Cleaning Box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923109000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999080 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7323999030 | 88.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ό Cleaning Box (Cleaning Container/Storage Unit)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Cleaning Box"?
A "Cleaning Box" is a generic term often used for containers designed to hold cleaning tools, supplies, or for organizing household items. In international trade, its classification hinges entirely on material and specific design. It is not a single HS Code but a category that splits into Plastic or Metal variants.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the box is Plastic β It falls under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastics).
- If the box is Steel/Iron (especially for kitchen/dining use) β It falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Applicable Scenario | Total Tax Rate (China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3923.10.20.00 | Plastic Articles for the Conveyance or Packing of Goods | Plastic | Plastic storage boxes, plastic cleaning caddies, plastic organizer bins | 35.0% |
| 3923.10.90.00 | Other Plastic Articles for Conveyance/Packing | Plastic | Other plastic boxes/cases not specifically listed (e.g., rigid plastic containers) | 38.0% |
| 7323.99.90.80 | Other Table, Kitchen or Other Household Articles of Iron or Steel | Steel/Iron | Steel/iron cleaning caddies, metal storage racks for cleaning supplies (general household) | 88.4% |
| 7323.99.90.30 | Other Table, Kitchen or Other Household Articles of Iron or Steel | Steel/Iron | Steel/iron containers specifically for kitchen/dining auxiliary use or general household storage | 88.4% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Plastic Boxes attract significantly lower tariffs (35%-38%) compared to Metal Boxes (88.4%). - Misclassification Risk: Declaring a steel box as plastic will lead to severe penalties upon inspection. Always verify material composition. - 122 Clause Impact: Both plastic and metal categories are subject to the "122 Clause" tariff (10%), which applies to a broad range of Chinese goods.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply (2025-2026)
π― 1. 3923.10.20.00 β Plastic Packing/Conveyance Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Subject to strict scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3923.10.20 β USITC Footnote 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- The 0% base tariff is misleading; the 35% total is the effective cost. - This is the most common and cost-effective classification for standard plastic cleaning organizers.
π― 2. 3923.10.90.00 β Other Plastic Articles for Packing
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3923.10.90 β USITC Footnote 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- Use this code if the plastic box does not fit the specific "packing/conveyance" definition of 3923.10.20, or if it is a "other" category plastic container. - Still significantly cheaper than metal alternatives.
π― 3. 7323.99.90.80 & 7323.99.90.30 β Steel/Iron Household Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (Specific to steel products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 88.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 88.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7323.99.90 β USITC Footnote 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% β Steel Surcharge: 50% |
π Warning:
- Extremely High Tariff: The 88.4% rate includes a specific 50% surcharge on steel products. - Impact: This makes steel cleaning boxes highly uncompetitive in the US market compared to plastic versions. - Scope: Applies to both7323.99.90.80(General Household) and7323.99.90.30(Kitchen/Dining Auxiliary).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfalls Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must explicitly state Material (e.g., "100% Polypropylene" or "Stainless Steel 304"). |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Third-party lab report confirming plastic polymer type or steel alloy composition. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the box, interior, and any branding. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match the HS Code exactly. Do not use generic terms like "Box." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight and item count. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, Code Matches Cost!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Cleaning Organizer | 3923.10.20.00 or 3923.10.90.00 |
Mislabeling as "Toy Box" or "Storage Bin" without material context |
| Steel Cleaning Caddy | 7323.99.90.80 |
Attempting to classify as plastic to save tax β Severe Penalty |
| Mixed Material (Plastic Body + Metal Frame) | Classify based on Essential Character | Usually plastic if frame is minor; consult expert |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Ensure the invoice lists the actual material, not just the brand. |
| Plastic Type | Specify if it is PP, PE, or ABS. Some recycled plastics may have different documentation needs. |
| Steel Type | If it is "Stainless Steel," ensure it is classified correctly under Chapter 73, not 83 (Base Metal Articles). |
| Kit Set | If the "Cleaning Box" includes brushes/sponges, the box determines the HS Code if it gives the set its essential character. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3923.10.20.00 (Plastic) |
35% (Plastic) vs 88.4% (Steel) | None specific, but strict documentation | High penalty for misclassification |
| π¨π³ China | 3923.10.20.00 |
5-10% (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | No additional Section 301 taxes for exports |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3923.10.20 |
2-4% | CE, REACH (Plastic) | No "122 Clause" or 301 tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 3923.10.20 |
2-4% | UKCA, REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- US Market: Plastic cleaning boxes are far more tariff-efficient (35-38%) than steel ones (88.4%). - Strategy: If designing a new product, prioritize plastic materials to avoid the 50% steel surcharge and Section 301/122 combined burden.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring a Steel Box as Plastic to save tax.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals metal weight/magnetism β 100% Penalty + Back Taxes.
β Error 2: Using vague description "Cleaning Container" without material.
π Consequence: Customs assigns Highest Duty Rate by default (often 25%+ base + additional) β Delays.
β Error 3: Ignoring the 122 Clause.
π Consequence: Missing the 10% surcharge leads to underpayment β Compliance Issues.
β Error 4: Mixing Steel and Plastic parts without clarifying essential character.
π Consequence: Classification dispute β Hold at Port.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Cleaning Organizer, PP Material, Multi-compartment, Model XYZ, HS Code 3923.10.20.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic 35, Steel 88, Choose Wisely!"
πΉ "Material Dictates Code, Code Dictates Cost!"
π Pro Tip:
If your cleaning box is made of recycled plastic, ensure you have the recycled content certificate. While it doesn't lower the tariff in the US, it helps with sustainability compliance and may attract eco-conscious buyers.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker for Advance Ruling if your product has mixed materials.
π Accurate classification = Lower costs + Faster clearance.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters.
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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.