Foamer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917400050 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917400080 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8481909085 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π° Foamer / Aerator (Water Tap Aerators)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Foamer"?
A Foamer (also known as a Tap Aerator or Water Mixer) is a small device attached to the end of a faucet (tap) to mix air with the water stream.
Its primary functions are:
1. Water Conservation: Reduces water flow without compromising pressure.
2. Splatter Reduction: Creates a soft, non-splashing stream.
3. Aesthetics: Provides a visually appealing, aerated stream.
In international trade, foamsers are typically made of Plastic (ABS, Nylon) or Metal (Stainless Steel, Brass, Chrome-plated Zinc Alloy). The classification depends heavily on the primary material and functional intent.
β οΈ Key Classification Dilemma:
- Is it a Plastic Pipe Accessory (Chapter 39)?
- Is it a Metal Article (Chapter 73)?
- Is it a Part of a Faucet/Valve (Chapter 84)?
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Mapping)
Based on the provided data, here are the five potential HS Codes with their specific logic and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Logic for Classification | Key Conflict/Check |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel | Material-Based: Inferred as metal (steel/iron). Falls under "Other" articles not specifically listed. | Check if material is strictly steel/iron. If brass/copper/zinc, this may be challenged. |
3917.40.00.50 |
Other tubes, pipes, and hoses, of plastics | Functional/Material: Inferred as plastic. Treated as a plastic pipe accessory/fitting. | Only applies if 100% Plastic. No metal mesh/core allowed. |
3917.40.00.80 |
Other tubes, pipes, and hoses, of plastics | Functional/Material: Same as above, but likely for different specific plastic types or sub-categories. | Same as above. Plastic-only. |
8481.90.90.85 |
Parts of tap, cocks, valves and similar appliances | Functional: Viewed as a part/accessory of a faucet (tap). | Strongest Functional Claim: If sold as a "faucet part," this is often the most accurate technical classification. |
7326.19.00.80 |
Other articles of iron or steel | Material-Based: Inferred as metal (steel). Similar to 7326.90 but under a different sub-heading for "other articles." | Check if material is strictly steel/iron. |
π Critical Note:
- If the foamer contains both plastic and metal parts (e.g., plastic body with metal screen), customs may argue for the Material of Principal Character.
- Functional Argument (8481) is often preferred for "accessories to taps," but Material Argument (39/73) is safer if the product is simple and clearly dominated by one material.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 (Including 122 Clauses & Section 301)
π― 1. 7326.90.86.88 / 7326.19.00.80 ββ Metal (Iron/Steel) Foamer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Duty | +50.0% (Specific to Steel, Aluminum, Copper Articles under 122 Clause) |
| Total Duty Rate | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (Section 301 & 122 duties are not exempted under $800 de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.86.88 β SECTION301:9903.88.01 β SECTION122:Steel/Aluminum/Copper |
π Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard "Section 301" tariff on Chinese goods.
- The 50% is a special additional tariff under Section 122 for certain steel/aluminum/copper products. This is extremely high!
- Total 77.9% makes metal foamsers from China highly costly to import.
π― 2. 3917.40.00.50 / 3917.40.00.80 ββ Plastic Foamer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | 0.0% (Note: Some plastics may be excluded, but data shows 0% for 50; 25% for 80) |
| Section 122 Duty | 0.0% (Plastics are not steel/aluminum) |
| Additional Penalty (80 only) | +25.0% (Section 301 applies to 80) |
| Total Duty Rate (Code 50) | 5.3% |
| Total Duty Rate (Code 80) | 30.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ (5.3% or 30.3%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (If under $800 and no Section 301/122 applies, but verify current de minimis status for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3917.40.00.50 |
π Explanation:
- Code 50: Only base duty 5.3%. Much lower risk.
- Code 80: Base 5.3% + 25% Section 301 = 30.3%.
- Plastic is significantly cheaper to import than metal due to lack of Section 122 duties.
π― 3. 8481.90.90.85 ββ Part of a Faucet (Functional Classification)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Many faucet parts are duty-free) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (Applied to many 8481 goods from China) |
| Section 122 Duty | +50.0% (If deemed a steel/aluminum part) |
| Total Duty Rate | 75.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8481.90.90.85 β SECTION301 β SECTION122 |
π Explanation:
- While the base duty is 0%, the add-on tariffs (25% + 50%) make this code very expensive.
- Risk: If classified as a metal part, Section 122 applies. If plastic, Section 122 may not apply, but data shows 75% total, implying both 301 and 122 are active.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Must explicitly state Material Composition (e.g., "Body: ABS Plastic, Screen: Stainless Steel Mesh"). |
| β High-Res Photos | βοΈ | Show the entire assembly, especially the mesh/screen and thread. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Use precise description: "Plastic Water Tap Aerator Model XYZ" or "Stainless Steel Faucet Part". Avoid vague terms like "Foamer." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm if it contains Steel, Aluminum, or Copper. This triggers Section 122. |
| β Packaging List | βοΈ | Ensure no mixed materials in one shipment that confuse customs. |
β 2. Strategic Classification Tips
π₯ Golden Rule: "Material Dictates 122, Function Dictates 8481, But 122 Kills Margins!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Plastic Foamer | 3917.40.00.50 |
Lowest duty (5.3%). No Section 122. Best for cost efficiency. |
| Metal Foamer (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | Avoid if possible | High duty (75-77.9%). If forced, use 7326.90.86.88 or 8481.90.90.85, but budget for ~75% tax. |
| Mixed Material (Plastic + Metal Screen) | 3917.40.00.50 (Argue Plastic Character) |
Argue that the plastic body gives the article its essential character. Avoid 8481 if it triggers 122. |
| Sold as "Faucet Replacement Part" | 8481.90.90.85 |
Functionally accurate, but check for Section 122. If it contains steel/aluminum, tax is high. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Strategy |
|---|---|
| De Minimis Shipment (Under $800) | β
Plastic (3917.40.00.50) may be exempt if no Section 301/122 applies. Metal (7326/8481) will likely still be taxed. |
| OEM Custom Foamer | Provide customer design specs to prove material composition. |
| Section 122 Trigger | If your foamer contains any steel, aluminum, or copper, assume 50% additional duty. Verify with a customs broker. |
| Country of Origin | If Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, avoid Section 301/122 duties. Tariff: 0-5%. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3917.40.00.50 (Plastic) |
5.3% | FCC/None | Cheapest option. Avoid metal to escape 75%+ tax. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 (Metal) |
77.9% | None | Very Expensive. Only if no plastic alternative. |
| π¨π³ China | 8481.90.90.85 |
5% | CCC | No Section 122 in China. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3917.40.00 |
0-4% | CE/REACH | No Section 122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8481.90 |
0% | UKCA | Duty-free for many faucet parts. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the toughest market due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (50%).
- Plastic Foamsers (3917.40.00.50) are the only viable option for cost-effective US imports from China.
- Metal Foamsers from China are prohibitively expensive (75%+ duty). Consider sourcing from Vietnam/Malaysia for metal products.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a Metal Foamer as 3917.40.00.50 (Plastic)
π Consequence: Customs audit reveals steel content β Seizure + 77.9% Retroactive Tax + Fine.
β Mistake 2: Using 8481.90.90.85 for a Plastic Foamer
π Consequence: If customs reclassifies as "part of a valve," it may still incur 25% Section 301, missing the 0% base rate of 3917.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 for Metal Products
π Consequence: Budgeting for 25% tax, but getting hit with 50% extra for steel/aluminum/copper. Total 75-77.9%.
β Mistake 4: Vague Description "Foamer"
π Consequence: Customs officer uses best judgment, likely choosing the highest duty code.
β Correct Action:
"Water Tap Aerator, ABS Plastic Body, Nylon Mesh, Model ABC, For Residential Use"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember These Key Points:
πΉ "Plastic is King in the US" β Use
3917.40.00.50for 5.3% duty.
πΉ "Metal is Death in the US" β Avoid7326/8481for metal foamsers from China due to 75-77.9% duty.
πΉ "Material Declaration is Critical" β Be precise about plastics vs. metals.
πΉ "De Minimis is Not a Shield for Section 122" β Even under $800, Section 122 duties may apply.
π Pro Tip:
If your product is plastic, declare as
3917.40.00.50.
If your product is metal, consider sourcing from Vietnam/Malaysia or accept the 75% tax.
Never guess the material. Provide detailed specs to your customs broker.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed US Customs Broker
π€ Submit Material Composition Report
π Optimize for Plastic to Save 70%+ in Duties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent in Duty is Profit Lost!
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.