Castor Oil Pack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005901000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3005905010 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908620 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧴠Castor Oil Pack (Ricinoleic Acid Compressed Sheets/Compresses)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Castor Oil Pack"?
A Castor Oil Pack is a therapeutic textile product used primarily in holistic health, veterinary medicine, and traditional healing practices. It consists of a piece of fabric (usually wool, cotton, or gauze) saturated with castor oil, often wrapped in plastic to retain heat.
In international trade, the classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Impregnation: Is the fabric impregnated/coated with pharmaceutical substances (castor oil is often classified under specific pharmacopeial standards)? 2. Packaging: Is it put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a pre-packaged, impregnated therapeutic compress intended for medical/veterinary retail use β It falls under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products).
- If the product is a plain textile/gauze merely intended for the user to apply oil separately, or if it is a non-pharmaceutical cosmetic item (not for medical treatment) β It may fall under Chapter 48 (Paper/Cellose Wadding) or Chapter 63 (Textiles), but only if not impregnated with pharmaceutical substances.
Based on the provided data, we analyze the most likely classification for pre-packaged, impregnated Castor Oil Packs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3005.90.10.00 | Wadding, gauze, bandages... impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances... put up in forms/packings for retail sale...: Other: Coated or impregnated with pharmaceutical substances | Pre-packaged castor oil therapy kits, veterinary wound dressings with castor oil | β Impregnated + β Retail Pack + β Medical/Vet Purpose |
| 3005.90.50.10 | Wadding, gauze, bandages... impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances...: Other: Other Laparotomy sponges | Note: Data shows this code, but description "Laparotomy sponges" is specific to surgical sponges. Unlikely for general Castor Oil Packs unless specifically shaped for surgery. | β οΈ Likely Incorrect unless it is a specialized surgical sponge |
| 4823.90.80.00 | Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding...: Gaskets, washers and other seals | Incorrect for Castor Oil Packs. This is for industrial seals. | β No |
| 4823.90.86.20 | Other paper...: Other Shoe covers... | Incorrect. This is for footwear protection. | β No |
π Critical Analysis:
- HS Code 3005.90.10.00 is the most accurate classification for Castor Oil Packs that are impregnated with castor oil (considered a medicinal substance in many contexts) and sold in retail packaging for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes.
- The provided data links 3005.90.10.00 to a 0.0% Total Tax Rate.
- The other codes in the data (4823.90.80.00 and 4823.90.86.20) are for paper products (seals, shoe covers) and carry a 25.0% tax rate. These are NOT applicable to Castor Oil Packs unless they are merely plain paper/gauze without pharmaceutical impregnation and not for medical retail use (which is rare for "Castor Oil Packs" as a distinct product).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context; adjust if different)
β Effective Date: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 3005.90.10.00 ββ Impregnated Gauze/Bandages (Medical/Vet Retail)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% (See explanation below) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable (Value usually exceeds $800, but tariff is 0% anyway) |
| Legal Basis Path | USHTS:3005.90.10.00 β General Notes |
π Explanation:
- Why 0%? Many pharmaceutical-related medical supplies (including certain impregnated gauzes) have low or zero base duties.
- Section 301 Impact: The provided data shows 0.0% total tax for this code. Unlike many other Chinese imports (which face 25% under 301), medical/pharmaceutical articles often enjoy exemptions or lower rates under current trade policies. Double-check with current USITC lists, but per the provided data, the rate is 0%.
- Critical Note: If the product is classified under 4823.90.80.00 (mistakenly), the tax jumps to 25.0% (Base 0% + 25% Additional). Avoid this misclassification!
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Proves the product is impregnated with castor oil (a medicinal substance), supporting Chapter 30 classification. |
| β Product Labeling | βοΈ | Must state "Medical/Veterinary Use," "Castor Oil Impregnated," and intended use (e.g., "For Therapeutic Compress"). |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Detail % of castor oil, type of gauze (cotton/wool), and packaging material. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Castor Oil Pack, Impregnated Gauze, for Medical/Veterinary Use." Avoid vague terms like "Textile Cloth." |
| β FDA Registration (if applicable) | βοΈ | If marketed as a drug/device, ensure FDA compliance. If general wellness, may be exempt, but documentation helps. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Impregnated + Medical Pack = 3005 (0%); Plain Paper = 4823 (25%)"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk of Misclassification |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-packaged, oil-soaked gauze for pain relief | 3005.90.10.00 | Low. 0% Tax. |
| Plain gauze roll, user adds oil themselves | Likely 6307.90 or 5911.90 (Not in data) | Avoid 4823 unless it's paper-based. |
| Castor Oil Pack labeled "Cosmetic" (no medical claim) | May be 3304.99 (Cosmetic) | 3304 not in data. If forced to choose from data, 3005.90.10.00 is safer if any therapeutic claim is made. |
| Misclassified as "Paper Seal" | 4823.90.80.00 | HIGH RISK! 25% Tax + Penalties. |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Use | Explicitly state "For Veterinary Use" on invoice. 3005.90.10.00 covers veterinary purposes. |
| Human vs. Animal | If for humans, ensure FDA compliance. If for animals, veterinary labeling suffices. |
| Oil Type | Ensure it's Cold-Pressed Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis). If it's a "cosmetic" oil with no medicinal claim, reclassify to Chapter 33 or 38. |
| Packaging | Must be retail-ready (e.g., individual packets, boxes). Bulk rolls may be classified differently. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3005.90.10.00 |
0.0% | Medical/Vet Labeling, COA |
| π¨π³ China | 3005.90.10.00 |
~5-10% | NMPA Registration if medicinal |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3005.90 |
0-4% | CE Marking (if medical device), REACH |
| π¬π§ UK | 3005.90 |
0% | MHRA Compliance |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers a 0.0% tariff for properly classified Castor Oil Packs under 3005.90.10.00.
- Misclassification as a paper product (4823) results in a 25% penalty.
- Ensure your product is impregnated and for medical/veterinary retail sale to qualify for the 0% rate.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others' Errors)
β Mistake 1: Classifying as "Textile Gauze" (Chapter 50-63)
π Result: If impregnated, customs may reclassify to Chapter 30, applying different taxes. But if misclassified as Chapter 48 (paper) due to error, you face 25% tax.
Fix: Always highlight "Impregnated with Medicinal Substance" and "Retail Packaging."
β Mistake 2: Omitting "Veterinary Use"
π Result: Customs may question if it's a cosmetic item, leading to delays.
Fix: Clearly state intended use on the commercial invoice and label.
β Mistake 3: Using "Oil Soaked Cloth" as Description
π Result: Vague descriptions lead to arbitrary classification.
Fix: Use precise HS Code 3005.90.10.00 and describe as "Impregnated Gauze for Medical/Veterinary Use."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classifies, Precision Saves
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Impregnated + Retail Pack = 3005 (0%); Paper Seal = 4823 (25%)."
πΉ "Label it Medical/Vet, or pay the 25% penalty."
π Pro Tip:
If your Castor Oil Pack is not impregnated (e.g., dry gauze), it does NOT qualify for 3005.90.10.00. It may fall under 6307.90 (Other made-up articles) or 5911.90 (Textile products for technical uses), which have different tax rates. Always confirm impregnation.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with:
1. Product photos (showing packaging)
2. Certificate of Analysis (proving castor oil content)
3. Intended use statement (Medical/Veterinary)π Secure the 0.0% tariff by proving your product is a pharmaceutical article, not a paper product!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent saved is profit earned!
Customer Reviews
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.