy foods
Export-Friendly — stable molding, efficient in bulk packing
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
Paper Pulp Tableware, Molded Fiber Tableware, Compostable Tableware, Paper Products….
Recommended HS Codes:
4823.69.10
4823.70.00
4823.70.10 (Most commonly used for molded pulp tableware)
2. Cornstarch Tableware

Material Description
Cornstarch-based tableware is made from corn starch or bioplastics blended with PLA (Polylactic Acid). These materials are biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources. They are commonly used for single-use packaging and are designed to meet compostability standards based on the specific certification.
Typical Product Types
Food Boxes & Containers (Takeout, Bento Boxes)
Plates (Round, Square, Compartment Plates)
Bowls (Soup, Salad Bowls)
Cups (Disposable Cups for Drinks)
Cutlery (Forks, Spoons, Knives)
Main Applications
Takeaway & Fast Food Packaging (lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic tableware)
Cafés & Beverage Shops (disposable cups for hot and cold drinks)
Restaurants & Catering Services (sustainable serving solutions)
Ready-to-Eat & Convenience Food (pre-packaged meals, soups)
Advantages
Biodegradable & Compostable — meets sustainability goals with minimal environmental impact
Sturdy & Leakproof — suitable for liquids, hot food, and oily items
Customizable & Market-Friendly — ideal for eco-conscious food brands
FDA Compliant — certified safe for food contact
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
Disposable Cornstarch Tableware, Cornstarch Tableware, Disposable Plastic Tableware, Bioplastic Tableware,
// Cutlery: Disposable Cutlery, Cornstarch Cutlery, Disposable Cornstarch Cutlery, Compostable Plastic Cutlery
Recommended HS Codes:
3924.10.00
3924.10.40 (Often used for cutlery & food-contact bioplastic items)
3. Paper Cups, Paper Bowls , Food Paper Boxes & Paper Lids

Material Description
Made from sustainably sourced paper, these items are designed for single-use applications. Paper cups, bowls, and lids are often lined with a biodegradable coating (such as PLA) to provide water and grease resistance. These items are suitable for hot and cold food or beverages and are typically compostable in industrial composting facilities.
Typical Product Types
Paper Cups (Single-Wall, Double-Wall, Ripple-Wall)
Paper Bowls (Soup Bowls, Salad Bowls)
Paper Lids (Flat Lids, Dome Lids)
Main Applications
Cafés & Coffee Shops (for serving hot and cold beverages)
Restaurants & Catering (for soups, salads, and desserts)
Takeaway & Fast Food (eco-friendly packaging for drinks and light meals)
Events & Picnics (convenient and sustainable takeaway options)
Advantages
Eco-Friendly — biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable
Sturdy & Leak-Proof — suitable for both hot and cold food items
Customizable — easy to print for branding and promotions
Cost-Effective — ideal for high-volume takeaway and catering use
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
Paper Cups, Paper Bowls, Paper Lids….
Recommended HS Codes:
4823.69.90
4823.69.00.20
4. PET / PP Plastic Lids
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Material Description
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PP (Polypropylene) are commonly used for lids due to their strength, transparency, and resistance to high and low temperatures. They are ideal for use with paper cups, PLA cups, and cornstarch containers for sealing beverages or food securely. These lids are recyclable and provide a reliable, tamper-evident seal.
Typical Product Types
Cold Drink Lids (Flat Lids, Dome Lids)
Takeout Container Lids (Snap-On Lids)
Sealing Lids (for hot and cold food packaging)
Main Applications
Beverage Shops & Coffee Chains (lids for cups)
Takeaway & Fast Food (lids for soup containers, salad bowls, etc.)
Events & Catering (single-serve containers with lids)
Food Delivery (secure packaging for transportation)
Advantages
Durable & Leak-Proof — prevents spills and maintains food quality
Recyclable & Sustainable — eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic lids
Temperature Resistant — safe for both hot and cold applications
Customizable — easy to brand for marketing purposes
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
Plastic Lid, PET Lid, PP Lid….
Recommended HS Code:
3923.50.00
5. PLA Cups & Lid

Material Description
PLA (Polylactic Acid) cups are made from renewable plant-based resources, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. These cups are biodegradable, compostable, and suitable for hot and cold beverages. PLA cups are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cups, offering the same strength and durability but with minimal environmental impact. PLA cups are widely used in the foodservice industry, especially in establishments focusing on sustainability.
Typical Product Types
Cold Beverage Cups (for smoothies, iced coffee, juices)
Hot Beverage Cups (for coffee, tea, and hot drinks)
Compostable Cups (for events, parties, and picnics)
PLA Cup Lids (for hot or cold beverages)
Main Applications
Coffee Shops & Beverage Chains (cold and hot drink cups)
Takeaway & Fast Food (disposable cups for beverages)
Events & Catering (sustainable drink cups for large gatherings)
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores (single-use cups for packaged beverages)
Advantages
Biodegradable & Compostable — breaks down into natural elements in a composting environment
Clear & Transparent — provides clear visibility of beverages
Heat & Cold Resistant — suitable for a wide range of temperatures
Sustainable Alternative — reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
PLA Cup, Compostable Plastic Cup, Polylactic Acid Cup, Disposable Plastic Cup….
Recommended HS Code:
3923.30.00
3923.50.00 (commonly used for disposable cups and related accessories)
6. PET Cups & Lid

Material Description
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a strong, durable plastic commonly used for beverage cups. PET cups are clear, lightweight, and shatter-resistant, making them ideal for cold drinks. These cups are widely used in the food and beverage industry for serving water, sodas, juices, and iced beverages. Although not biodegradable, PET cups are recyclable, making them a better option compared to traditional plastics.
Typical Product Types
Cold Beverage Cups (for water, sodas, juices, iced tea)
Petri Dishes / Cups (for packaged or retail beverages)
PET Cup Lids (flat, dome, and snap-on lids for beverages)
Main Applications
Beverage Shops & Coffee Chains (cold drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies)
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores (for ready-to-drink products)
Takeaway & Fast Food (disposable cups for beverages)
Events & Catering (large-volume drink cups for parties or festivals)
Advantages
Durable & Leak-Proof — prevents spills, ideal for both transport and storage
Clear & Strong — offers excellent visibility and protection for drinks
Lightweight & Convenient — easy to handle, store, and dispose of
Recyclable — supports circular economy goals by being fully recyclable
Product Name / Classification(When apply to custom):
Plastic Cup, PET Cup, Disposable Plastic Cup….
Recommended HS Code:
3923.30.00
3923.50.00 (commonly used for disposable plastic cups)
Logistics & Container Optimization Guidance
Most international distributors choose 40HQ for lower landed cost per unit. Below is a quick reference to support your planning:
Container Loading Capacity
20ft container: ~27–28 CBM
40HQ container: ~66–68 CBM (≈ 2.4× the volume of 20ft)
Cost Efficiency Insight
Shipping freight cost from major Asian ports to destinations such as Santos (Brazil) remains almost identical for 20ft and 40HQ containers.
→ Optimizing volume with 40HQ significantly reduces the freight cost per unit.
About Bioleader®
Bioleader® (Xiamen Bioleader Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.) is a leading manufacturer of sustainable, compostable, and biodegradable tableware solutions. Specializing in sugarcane bagasse, cornstarch, PLA, and other eco-friendly packaging materials, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of single-use products. With a focus on innovation and quality, Bioleader® provides businesses worldwide with sustainable alternatives to plastic, helping them comply with global packaging regulations while promoting a cleaner, greener future.
Our products include a wide range of tableware, such as plates, bowls, clamshells, cutlery, and cups—suitable for use in foodservice, catering, and retail industries. We work closely with our clients to develop customized solutions tailored to their needs, ensuring they receive high-quality products that align with their sustainability goals.
Certifications
Bioleader®’s products are manufactured to the highest international standards and comply with global certifications. We are committed to providing environmentally responsible packaging solutions that meet the regulatory and safety requirements of diverse markets.

Key Certifications:
EN13432 (European Standard for Compostability)
BPI Certification (Biodegradable Products Institute)
OK Compost Industrial
FDA Compliance (Food-Grade Safety)
ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems)
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)
PFAS-Free Certification (Ensuring no harmful chemicals are used)
These certifications validate our products’ sustainability, biodegradability, and safety, ensuring that customers can trust our solutions in their operations while meeting the requirements of their local markets.
Call to Action (CAT)
Ready to make the switch to eco-friendly packaging? Contact Bioleader® today for a detailed consultation on our compostable tableware solutions. Whether you need pricing information, custom designs, or advice on transitioning to sustainable packaging, our expert team is here to help.
Request a quote, place your order, or inquire about our certifications and compliance standards. We are committed to offering you the highest quality and most sustainable alternatives for your business. Let’s work together to reduce plastic waste and embrace a more sustainable future for our planet.







