Filter Element
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8405900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8405100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421210000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5911900080 | 38.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5911400100 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421290065 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π οΈ Filter Element (Filtration Components)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Filter Element"?
A Filter Element is a generic term for replaceable components used to remove impurities from liquids or gases. In international trade, classification is strictly determined by the filtration medium material and the specific equipment it serves. Misclassification often leads to severe tariff penalties (up to 45%) due to Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Mechanical/Appliance Parts: If the filter is an integral part of a gas generator or machine β Chapter 84
- Fluid/Gas Purification Equipment: If itβs a standalone purifier β Chapter 84
- Textile/Material Filters: If made of fabric, felt, or paper for industrial use β Chapter 59
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
8405.90.00.00 |
Parts of gas generators, including filters for purification devices | Core functional components of gas generation systems | Mechanical/Appliance Part |
8405.10.00.00 |
Gas generators; parts thereof (Purification devices with filters) | Complete purification units attached to gas generators | Integrated Unit/Part |
8421.21.00.00 |
Machinery and apparatus for filtering or purifying liquids or gases | Standalone or inline filtration equipment for water/air/gas | Fluid/Gas Purification Machine |
5911.90.00.80 |
Textile products for technical uses (e.g., filter cloths, felt) | Industrial textile-based filter media (non-woven, woven) | Textile/Technical Material |
5911.40.01.00 |
Filter cloths for pressing machines or similar equipment | Heavy-duty industrial filtering fabrics (e.g., oil press filters) | Industrial Textile/Fabric |
π Key Insight:
- Chapter 84 codes apply when the filter is mechanical equipment or a part of a specific machine (like a gas generator).
- Chapter 59 codes apply when the product is primarily a textile or fabric material used for filtration (regardless of its end-use machine).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8405.90.00.00 & 8405.10.00.00 β Gas Generator Parts / Purification Devices
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under Section 301, USITC Footnote) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- These are classified as mechanical parts or purification apparatus.
- Subject to 25% Section 301 tariff + 10% IEEPA tariff = 35% Total.
- High tariff cost requires precise HS coding to avoid overpayment.
π― 2. 8421.21.00.00 β Machinery for Filtering/Purifying Liquids or Gases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-origin goods) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- This covers standalone filtration equipment (e.g., water filters, air purifiers).
- Identical tax burden to gas generator parts (35%).
π― 3. 5911.90.00.80 β Textile Products for Technical Uses (Industrial Filters)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.8% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-origin goods) |
| Total Rate | 38.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + IEEPA:9903.01.25 + USITC:5911.90.00.80 |
π Explanation:
- If the filter is made of non-woven fabric, felt, or technical textile, it falls here.
- Base rate is higher (3.8%), plus surcharges, totaling 38.8%.
π― 4. 5911.40.01.00 β Filter Cloths for Pressing Machines
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 8.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-origin goods) |
| Total Rate | 43.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 + IEEPA:9903.01.25 + USITC:5911.40.01.00 |
π Explanation:
- Specific to heavy-duty industrial filter cloths (e.g., for oil presses).
- Highest base rate (8.0%) among the list, leading to the highest total tariff (43%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must specify material (textile vs. mechanical), pore size, flow rate. |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for distinguishing Chapter 84 (mechanical) vs. Chapter 59 (textile). |
| β Usage Description | βοΈ | "Part of Gas Generator" vs. "Industrial Filter Cloth" β defines HS Code. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Filter Element for [Specific Machine]" or "Technical Textile Filter". |
| β Photos (Label & Structure) | βοΈ | Show brand, model, and material texture (if textile). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMechanical = Ch 84 (35%), Textile = Ch 59 (38.8%-43%)β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Filter part of a Gas Generator | 8405.90.00.00 |
Misclassifying as textile β 35% vs 38.8% (minor) or 5911.40 β 43% (major penalty) |
| Standalone Water/Air Filter | 8421.21.00.00 |
Misclassifying as part of machine β Possible rejection |
| Woven/Felt Filter Cloth | 5911.90.00.80 |
Misclassifying as mechanical part β 35% vs 38.8% (overpaying) |
| Heavy-Duty Press Filter Cloth | 5911.40.01.00 |
Misclassifying as general textile β 38.8% vs 43% (overpaying) |
β 3. Special Cases & Optimization
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Filter Made of Multiple Materials | Declare the principal function. If itβs a housing with a cartridge, check if the housing is the "part" (Ch 84) or the cartridge is "textile" (Ch 59). Usually, the whole assembly is classified by its main function. |
| OEM Custom Filters | Provide customer design specs. If designed for a specific machine, use 8405.90.00.00. |
| High-Cost Filters | Consider Advance Ruling from CBP to lock in the HS Code before shipment. |
| Non-China Origin | If sourced from Vietnam/Mexico, IEEPA 10% tariff may be waived, reducing total to 25% (Ch 84) or 28.8% (Ch 59). |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8421.21.00.00 (or 5911) |
35% - 43% | N/A (No special tech certs for filters) | Highest burden due to Section 301 + IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 8421.21.00.00 |
3.8% - 8.0% | CCC (if applicable) | No surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8421.21.00.00 |
0% - 4.5% | CE (if machinery) | No punitive tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 8421.21.00.00 |
0% - 4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for filter elements due to cumulative tariffs.
- Supply Chain Diversification: Sourcing filter media from non-China origins can save 10% (IEEPA).
- Classification Accuracy: Distinguishing between Chapter 84 (parts/machines) and Chapter 59 (textiles) is critical to avoid 3-8% tariff discrepancies.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling all filters "Filter Cloth" and declaring under 5911 when they are mechanical parts (8405).
π Consequence: Potential penalty for misdeclaration, or paying 38.8%-43% instead of 35%.
β Mistake 2: Declaring a complete gas generator filter system as a "Spare Part" under 8405.90.00.00 when itβs a standalone purifier.
π Consequence: CBP may reclassify to 8421.21.00.00 (still 35%, but risk of delay/audit).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the IEEPA 10% surcharge in cost calculations.
π Consequence: Profit margin erosion. The effective duty is not just the base rate.
β Correct Approach:
"Gas Generator Purification Filter Element, Part No. XYZ, for Model ABC Gas Generator"
OR
"Industrial Woven Filter Cloth, Polypropylene, 10 Micron, for Oil Press"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Gas Gen Parts = 8405 (35%), Water/Gas Filter = 8421 (35%), Textile Cloth = 5911 (38.8%-43%)"
πΉ "Base Rate + 25% Sec 301 + 10% IEEPA = Total Duty"
πΉ "Check Material First, Then Machine, Then Code!"
π Pro Tip:
If your filter elements are critical for production, apply for a CBP Advance Ruling to secure the HS Code and tariff rate before shipping. For high-volume imports, consider Section 301 Exclusions or supply chain shifts to non-China origins to mitigate the 10% IEEPA tariff.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide Material Specs + Verify HS Code
π Ensure compliant clearance, avoid delays, and protect your margins!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty impacts your bottom line!
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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.