Fresh Salt
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2501000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ Fresh Salt (Salt, Including Table Salt and Denatured Salt, Whether or Not in Aqueous Solution, Containing Added Anti-Caking or Free-Flowing Agents; Sea Water)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Salt"?
In international trade, "Fresh Salt" is not just a kitchen ingredient. It is a strictly regulated commodity under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The classification depends on purity, processing state, and the presence of additives.
Key Categories: * Pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Whether in solid form, aqueous solution (brine), or containing specific anti-caking agents. * Sea Water: Natural seawater, often used in industrial chemical processes. * Table/Denatured Salt: Salt intended for human consumption or industrial use, potentially treated with anti-caking agents (e.g., Calcium Silicate) to ensure flowability.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is Pure NaCl or NaCl with anti-caking agents β It falls under 2501.00.00.00.
- If it is Sea Water (unprocessed) β It also falls under 2501.00.00.00.
- Do NOT confuse with "Seasoning" (HS 0910) or "Medicated Salt" (HS 3004), which are different chapters.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
2501.00.00.00 |
Salt (including table salt and denatured salt) and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added anti-caking or free-flowing agents; sea water | Table salt, industrial salt, brine, sea water, sea salt for consumption | β Pure NaCl base, may have anti-caking agents |
π Key Reminder:
- Any salt described as "pure sodium chloride" or "table/denatured salt" with or without anti-caking agents, or sea water, is classified under 2501.00.00.00.
- There are no sub-headings for "iodized salt" or "kosher salt" in this specific 10-digit code structure provided in the data; they are all bundled here.
- No other HS codes from the provided<DATA>are applicable.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from the "25.0% additional tariff" which typically aligns with Section 301 duties on Chinese goods)
β Effective Time: Current 2026 Regulations
π― 1. 2501.00.00.00 ββ Salt, Pure Sodium Chloride, Sea Water
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| Legal Basis Path | HS:2501.00.00.00 β Section 301 Tariff: 25.0% |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff (0%): Salt is considered a basic raw material and often enjoys a 0% MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty.
- Additional Tariff (25%): This reflects the Section 301 tariffs imposed on goods originating from China. If your salt is sourced from the US, Australia, Canada, or other free-trade partners, this 25% may not apply (check FTAs).
- Total Cost Impact: For every $1,000 CIF value, you pay $250 in duties.
- Note: The data specifies "Base: 0.0%, Additional: 25.0%", totaling 25.0%. There are no further IEEPA surcharges mentioned for this specific code in the provided<DATA>.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Pure Sodium Chloride" or "Table Salt, Denatured". Avoid vague terms like "Seasoning". |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Critical for proving purity. Must show % NaCl content and list any anti-caking agents (e.g., SiO2). |
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | If it contains anti-caking agents, they must be declared. Do not hide them. |
| β Free Sale Certificate | βοΈ | For table salt, to prove it is safe for consumption in the country of origin. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential to determine if the 25% Section 301 duty applies. If not Chinese origin, duty may be 0%. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βBe Specific, Declare Purity, Avoid βSeasoningβ!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Table Salt with Anti-Caking | "Salt, Table Grade, NaCl 99%, with Calcium Silicate Anti-Caking Agent" | "Food Seasoning" or "Cooking Salt" (Vague, may trigger FDA review) |
| Industrial Brine | "Pure Sodium Chloride in Aqueous Solution" | "Chemical Solution" (Too vague, may be misclassified) |
| Sea Water | "Sea Water, Unprocessed" | "Water" (HS 2845) β Wrong HS Code! |
| Iodized Salt | "Table Salt, Iodized, NaCl 97%, KI 0.01%" | "Medicated Salt" (HS 3004) β Wrong Chapter! |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| US Origin Salt | If sourced from the US, duty is 0%. Ensure CO states "Made in USA". |
| Australian/Canadian Salt | Under USMCA/CUSMA, duty may be 0%. Check specific origin rules. |
| FDA Compliance | If it's for human consumption, ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed. Salt is a food product. |
| Denatured Salt | If used for industrial purposes (e.g., water softening), declare "Industrial Use" to avoid unnecessary FDA scrutiny, but still declare ingredients. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (Chinese Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 2501.00.00.00 |
25.0% (25% Section 301) | FDA (if edible) | High duty on Chinese salt. US-origin salt is 0%. |
| π¨π³ China | 2501.00.00.00 |
0% - 5% (Varies) | None | Low import duty for basic salt. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 2501.00 |
0% | None | Generally free trade for basic commodities. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2501.00 |
0% - 3% | FSC (Food Safety) | Strict food safety standards. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2501.00 |
0% | FSANZ | Low duty, strong food safety regulations. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-sourced salt due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Duty-Free Options: If you can source salt from the US, Mexico, Canada, or Australia, you can eliminate the 25% duty entirely.
- Supply Chain Strategy: Consider shifting sourcing to non-China origins if the 25% duty erodes margins.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Seasoning" or "Spice"
π Consequence: Misclassification to HS 0910, potential penalty, and higher duty (if applicable) or FDA hold.
π Correct: Always use "Salt" or "Sodium Chloride".
β Mistake 2: Omitting Anti-Caking Agents
π Consequence: Customs may classify as "Raw Salt" (different tariff) or reject due to ingredient mismatch.
π Correct: Declare all ingredients, even anti-caking agents (e.g., "with 0.5% Calcium Silicate").
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Country of Origin
π Consequence: Paying 25% duty on non-Chinese goods due to lack of proof.
π Correct: Provide a valid Certificate of Origin to claim 0% if from a FTA partner.
β Correct Practice:
"Pure Sodium Chloride, Table Grade, 99% Purity, with 0.1% Calcium Silicate Anti-Caking Agent, HS Code 2501.00.00.00, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Salt is Simple, But Duties are Not" β Chinese origin = 25% Duty.
πΉ "Declare Ingredients, Not Intent" β List anti-caking agents, don't just say "table salt".
πΉ "Origin is King" β Check if you can source from US/Canada/Australia to pay 0%.
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes of salt for industrial use, consider bonded warehouses to defer duty payments until the goods are released for consumption.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Origin: Confirm if your salt is from China. If yes, calculate the 25% impact.
π Prepare COA: Ensure your Certificate of Analysis is up-to-date and clear.
π Optimize Supply Chain: Explore non-Chinese suppliers to mitigate the 25% tariff.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting from Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your every dollar in duty is worth minimizing!
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.