Grout
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824997510 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999397 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧱠Grout & Grout Removers: The Ultimate Classification & Tax Guide (2026 Update)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition β What Exactly is "Grout"?
In the construction and renovation industry, "Grout" is a versatile term that covers two distinct categories of products, leading to significant differences in HS Code classification and tariff rates:
- Grout Removers (Cleaning Agents): Chemical preparations used to dissolve, soften, or remove old cementitious or epoxy grout from tile joints. These are classified primarily as chemical preparations or cleaning agents.
- Epoxy/Polymers Grout (Adhesives/Binders): New polymer-modified cementitious or pure epoxy-based mixtures used to fill joints between tiles. These are classified as adhesives or chemical preparations.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is a liquid/spray/paste for REMOVAL of grout β It falls under Chapter 34 (Soaps/Cleaners) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
- If the product is a powder/paste for APPLICATION/FILLING (Grout itself) β It falls under Chapter 35 (Protein substances/Adhesives) or Chapter 38.
- Do not mix these up! Misclassification can lead to severe penalties or delayed customs clearance.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data for "Grout" (specifically focusing on Grout Removers and Epoxy Grout as per the <DATA>), here are the precise classifications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.75.10 |
Grout Remover, Chemical Preparation | Chemical cleaning of tile joints | Classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), specifically for chemical preparations not elsewhere specified. |
3402.90.50.30 |
Grout Remover, Cleaning Preparation | Removing residue from gaps | Classified under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations), focusing on its cleaning function. |
3402.90.50.10 |
Grout Remover, Chemical Cleaning Agent | Surfactant-based grout removal | Similar to above, but specified as a chemical cleaning agent using surface-active agents. |
3824.99.93.97 |
Grout Remover, Chemical Industrial Preparation | General chemical industrial use (Catch-all) | Classified under Chapter 38 as a generic chemical product/preparation, often used as a fallback if specific cleaning criteria aren't met. |
3506.91.50.00 |
Epoxy/Polymers Grout, Polymer Adhesive | Filling and bonding tile joints | Classified under Chapter 35 (Protein substances and Modified Starches; Adhesives), specifically Polymer-based prepared adhesives. |
π Key Reminder:
- Grout Removers are primarily classified under 3824 or 3402 depending on their primary function (chemical reaction vs. surfactant cleaning).
- New Grout (Epoxy/Polymer) is classified under 3506 as it is a polymer-based adhesive.
- The data provided only covers these 5 specific HS codes. Do not assume other codes (e.g., for cement-based grout in Chapter 39 or 25) are applicable based on this specific dataset.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. Grout Removers (HS Codes: 3824.99.75.10, 3402.90.50.30, 3402.90.50.10)
These products are subject to a high combined tariff due to their chemical nature and origin.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 / 301 List) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (IEEPA, targeting specific Chinese chemical/cleaning products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 301 and 122 surcharges) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3.7% β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10.0% β Total: 38.7% |
π Explanation:
- The 3.7% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty.
- The 25% is the Section 301 tariff, widely applicable to Chinese chemical and cleaning products.
- The 10% is a specific "Section 122" tariff, often applied to items under HTS 3402 or 3824 that meet specific criteria for "cleaning preparations" or "chemical mixtures."
- Result: A 38.7% total duty is significant. Importers must factor this into their landed cost.
π― 2. Grout Remover (General/Fallback) (HS Code: 3824.99.93.97)
This code is a "catch-all" for chemical preparations not specifically listed elsewhere. It carries a slightly higher base tariff.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5.0% β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10.0% β Total: 40.0% |
π Note:
- This code is riskier because itβs less specific. Customs may challenge the classification if a more specific code (like 3402.90.50.30) fits better.
- Higher base rate (5%) vs. 3.7% means you pay 1.3% more on the CIF value, plus the same surcharges.
π― 3. Epoxy/Polymers Grout (Adhesive) (HS Code: 3506.91.50.00)
This code is for the actual grout product used for filling, not removing.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 2.1% β 301: 25.0% β 122: 10.0% β Total: 37.1% |
π Advantage:
- Compared to grout removers, Epoxy Grout (3506) has a lower base tariff (2.1% vs. 3.7% or 5.0%).
- Total Savings: You save 1.6% on removers (3824.99.75.10) and 2.9% on general chemical removers (3824.99.93.97).
- Always use the most specific HS Code to avoid the 5.0% base.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state if itβs a Remover (liquid/paste) or Grout (powder/paste adhesive). |
| β Formula/Composition | βοΈ | Critical for Chapter 38 vs. 34 classification. List active ingredients (e.g., acids, surfactants, polymers). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging, label, and product state (liquid/powder). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical products. Must show hazard class for proper shipping documentation. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe the item as "Grout Remover" or "Polymer Grout," NOT just "Chemical." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weights. Chemicals often have density constraints. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Know Your Function: Remove vs. Fill!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid/Paste to REMOVE old grout | 3824.99.75.10 or 3402.90.50.30 |
Primary function is cleaning/chemical removal. Prefer 3824 if itβs a strong chemical solvent; 3402 if itβs surfactant-based. |
| General Chemical Grout Cleaner | 3824.99.93.97 |
Use only if no more specific cleaning code fits. Higher base rate (5%). |
| Powder/Paste to FILL new grout | 3506.91.50.00 |
Itβs a polymer-based adhesive. Lower base rate (2.1%). |
π Warning:
- Do not label "Grout Remover" as "Adhesive" (3506) to save tax. This is misclassification and can lead to fines.
- Do not label "Epoxy Grout" as "Cleaning Agent" (3402). Itβs clearly an adhesive.
β 3. Special Handling for Chemicals
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Flammable Grout Remover | Must comply with DOT/IMDG regulations. Provide UN number and packing group in docs. |
| High Acid Content | Customs may require additional hazardous material declarations. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Retail packaging (small bottles) may attract different scrutiny than bulk drums. Ensure labels match. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.75.10 / 3506.91.50.00 |
38.7% / 37.1% | FCC (if electronic), SDS, IEEPA 122 compliance |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.99 / 3506.91 |
~3-6% | CCC (if applicable), GB Standards |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99 / 3506.91 |
~4-6.5% | REACH Compliance, CLP Labeling |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3824.99 / 3506.91 |
~5% | AICIS Registration, GHS Labeling |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- China, EU, Australia have much lower base tariffs but strict chemical regulations (REACH, GHS).
- Optimize by using the correct HS Code:3506for grout (37.1%) is cheaper than3824.99.93.97(40%).
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others' Errors)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Grout Remover as Household Cleaner (Chapter 34) without verifying surfactant content.
π Consequence: If itβs primarily an acid-based solvent, Customs may reclassify to 3824, but if you claimed a lower rate, youβll face back taxes + penalties.
β Mistake 2: Using General Fallback Code (3824.99.93.97) when a specific one (3824.99.75.10) applies.
π Consequence: Paying 1.3% extra on every shipment. Over time, this is thousands of dollars.
β Mistake 3: Declaring Epoxy Grout as "Building Materials" (Chapter 68/39) instead of "Adhesive" (Chapter 35).
π Consequence: High risk of customs audit. The correct code 3506.91.50.00 has a clear legal basis for polymer adhesives.
β Best Practice:
"Epoxy Tile Grout, Polymer-Modified, Water-Resistant, White, 5kg Bag" β
3506.91.50.00
"Industrial Grout Remover, Acid-Based, Liquid, 1 Gallon" β3824.99.75.10
π― Part 7: Conclusion β Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Key Takeaways:
πΉ Removers: Aim for
3824.99.75.10(38.7% total) over3824.99.93.97(40% total).
πΉ New Grout: Use3506.91.50.00(37.1% total) β itβs the cheapest option in the list!
πΉ Always Provide SDS: Non-negotiable for chemical clearance.
πΉ Avoid "De Minimis" Traps: These products do not qualify for $800 de minimis exemption due to Section 301/122.
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Grout Removers in large volumes, consider Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to confirm the 38.7% vs. 40% classification. A small difference in base tariff can save 10k+ USD annually on large shipments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with the exact formula and product photos.
π Pre-classify before shipping to avoid surprise fees at the port.
π‘ Profit Protection: Every 1% of tariff saved is direct profit. Use the correct HS Code.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Landed Cost is Only as Good as Your HS Code!
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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.