Fast acting Disinfectant Hand Wash
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402905010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808945080 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808595000 | 15.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402505100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧴠Fast Acting Disinfectant Hand Wash
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Fast Acting Disinfectant Hand Wash" Really?
"Fast Acting Disinfectant Hand Wash" sits at the intersection of personal hygiene and biocidal products. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its primary mode of action: * Surfactant-based Cleaning: If the primary function is cleaning with antibacterial additives β Often falls under Chapter 34 (Soap/Cleaning Preparations). * Biocidal Disinfection: If the primary function is killing germs via alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, or specific disinfectants β Often falls under Chapter 38 (Other Chemical Products/Biocides).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Is the main effect cleaning (removing dirt/oil) with mild antimicrobial properties? β Look at 3402.
- Is the main effect sterilization (killing bacteria/viruses) using active biocidal ingredients (e.g., high-concentration alcohol, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride)? β Look at 3808 or 3808.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Scenario | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.90.50.10 |
Other surface-active agents and preparations | Hand wash containing surfactants; cleaning & disinfection category | Cleaning/Disinfection (General category) |
3808.94.50.80 |
Other disinfectants; insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants for seeds and other products of subheadings 3808.40 to 3808.90 | Alcohol-based hand sanitizers/disinfectants; inferred as alcohol-based preparation | Alcohol-based Disinfection |
3808.59.50.00 |
Other disinfectants and similar products | Formulated disinfectants; categorized as "disinfectants and similar products" | General Disinfectant (Chemical preparation) |
3402.50.51.00 |
Surface-active agents and preparations (for washing skin) | Inferred material is organic surfactant or cleaning agent component; used for cleaning/washing | Surfactant-based Cleaning |
π Important Note:
-3808.94.50.80is specifically for alcohol-based disinfectants. If your hand wash is ethanol/isopropanol-based, this is the most precise fit. -3808.59.50.00is a broader category for non-alcohol disinfectants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds). It has a lower base tariff but still attracts 122 Tariff. -3402series applies if the product is primarily a soap/cleanser with minor disinfectant properties. Note that3402.50.51.00has 0% base tariff, making it attractive if the product can be classified as a standard surfactant wash.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Post-Trade War Adjustments)
π― 1. 3402.90.50.10 ββ Other Surface-Active Agents & Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA:122 β USITC:3402.90.50.10 |
π Explanation:
- This HS Code is often used for general cleaning/disinfectant hand washes that are not purely alcohol-based. - The 25% Section 301 surtax applies to most Chinese-origin chemical preparations. - The 10% IEEPA 122 Tariff is a recent/additional levy on certain Chinese imports.
π― 2. 3808.94.50.80 ββ Other Disinfectants (Alcohol-Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA:122 β USITC:3808.94.50.80 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for alcohol-based disinfectants. - Although the base rate (5%) is higher than3402.90.50.10(3.7%), the total rate is also higher (40% vs 38.7%) due to the same surtaxes. - Use this code only if the product is primarily an alcohol-based sanitizer.
π― 3. 3808.59.50.00 ββ Other Disinfectants & Similar Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +0.0% |
| 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:122 β USITC:3808.59.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective option among the disinfectant codes! - Key Advantage: It is exempt from the 25% Section 301 Surtax. - This code applies to non-alcohol disinfectants (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds) that are not specifically listed elsewhere in Chapter 38. - Strategy: If your hand wash is not alcohol-based, try to classify it here to save 25% in tariffs.
π― 4. 3402.50.51.00 ββ Surface-Active Agents for Washing Skin
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β IEEPA:122 β USITC:3402.50.51.00 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for skin washing preparations based on surfactants. - Key Advantage: 0% Base Tariff. - Total rate is 35%, which is lower than3808.94(40%) but higher than3808.59(15%). - Use this code if the product is primarily a soap/cleanser with added antibacterial agents, but not a dedicated "disinfectant."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for determining if itβs a "Disinfectant" (3808) or "Surfactant" (3402). Must list active ingredients. |
| β Formula/Ingredients List | βοΈ | To determine if alcohol content > X% (for 3808.94) or if itβs primarily surfactant (for 3402). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show label, bottle, and any "Disinfectant" claims. |
| β EPA Registration (if applicable) | βοΈ | If claiming disinfectant efficacy in the US, EPA registration may be required. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Hand Wash" or "Hand Sanitizer" and HS Code. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin for surtax application. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βAlcohol = 3808.94 (40%), Non-Alcohol Disinfectant = 3808.59 (15%), Surfactant Wash = 3402 (35-38.7%)β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol-based (>60% EtOH/Isopro) | 3808.94.50.80 |
40.0% | Primary function is alcohol disinfection. |
| Non-Alcohol Disinfectant (e.g., Quats) | 3808.59.50.00 |
15.0% | Best rate! Exempt from 301 surtax. |
| Soap/Cleanser with Antibacterial | 3402.50.51.00 |
35.0% | Primary function is cleaning; 0% base rate. |
| General Disinfectant Hand Wash | 3402.90.50.10 |
38.7% | Fallback for mixed-use products. |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Alcohol + Surfactant | If alcohol is >50%, classify as 3808.94.50.80. If surfactant is primary, try 3402.50.51.00. |
| FDA vs. EPA Regulation | If marketed as a "sanitizer" that kills germs, EPA may require registration. If marketed as "cleaning soap," EPA may not apply. This affects classification. |
| OEM/Private Label | Provide the original manufacturerβs formula to justify HS Code selection. |
| Packaging Size | Ensure volume/weight on invoice matches SDS. Discrepancies can lead to reclassification. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.59.50.00 |
15.0% | EPA (if disinfectant claim) | Best option if non-alcohol. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.94.50.80 or 3402.90.50.10 |
Varies (Check latest) | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic regulations may differ. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.94 or 3402.90 |
6.5% (Disinfectant) / 6.5% (Surfactant) | CLP/GHS | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94 or 3402.90 |
5.0% | ADR (if hazardous) | Check for Biocidal products regulation. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.94 or 3402.90 |
7.3% / 7.3% | PMDA (if cosmetic/pharma) | Strict on ingredient claims. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest tariff market due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. -3808.59.50.00is the strategic sweet spot for non-alcohol disinfectants due to the 15% total rate. - Alcohol-based products suffer from 40% total rate. Consider alternative markets or supply chain adjustments.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood-Led Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying alcohol-based sanitizer as 3402.90.50.10 to get lower base rate.
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 3808.94.50.80 + penalties + back taxes. Rate difference: 40% vs 38.7% is small, but risk is high.
β Error 2: Claiming "Disinfectant" status for a product that is primarily soap.
π Consequence: May trigger EPA scrutiny. If not EPA-registered, product may be detained. Better to classify as 3402.50.51.00 (35%) if itβs mainly soap.
β Error 3: Ignoring the 122 Tariff (10%).
π Consequence: All listed HS Codes above are subject to the 10% IEEPA 122 Tariff. This is often overlooked. It adds 10% to every single option.
β Error 4: Using "Hand Sanitizer" and "Hand Wash" interchangeably.
π Consequence: "Sanitizer" implies disinfection (3808). "Wash" implies cleaning (3402). Labeling must match classification.
β Correct Practice:
"Alcohol Hand Sanitizer (70% Ethanol) β EPA Exempt if <0.5% active?"
If EPA exempt, consider3402.90.50.10(38.7%) or3808.59.50.00(15%) depending on formula.
Verify with SDS and EPA status!
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Reducing!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Alcohol = 40% (3808.94), Non-Alcohol Disinfectant = 15% (3808.59), Soap = 35% (3402.50)."
πΉ "HS Code determines destiny. 15% vs 40% is a 25% difference. Declare correctly, save huge costs!"
πΉ "Donβt forget the 10% IEEPA 122 Tariff. It applies to all!"
π Tips:
- If your product is non-alcohol based, aggressively pursue 3808.59.50.00 for the 15% total rate.
- If itβs alcohol-based, accept the 40% rate but ensure correct documentation to avoid delays.
- If itβs primarily soap, use 3402.50.51.00 for 35% rate and 0% base tariff.
- Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) from US Customs to lock in the HS Code and avoid surprises.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a professional customs broker + Provide SDS + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your Disinfectant Hand Wash clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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.