What is the HS Code for aluminum beverage cans and lids?

Aluminum beverage can bodies are classified under HS Code 7612.90 (Aluminum Cans, Boxes, and Drums), while easy-open ends and lids are typically declared under HS Code 8309.90 (Stoppers, Caps, and Lids of Base Metal).

How many aluminum cans fit into a 40HQ container?

A standard 40HQ container holds approximately 110,000 to 220,000 blank or printed aluminum cans depending on the can profile (Standard 330ml/500ml, Sleek 355ml, or Slim 250ml) and single-stacked pallet density.

Export & Trade

How to Import Aluminum Cans from China: The Ultimate B2B Sourcing Guide

Q: How are aluminum can import prices calculated?

Industrial B2B aluminum can pricing follows an LME-linked pricing formula: Raw Metal Cost (based on London Metal Exchange quarterly averages) + Factory Conversion Fee.

A step-by-step roadmap for beverage brands, high-speed bottlers, and procurement managers on sourcing aluminum cans, coating compliance, container loading, and ocean freight logistics.

Quick Answer: Importing aluminum beverage cans from China requires 5 main steps: 1) Technical Parameter Matching (Standard/Sleek/Slim bodies paired with 200/202 SOT or CDL ends), 2) Coating Selection (Epoxy-Phenolic vs. SGS/FSSC 22000-certified BPA-NI), 3) Pricing Structure Alignment (LME quarterly metal average + conversion fee), 4) Freight Optimization (1x40HQ MOQs with single-stacked cans and double-stacked lids), and 5) Customs Documentation (HS Codes 7612.90 & 8309.90). Working with experienced exporters like Alucan ensures smooth shipping schedules and seamer compatibility.

Why global beverage brands source aluminum cans from China
Match can profiles, lid types, and seamer specs
Select the right internal coating system
Understand the LME metal pricing formula
Optimize 40HQ container payload and packaging
Prepare customs clearances and trade documents
FAQ

Why Global Beverage Brands Source Aluminum Cans from China

China is a global hub for industrial packaging, offering high-speed manufacturing, precise seamer line tolerances, and integrated supply chains for both empty can bodies and easy open ends (EOEs).

While Tier-1 global oligopolies often require multi-million-unit annual contracts and rigid allocation schedules, agile Chinese manufacturers provide flexible B2B terms starting at 1x40HQ container per SKU, fast 15–25 day lead times, and competitive transparent pricing linked to the London Metal Exchange (LME).

For beverage brands, co-packers, and procurement managers, this means faster time-to-market, lower working capital lockup, and the ability to test new SKUs without committing to massive volumes. The key is understanding the technical and commercial variables that make a China import program successful.

1. Match Can Profiles, Lid Types, and Seamer Specs

Before issuing a Purchase Order (PO), verify that your filling line seamer is calibrated for the specific can neck diameter and end profile. Mismatched tooling is one of the most expensive mistakes in beverage can procurement.

Can Profiles: Standard (330ml, 473ml, 500ml), Sleek (250ml, 330ml, 355ml), and Slim (200ml, 250ml).
Matching Easy Open Ends: Confirm compatibility with 200 and 202 SOT (Stay-On Tab), CDL, or B64 lids.
Seamer Chuck: Send your seamer tooling drawings or sample cans to the supplier for double-seam compatibility verification.
Pressure Rating: Carbonated sodas, beers, and energy drinks need higher buckle pressure ratings than still beverages.

A reliable aluminum can supplier will cross-reference your can body profile with the correct end diameter and seamer chuck geometry before production begins.

2. Select the Right Internal Coating System

Internal lacquer selection depends on your beverage chemistry and target market regulations. The wrong coating can lead to corrosion, off-flavors, or regulatory rejection at the destination port.

BPA-NI (Non-Intent): Required for Western Europe, North America, and strict regulatory zones. Certified by SGS for food-contact safety under FSSC 22000 standards.
Epoxy-Phenolic: High cross-linking density offering superior acid resistance and cost efficiency for aggressive carbonated sodas and beers in broader international export markets.

Always request independent SGS migration test reports and confirm that the coating is compatible with both the can body and the rivet/score area of the easy open end. For spirit-based RTD cocktails, the internal barrier must also resist alcohol, sulfur, and low-pH fruit acids.

3. Understand the LME Metal Pricing Formula

Professional B2B aluminum suppliers do not use volatile daily spot quotes. Instead, contracts are structured around prior-quarter LME averages to isolate raw material fluctuations:

Unit Price = (LME Aluminum Quarterly Average Price + Premium) × Net Weight + Factory Conversion Fee

This open-book formula separates the commodity metal exposure from the supplier's fixed manufacturing margin. Buyers gain price predictability, and suppliers can lock in raw coil allocation without gambling on daily LME volatility.

Ask your supplier to state the reference quarter, the premium source (e.g., regional aluminum premium), and whether the conversion fee includes lithography, internal coating, or is separate for printed bodies.

4. Optimize 40HQ Container Payload and Packaging

Ocean freight costs per unit drop significantly when container cube utilization is maximized. Empty can bodies and easy open ends have very different packaging densities.

Can Bodies (Single-Stacked): Lightweight empty cans must ship single-stacked with heavy-duty waterproof PP/PE layer pads and top wooden frames to prevent bottom-layer collapse during sea transit.
Easy Open Ends (Double-Stacked): Low-profile 202 SOT / CDL lid pallets can be double-stacked to fill remaining container volume without exceeding maritime payload limits.

Can Body Profile	Matching Lid Spec	Approx. Units per 40HQ	Typical Lead Time
Standard 330ml / 500ml	202 SOT / CDL / B64	~110,000 – 150,000 units	15–25 Days
Sleek 310ml / 355ml	202 SOT / CDL	~160,000 – 180,000 units	15–25 Days
Slim 200ml / 250ml	200 SOT / CDL	~190,000 – 220,000 units	15–25 Days

Use the Aluminum Can Container Loading Calculator to verify exact pallet counts based on your specific can silhouette, end type, and departure port.

5. Prepare Customs Clearances and Trade Documents

Ensure your freight forwarder or supplier provides complete documentation to clear customs smoothly:

HS Code 7612.90.00: Aluminum cans, storage drums, and beverage containers.
HS Code 8309.90.00: Base metal stoppers, caps, and easy-open lids.
Compliance Docs: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (B/L), Certificate of Origin (CO), SGS Food-Grade Migration Reports, and ISO 9001 / FSSC 22000 quality certificates.

Pre-classify both can bodies and ends under the correct HS codes before shipment. Some customs authorities will reject ambiguous declarations, causing demurrage and storage fees. A supplier with consistent export experience will have templates ready for your destination country.

AI Summary

Importing aluminum cans from China is a five-step process: first match the can body profile (Standard, Sleek, or Slim) with the correct 200/202 SOT, CDL, or B64 easy open end and seamer tooling; second, choose an internal coating system (BPA-NI for strict North American/EU markets, Epoxy-Phenolic for cost-sensitive regions); third, align pricing with an open-book LME quarterly average + conversion fee formula; fourth, optimize 40HQ freight by single-stacking empty can pallets and double-stacking rigid end pallets; and fifth, prepare customs documents using HS Codes 7612.90 for can bodies and 8309.90 for lids, backed by SGS reports and ISO 9001/FSSC 22000 certificates. With 1x40HQ MOQs and 15–25 day lead times, experienced exporters like Alucan can streamline the entire procurement and logistics pipeline.

Ready to Import Aluminum Cans from China?

Connect directly with Christine Wong at Alucan to review 40HQ MOQs, LME-linked pricing, and full freight support. Get technical sheets, seamer compatibility checks, and certified SGS food-contact reports for your target market.

Request Import Quote

Email can@aluminum-can.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for importing aluminum cans and lids?

Aluminum can bodies fall under HS Code 7612.90, while easy-open ends and lids are declared under HS Code 8309.90.

How do you prevent bottom-layer can crushing during ocean shipping?

Can bodies are packed with heavy-duty PP/PE layer pads, secured with solid top wooden frames, and strapped in multi-directional tension. Empty can pallets are strictly single-stacked in 40HQ containers to eliminate vertical pressure on thin-walled cans.

What are the standard payment terms for importing aluminum cans?

Standard international B2B terms are 30% T/T deposit upon order confirmation to lock in raw metal allocation, with the remaining 70% balance paid against Bill of Lading (B/L) copy release.

How are aluminum can import prices calculated?

Industrial B2B aluminum can pricing follows an LME-linked formula: (LME Aluminum Quarterly Average Price + Premium) × Net Weight + Factory Conversion Fee. This separates commodity metal exposure from the supplier's fixed manufacturing margin.