Animal Fat Defoamer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994140 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994190 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1506000000 | 37.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π Animal Fat Defoamer: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Guide
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is an "Animal Fat Defoamer"?
An Animal Fat Defoamer is a chemical additive primarily composed of animal fats or fatty acid derivatives. Its main function is to reduce or eliminate foam formation in industrial processes, such as wastewater treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, or chemical reactions.
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the chemical nature and specific application of the additive: 1. Chemical Additives/Agents: If it functions as a chelating agent or stabilizer for chemical processes. 2. Oil/Grease Products: If it is classified broadly as a processed animal oil or rust inhibitor.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is formulated as a chelating agent or stabilizer for chemical applications β It falls under Heading 3824.
- If the product is used as a rust inhibitor or falls under generic animal oils β It falls under Heading 1506.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their corresponding tax structures. All codes listed are subject to US Import Duties (China Origin).
| HS Code | Product Description | Application/Use | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.41.40 |
Animal Fat Chelating Agent | Chemical Additive | 39.6% |
3824.99.41.90 |
Animal Fat Chelating/Stabilizing Agent | Chemical Preparation | 39.6% |
1506.00.00.00 |
Animal Fat Rust Inhibitor | Oil/Grease Product | 37.3% |
π Important Note:
- Codes3824.99.41.40and3824.99.41.90are nearly identical in tax burden but differ slightly in descriptive specificity (Additive vs. Preparation).
- Code1506.00.00.00is categorized under animal oils/fats and has a slightly lower total tax rate.
- All classifications include Section 301 Tariffs (25%) and Section 122 Tariffs (10%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply based on recent trade policies (Section 301 & 122).
π― 1. 3824.99.41.40 & 3824.99.41.90
Classification: Chemical Products and Preparations (Animal Fat Based)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (25% Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (122 Clause Tariff) |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rate prevents low-value shipment exemption) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Heading 3824 + Section 301 Footnotes + Section 122 Authority |
π Explanation:
- The 4.6% base duty is the standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate for chemical preparations.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is the major penalty imposed on Chinese-origin goods in this category.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is an additional national security/import relief duty.
- Total 39.6% is a high-cost barrier. Pre-clearance calculation is essential for pricing strategies.
π― 2. 1506.00.00.00
Classification: Animal Oils and Fats (Rust Inhibitor)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.3% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (25% Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (122 Clause Tariff) |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC Heading 1506 + Section 301 Footnotes + Section 122 Authority |
π Explanation:
- The 2.3% base duty is lower than the chemical additive category, resulting in a total of 37.3%.
- This makes1506.00.00.00a slightly more cost-effective option IF the product can legitimately be classified as an "animal oil/rust inhibitor" rather than a complex chemical preparation.
- Risk: Misclassification from 1506 to 3824 due to "chemical additive" claims could lead to audits and back taxes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail chemical composition, including % of animal fat, chelating agents, or inhibitors. |
| β Function Statement | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Used as a defoamer in [Specific Industry] process." |
| β Formula/Composition | βοΈ | Crucial for determining if it falls under 3824 (Chemical) or 1506 (Oil). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly mention "Animal Fat Defoamer" and HS Code. |
| β CoA (Certificate of Analysis) | βοΈ | To prove the product is not a pure food-grade fat but an industrial chemical/oil. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical imports; check for hazardous material flags. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Define by Function, Verify by Composition!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Error |
|---|---|---|
| Chelating/Stabilizing Agent | 3824.99.41.40/90Description: "Animal Fat Based Chelating Agent for Chemical Processes" |
Calling it just "Fat" β Risk of reclassification |
| Rust Inhibitor/Oil | 1506.00.00.00Description: "Animal Fat Rust Inhibitor for Industrial Machinery" |
Calling it "Chemical Additive" β Higher tax (39.6%) |
| Mixed Use | Consult Customs Broker | Ambiguous description β Delays & Audits |
π Note:
- If the product is primarily used as a defoamer in pulp/paper or wastewater, it is often viewed as a chemical preparation (3824).
- If it is used primarily to lubricate or prevent rust using animal fat, it may fit1506.
- Accuracy is key: The "Primary Use" test determines the heading.
β 3. Special Cases & Warnings
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High Animal Fat Content | If >50% animal fat, 1506 might be argued, but chemical additives in it push it to 3824. Provide ratio analysis. |
| Synthetic Blends | If synthetic defoamers are mixed, 3824 is more likely. |
| US Origin vs. China Origin | All rates above assume China Origin. If shipped from Vietnam/Malaysia, check for de minimis or lower rates. |
| Section 122 Applicability | Ensure the importer knows Section 122 tariffs apply to almost all Chinese goods regardless of HS Code. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Tariff (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.41.40 / 1506.00.00.00 |
37.3% - 39.6% | High Section 301 + 122 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 3824 / 1506 | ~0-5% | Import duties low, but VAT 13% applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824 / 1506 | ~6.5% - 12% | No Section 301, but REACH compliance required. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3824 / 1506 | ~6.5% - 12% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to political tariffs.
- Cost optimization is critical. Consider if product formulation can legally shift to1506(Rust Inhibitor) if the application allows.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Food Grade Fat"
π Result: Rejected immediately due to FDA/chemical import regulations. Must declare as Industrial Chemical/Oil.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Result: Unexpected 10% charge at customs. Always budget for Base + 25% + 10%.
β Mistake 3: Misusing "De Minimis" (Under $800)
π Result: Not Allowed for HS Codes with >25% Section 301 tariffs. All shipments must be formally declared.
β Correct Action:
"Industrial Animal Fat Defoamer, Chelating Agent, Non-Food Grade, For Chemical Processing Use, HS Code: 3824.99.41.40"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "3824 for Chemical Additives (39.6%), 1506 for Oils/Rust Inhibitors (37.3%)."
πΉ "Base + 25% (301) + 10% (122) = Total Burden."
πΉ "No De Minimis for China-Origin Chemicals/Oils!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is borderline between 3824 and 1506, provide a technical justification for the primary use. If used mainly for defoaming in chemical reactions, 3824 is safer. If used for lubrication/rust prevention, 1506 may offer savings.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the full ingredient list.
π Request a Binding Ruling if shipment values are high.
π Accurate HS Code = Predictable Costs + Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tax saved is pure profit!
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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.