Dish Cleaning
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402905010 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402505100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3401305000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§Ό Dish Cleaning Agents (Dishwashing Detergents)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Dish Cleaning Agents"?
Dish cleaning agents, commonly known as dishwashing detergents or liquids, are surface-active cleaning preparations used for removing grease and food residues from tableware. In international trade, they fall under Chapter 34: Oil Seeds, Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils; Prepared Eating Fats; Animal or Vegetable Waxes; Prepared Waxes, specifically under Heading 3401 or 3402.
The classification depends heavily on: - Form: Liquid, gel, powder, or tablet? - Primary Ingredient: Organic surface-active agents? - Packaging: Retail-ready or bulk industrial? - Function: Primarily for washing dishes vs. other cleaning purposes?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If primarily composed of organic surface-active agents for washing purposes β 3402.xx
- If primarily composed of surface-active products with added detergents (soaps) β 3401.xx
- Retail packaging often triggers different subheadings than bulk industrial supplies.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Harmonized System)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.90.50.10 |
Other prepared surface-active agents (Washing preparations) | Household dishwashing liquids, eco-friendly detergents | Classified as "Washing Preparations"; general cleaning focus |
3402.50.51.00 |
Organic surface-active agents (Retail packing) | Dish soap in small bottles, concentrated gels | Organic surfactants; retail pack; washing preparation function |
3401.30.50.00 |
Washing blocks, cakes and moulded shapes; Other surface-active products | Liquid/gel dish detergents with soap content | Contains organic surfactants; liquid/gel form; "Other surface-active products" |
π Critical Notes:
-3402.90.50.10: Broad category for "other" washing preparations not specified elsewhere. Often used for general-purpose dish liquids.
-3402.50.51.00: Specifically for organic surface-active agents in retail packaging. Ideal for branded dish soaps.
-3401.30.50.00: Applies when the product is classified as a "surface-active product" rather than a pure "washing preparation." Often applies to gel/liquid formats with specific chemical composition.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Market β China Origin)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)
π― 1. 3402.90.50.10 β Other Prepared Surface-Active Agents (Washing Preparations)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122 Clauses) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β No (Denied under current enforcement) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3402.90.50.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base 3.7%: Standard US MFN tariff for this subheading.
- IEEPA 10%: Applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to Chinese-origin goods listed under "122 Clauses."
- No Section 301: This specific subheading is not subject to the additional 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Total: 13.7% β Moderate tariff impact, but still significant for low-margin products.
π― 2. 3402.50.51.00 β Organic Surface-Active Agents (Retail Packing)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122 Clauses) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3402.50.51.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: Favorable MFN rate for organic surface-active agents.
- IEEPA 10%: Same IEEPA surcharge as above.
- Total: 10.0% β Lowest tariff among the three options.
- Recommendation: If your product qualifies as "organic surface-active agents" in retail pack, this is the most cost-effective classification.
π― 3. 3401.30.50.00 β Washing Blocks, Cakes, Moulded Shapes; Other Surface-Active Products
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122 Clauses) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3401.30.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: Standard MFN rate for this subheading.
- Section 301 +25%: This subheading is subject to the 25% additional tariff under US Trade Act Section 301.
- IEEPA +10%: Same surcharge as others.
- Total: 35.0% β Highest tariff of the three.
- Avoid if possible: Unless your product strictly fits this chemical classification, this rate is prohibitive for cost-sensitive imports.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must list active ingredients, pH level, form (liquid/gel), and primary function |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical products; confirms classification |
| β Product Photos (with Label) | βοΈ | Show retail packaging, ingredient list, and brand |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Dishwashing Liquid, Organic Surface-Active Agent, Retail Packing" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify unit count, gross weight, net weight |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin; may affect tariff eligibility |
| β FCC/CE Certificates (if applicable) | βοΈ | Not mandatory for customs, but may be required by retailers |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Chemical Form Matters, Retail Pack Defines, Ingredient List Decides, Tariff Follows!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid dish soap, retail bottle, organic surfactants | 3402.50.51.00 (10%) |
Misdeclare as 3401.30.50.00 β 35% |
| General-purpose dish liquid, no specific organic agent claim | 3402.90.50.10 (13.7%) |
Over-specify as organic β audit risk |
| Gel dish detergent with soap base | 3401.30.50.00 (35%) |
Only if chemically justified; else use 3402 |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide customer PO + label design; ensure ingredient list matches 3402.50.51.00 if claiming 10% rate |
| Concentrated Formulas | Still 3402.50.51.00 if retail-pack and organic surfactants; concentration affects volume, not classification |
| Eco-Friendly/Biodegradable Claims | Do not add these to HS declaration; they are marketing terms, not chemical classifications |
| Bulk Industrial Supplies (>5L) | May fall under different subheadings; consult customs broker for non-retail packing rules |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.50.51.00 |
10% | SDS, FTC Labeling | Best rate if organic surfactants qualify |
| π¨π³ China | 3402.50.51.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low base tariff; no IEEPA surcharge |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3402.90.50 |
0% | REACH, CLP | No additional tariffs; strict chemical regs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3402.50.50 |
5% | AICIS Registration | Moderate tariff; chemical safety compliance |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3402.50.00 |
0% | PSE (if electronics involved) | No tariffs; environmental standards apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes IEEPA 10% surcharge on all three HS codes for Chinese-origin dish detergents.
- EU and Japan offer 0% base tariffs, making them more cost-effective for Chinese exports.
- Chinaβs domestic tariff is 5%, favorable for local sales.
- Strategic Recommendation: If exporting to the US, optimize for3402.50.51.00to minimize total cost to 10%.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Dish Soap" without specifying chemical composition
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 3401.30.50.00 β 35% tariff + penalties
β Mistake 2: Claiming "Organic Surface-Active Agents" without SDS proof
π Consequence: Audit failure β Back taxes + 25% penalty
β Mistake 3: Splitting retail packs into "ingredients + packaging" for de minimis
π Consequence: De minimis exemption denied for chemicals β Full tax applied
β Mistake 4: Using vague terms like "Cleaning Solution"
π Consequence: Customs delays, possible misclassification β 13.7% or 35%
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Liquid Dishwashing Detergent, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Retail Packing (500ml Bottle), Model: CLEAN-X, SDS Available, IEEPA 122 Clauses Applicable"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Thousands!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Organic + Retail = 10% (Best)"
πΉ "General Washing = 13.7% (Moderate)"
πΉ "Soap-Based Liquid = 35% (Avoid!)"
πΉ "De Minimis is Dead for Chemicals"
π Pro Tip:
If your dish detergent originates from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions, reducing total tariff to 0%β5%.
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lock in the correct HS Code before shipment.
π£ Call to Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide SDS + Request HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, minimize tax burden, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point mattersβoptimize your HS Code today!
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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.