Garment Steamer
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8509805095 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8509805080 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8516790000 | 12.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8516404000 | 12.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8451300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8451800000 | 38.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
☁️ Garment Steamer (Electrothermic Home Appliances)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Garment Steamer"?
A Garment Steamer (also known as a Fabric Steamer or Clothes Steamer) is an electrothermic appliance used for domestic purposes to remove wrinkles from fabrics using hot steam. In international trade, it is primarily classified under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery and Equipment) because its core function relies on an electric heating element to generate steam, rather than mechanical action alone.
Key Distinction:
- Garment Steamer: Uses electric heating to generate steam for fabric care → Classified under Chapter 85.
- Industrial Steam Boiler: Large-scale machinery not for domestic use → Classified under Chapter 84.
- Vacuum Cleaner: If the device also has suction power for cleaning → Classified under Heading 8508.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- Most handheld or vertical garment steamers fall under 8516.79.00.00 ("Other electrothermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes").
- They are NOT vacuum cleaners (Heading 8508) unless they have significant suction capabilities combined with steaming.
- They are NOT humidifiers (Heading 8509.80.50.80) even if they produce water vapor, because their primary purpose is ironing/steaming clothes, not air humidification.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Base + Additional) |
|---|---|---|---|
8516.79.00.00 |
Other electrothermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; Other | Garment Steamers, Hand Dryers, Hair Curlers (Non-specialized) | Base: 2.7%, Additional: 0% Total: 2.7% |
8509.80.50.80 |
Other appliances: Humidifiers: Other: Other | Air Humidifiers (Mist/Fog for room air) | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0% Total: 0.0% |
8509.80.50.95 |
Other appliances: Other: Other | Other electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motor | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0% Total: 0.0% |
8516.40.40.00 |
Electric flatirons: Other | Traditional Electric Irons | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0% Total: 0.0% |
8451.30.00.00 |
Ironing machines and presses (including fusing presses) | Industrial/Commercial Ironing Presses | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 25.0% Total: 25.0% |
🔍 Key Warning:
- Do NOT classify Garment Steamer as "Humidifier" (8509.80.50.80): Although both emit vapor, customs authorities distinguish them by primary purpose. A garment steamer is for fabric care (Chapter 85.16), while a humidifier is for air quality (Chapter 85.09). Misclassification can lead to penalties or delays.
- Do NOT classify as "Ironing Press" (8451.30.00.00): This code is for industrial presses (head-and-base machines). Household handheld/vertical steamers are electrothermic appliances (8516.79.00.00), not textile processing machinery.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards
🎯 1. 8516.79.00.00 —— Garment Steamer (Other Electrothermic Domestic Appliances)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 2.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 2.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (if value < $800, typically duty-free under Section 321, but subject to customs inspection) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8516.79.00.00 → USITC Footnotes |
📌 Explanation:
- Garment steamers are classified as "other electrothermic appliances" under Heading 8516.
- Unlike many electronics or machinery, garment steamers are currently NOT subject to the 25% or 10% additional tariffs applied to many tech and industrial goods.
- The total duty is only 2.7%, making it a relatively low-cost item for import into the US.
🎯 2. 8509.80.50.80 —— Humidifier (For Comparison)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Risk | If Customs determines the product is a humidifier but declared as a garment steamer, or vice versa, it may trigger an audit. However, the tariff difference is minimal (0% vs 2.7%), so the risk is more about correct classification than tax savings. |
🎯 3. 8451.30.00.00 —— Industrial Ironing Presses (Warning)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Risk | If you import a large, commercial-grade steaming press intended for factories, it may be misclassified as "garment steamer" to avoid the 25% tax. This is a high-risk audit area. |
🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Provide)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must state: "Garment Steamer," power (W), water tank capacity, voltage, frequency |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show the device emitting steam, with a garment/fabric nearby to demonstrate purpose |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Description: "Electrical Garment Steamer for Home Use," NOT "Air Humidifier" or "Industrial Press" |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | List all accessories (nozzles, brushes, water bottle) |
| ✅ Certification (if applicable) | ✔️ | UL, ETL, CE, RoHS (for safety and compliance) |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
🔥 "Use Precise Names: 'Garment Steamer' NOT 'Humidifier'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Garment Steamer | 8516.79.00.00 |
8509.80.50.80 (Humidifier) |
Minor risk, but correct classification is required |
| Household Garment Steamer | 8516.79.00.00 |
8451.30.00.00 (Ironing Press) |
Major Risk: 25% tariff + penalties |
| Vacuum + Steam Cleaner | 8508.11.00.00 (Vacuum Cleaner) |
8516.79.00.00 |
Major Risk: Incorrect primary function classification |
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Steamer + Vacuum Function | If the device primarily cleans floors/carpet with suction, classify as Vacuum Cleaner (8508). Steam function is secondary. |
| Commercial/Large Steam Press | If it has a large boiler, high pressure, and industrial design, classify as 8451.30.00.00 (25% tariff). Do not try to hide it as a home appliance. |
| Handheld vs. Vertical | Both are 8516.79.00.00. No difference in tariff. |
| Steamer with LED/LCD Display | Still 8516.79.00.00. The electronics are part of the control system, not a separate "computer." |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8516.79.00.00 |
2.7% | UL/ETL, FCC (if wireless) | Low tariff, but strict safety checks |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8516.79.00.00 |
5.0% | CCC | Standard import duty |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8516.79.00.00 |
0% | CE, RoHS | Free trade, but strict eco-design rules |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 8516.79.00.00 |
0% | UKCA, CE | Post-Brexit certification |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 8516.79.00.00 |
0% | PSE, METI | Safety standards are key |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is favorable with only 2.7% tariff for garment steamers.
- EU and Japan are duty-free, but require strict safety/environmental certifications.
- Avoid misclassification as "Humidifier" or "Industrial Press" to prevent audits and penalties.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Calling it "Air Humidifier" to avoid 2.7% tariff
👉 Result: Customs may reject the declaration because the device lacks mist nozzles for room air and has fabric-specific attachments. Penalty for false declaration.
❌ Mistake 2: Declaring "Industrial Ironing Press" for a handheld steamer
👉 Result: 25% tariff applied unnecessarily. Loss of profit margin.
❌ Mistake 3: Ignating Safety Certifications (UL/CE)
👉 Result: Shipment held at port for safety testing or destruction. Delays of weeks.
❌ Mistake 4: Combining "Vacuum Cleaner" and "Steamer" incorrectly
👉 Result: If the device sucks air, it must be declared as a vacuum cleaner. Steam function is secondary. Misclassification leads to audit.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Electric Garment Steamer, 1500W, 1.5L Water Tank, for Home Use of Clothes, with Steam Nozzles, Model XYZ, UL Certified"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember:
🔹 "Garment Steamer is NOT Humidifier!"
🔹 "Handheld = 2.7%, Industrial = 25%!"
🔹 "Safety Certs are Key for US/EU Market!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- For US Imports: Ensure your supplier provides UL or ETL certification to speed up customs clearance.
- For EU Imports: Verify CE Marking and RoHS Compliance to avoid non-compliance penalties.
- Pre-Arrival Review: If you have a mixed product (e.g., Steam + Vacuum), consult a customs broker before shipment to determine the primary function.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Confirm Product Type: "Is it for Clothes or Air?"
📄 Prepare Specs: Power, Voltage, Attachments
🚀 Declare Correctly:8516.79.00.00for Garment Steamers
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Profit Margin Depends on It!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.