Degreaser Cleaner

🧼 Degreaser Cleaner: The Ultimate HS Code & Customs Clearance Guide

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Protocol
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Degreaser Cleaner"?

A Degreaser Cleaner is a chemical preparation designed to remove grease, oil, fats, and other hydrophobic contaminants from surfaces. In international trade, it is generally classified under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations, Lubricating Preparations) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).

The classification depends heavily on the chemical nature and primary function: * Surfactant-based (Detergents): If the product relies on surface-active agents to emulsify oils, it typically falls under 3402. * Solvent-based (Chemical Agents): If the product relies on organic solvents or complex chemical mixtures for dissolution, it often falls under 3814 or 3809. * Personal/General Hygiene: If marketed for general household or personal hygiene (e.g., hand cleaning, bath), it might mistakenly be classified under 3307.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a general-purpose chemical cleaning agent (industrial, kitchen, automotive) → Chapters 34 or 38.
- If it is strictly for personal hygiene/bathing → 3307 (Less likely for "Degreaser," but possible if marketed as "body wash").

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (Based on Provided Data)

Below are the 5 potential HS Codes identified in the data, ranked by relevance to "Degreaser Cleaner."

🔍 Critical Analysis:
- 3402.90.50.x0 is the most standard classification for commercial/industrial degreasers that use surfactants.
- 3814.00.50.90 is suitable if the product is a solvent-based cleaner (e.g., citrus-based, alcohol-based).
- 3307.90.00.00 should only be used if the product is explicitly for personal hygiene (e.g., "hand degreaser for mechanics" might still be 3402, but "body cleaner" could be 3307).

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 3402.90.50.30 & 3402.90.50.10 – Cleaning Preparations (Surfactant-Based)

These are the most likely classifications for standard degreaser cleaners.

📌 Explanation:
- Base 3.7%: Standard MFN rate for washing preparations.
- 25% Surtax: Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.
- 10% IEEPA: International Emergency Economic Powers Act surcharge.
- Total 38.7%: High but manageable for industrial chemicals.

🎯 2. 3814.00.50.90 – Organic Composite Solvents (Solvent-Based Degreasers)

📌 Explanation:
- Base 6.0%: Higher base rate for miscellaneous chemical products.
- Total 41.0%: Slightly higher than 3402. If your degreaser is solvent-heavy, use this code.

🎯 3. 3809.93.50.00 – Other Chemical Products (Industrial Finishers)

📌 Explanation:
- Used if the degreaser is considered a "chemical preparation" for industrial processes (e.g., textile processing, metal finishing) rather than general cleaning.

🎯 4. 3307.90.00.00 – Toilet/Perfume Preparations (Misclassification Risk)

📌 Warning:
- DO NOT USE unless the product is explicitly for personal hygiene (e.g., "body wash" or "hand cleaner" marketed as cosmetics).
- Using this code for industrial degreasers will lead to customs rejection, fines, or delays.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (Essential)

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)

🔥 "Specify Composition, Not Just Function!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariff (38.7%-41.0%) due to Section 301 and IEEPA surtaxes.
- China, EU, Australia, and Japan have significantly lower tariffs (3.7%-6.5%).
- Strategy: Consider diversifying supply chains to Vietnam, India, or Mexico to avoid US surtaxes (IEEPA exemption may apply).

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring as "General Cleaning Agent" without specifying chemical type
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify to a higher tax code (e.g., 3814 instead of 3402).

❌ Mistake 2: Using 3307 for industrial degreasers
👉 Consequence: 40.4% tax + potential penalties for misclassification.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring SDS and EPA requirements
👉 Consequence: Shipment detained or returned due to hazardous material violations.

❌ Mistake 4: Not applying for Advance Ruling
👉 Consequence: Uncertainty in classification, potential delayed clearance.

✅ Best Practice:

"Degreaser Cleaner, Surfactant-Based, NSF Certified, EPA Registered, SDS Available, Model XYZ, 5 Gallon Container"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔹 "Surfactant-based → 3402 (38.7%)"
🔹 "Solvent-based → 3814 (41.0%)"
🔹 "Personal Hygiene → 3307 (40.4%)" (Only if applicable)
🔹 "Always provide SDS & EPA info for US imports"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your degreaser is originating from Vietnam, India, or Mexico, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption, reducing the effective tariff to 0%-6.5%.
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm the correct HS Code before shipment.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide SDS & Formula + Request HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid penalties, and optimize your supply chain!

✨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every percentage point of tax savings counts!