35 Individually Wrapped Disposable Shower Caps
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6505008015 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6505008090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926204010 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΏ Disposable Shower Caps (Individually Wrapped)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Shower Caps"?
Individually wrapped disposable shower caps are single-use personal care accessories designed to keep hair dry during bathing or showering. They are typically manufactured from lightweight non-woven fabrics or plastics (such as PE or PP). In international trade, their classification hinges on two critical factors:
1. Material Composition: Is it textile-based (non-woven) or plastic-based?
2. Structure: Does it have a defined hat shape with a brim, or is it a simple wrap?
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If made of non-woven fabric or plastic and lacks a stiff brim/visor β It is classified as a "Headwear" (Chapter 65) or "Plastic Article" (Chapter 39) depending on specific material dominance and structural features.
- Note: Despite being "caps," they are often NOT classified under standard hats if they lack structural integrity. However, the provided data points to specific sub-headings for "Disposable Headwear" and "Plastic Articles."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Concordance)
Based on the provided , here are the four potential HS Codes for Individually Wrapped Disposable Shower Caps, depending on specific material and structural nuances:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Material Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6505.00.80.15 | Disposable Headwear, Non-Woven/Plastic, No Brim Conflict | Headwear shape, non-woven/plastic mix, no structural brim. | Non-Woven / Plastic |
| 6505.00.80.90 | Disposable Headwear, Non-Woven Fabric, Other | Fits "Other" headwear category under Chapter 65. | Non-Woven Fabric |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Plastic Articles, Other | Generic plastic item; "Catch-all" for plastic goods not elsewhere specified. | Plastic (PE/PP) |
| 3926.20.40.10 | Disposable Plastic Articles, Bath Cap Form | Specifically identified as a bath cap with disposable characteristics. | Plastic |
π Classification Logic:
- Chapters 65 (Headwear) are preferred if the item retains a recognizable "hat" shape but is disposable.
- Chapter 39 (Plastics) is used if the item is purely plastic and lacks significant textile components, especially under "Other Plastic Articles."
- 3926.20.40.10 is highly specific to "Bath Cap Form," making it a strong candidate for plastic shower caps.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply (based on 122 Clause & Section 301 tariffs)
π― 1. 6505.00.80.15 & 6505.00.80.90 β Disposable Headwear (Non-Woven/Plastic)
These two codes share the same tariff structure because they fall under similar non-tariff trade measures.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% (Ad valorem + Specific duty) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (Additional duty on Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (Additional duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act) |
| Total Effective Tax | 18.7Β’/kg + 6.8% + 25.0% + 10.0% |
| Calculation Note | Highly Complex: You pay a specific duty per kg PLUS a percentage ad valorem duty, PLUS two additional surcharges. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Valued over $800 threshold or excluded categories) |
π Why so high?
- 6.8% + 25% + 10% = 41.8% ad valorem burden.
- Plus 18.7 cents per kilogram as a specific duty.
- This is a heavy tax burden for low-value, high-volume items like disposable caps.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 β Other Plastic Articles (Catch-All)
This is the generic "plastic fallback" category.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% (Note: Lower than headwear) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | 22.8% |
| Calculation Note | Purely ad valorem. No specific per-kg duty. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Analysis:
- Total 22.8% is significantly lower than the 41.8%+ structure of Chapter 65.
- However, you must prove the item is not "headwear" to use this code. If Customs views it as a hat, you risk reclassification.
π― 3. 3926.20.40.10 β Disposable Plastic Articles (Bath Cap Form)
This is the most specific and potentially most favorable code for plastic shower caps.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Duty | 0.0% (No additional Section 301 duty listed here) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | 16.5% |
| Calculation Note | Simplest calculation. Lowest total rate among all options. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Strategic Advantage:
- 16.5% Total is the lowest tax rate in the provided data.
- It avoids the high Section 301 duty (+25%) applied to headwear.
- Crucial Condition: The product must be clearly described as a "Disposable Plastic Bath Cap" and not a "Hat."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Clearly state: "Disposable Plastic Shower Caps, Individually Wrapped, Non-Woven/PE Material, No Brim" | Prevents misclassification as "Fashion Hat." |
| Product Photos | Show individual packaging and shape (emphasize lack of stiff brim) | Proves it is not a "structured hat." |
| Material Composition | Specify % of Plastic vs. Non-Woven Fabric | Determines if you use Chapter 39 or 65. |
| Use Case Description | "For personal hygiene during bathing" | Supports classification as "Article of Apparel/Accessory" vs. "Headwear." |
| Country of Origin | China (CN) | Required for Section 301/122 assessment. |
β 2. Strategic Classification Tips (The "Secret Sauce")
π₯ "Don't Call It a Hat, Call It a Wrap!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Plastic PE/PP Caps | 3926.20.40.10 | 16.5% | BEST OPTION. Emphasize "Plastic Article" and "Bath Use." |
| Non-Woven Fabric Caps | 6505.00.80.15/90 | ~41.8% + $/kg | Hard to avoid. Must declare as "Disposable Headwear." |
| Mixed Material (Plastic + Fabric) | 3926.90.99.89 | 22.8% | Use if fabric content is minimal and plastic is dominant. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT use HS Code 6505 if your product is purely plastic. Customs may accept 3926 for lower tax.
- Do NOT use 3926 if your product is predominantly non-woven fabric with a hat shape. Customs may reject it for 6505.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Packaging | Ensure invoice matches the generic description ("Shower Caps") rather than branded "Hat" names. |
| Small Samples vs. Bulk | Both are subject to these tariffs. De Minimis ($800) does not apply to Chinese goods under Section 301/122 for these codes. |
| Import into US | All listed tariffs apply. No GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) benefits for China. |
π V. Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Destination | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.20.40.10 | 16.5% | Best for plastic caps. Avoid 6505 if possible. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6505 or 3926 | Varies (0-8%) | No Section 301/122. Lower tariffs generally. |
| π¨π³ China | 6505 or 3926 | 5-10% | Import duties for domestic use are lower. |
π Conclusion:
The USA is the most challenging market due to Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs.
Plastic shower caps (3926.20.40.10) offer the lowest risk and lowest cost (16.5%).
Non-woven headwear (6505) is tax-heavy (>40%) and requires precise description to avoid disputes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others' Failures)
β Mistake 1: Labeling as "Hat" or "Cap" in Chapter 65 for a plastic item.
π Result: Paying ~42% tax instead of 16.5%. Loss of 25.5% margin!
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 (10%) in cost calculations.
π Result: Underestimating landed cost by 10%. Profit margin erosion.
β Mistake 3: Using "Disposable Cap" without specifying material.
π Result: Customs delays for classification review. Delivery delays.
β Best Practice:
"Plastic Shower Cap, Individually Wrapped, PE Material, Non-Woven Not Applicable, For Bath Use Only."
π― VII. Final Recommendations
π― For Maximum Profit & Compliance:
1. If Plastic: Use 3926.20.40.10 (16.5% tax).
2. If Non-Woven: Accept 6505.00.80.15/90 (~41.8% tax) or try to argue for 3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) if material mix allows.
3. Always Declare: "Individually Wrapped" and "Disposable" to distinguish from reusable hats.
4. Consult Customs Broker: Request a Pre-Ruling if volume is high to lock in 3926.20.40.10.
π£ Action Item:
π Verify Material Composition β Select HS Code β Calculate Landed Cost β Clear Customs Smoothly!
β¨ Smart Classification = Smart Savings!
πΌ Don't let tariff complexity eat your profits!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.