Household Disinfecting Wipes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6307909870 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307909882 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3401115000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3005901000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3005905090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§Ό Household Disinfecting Wipes
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Clear on "Disinfecting Wipes"?
Household disinfecting wipes are pre-moistened textiles used for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in domestic environments. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition, impregnation type, and intended use.
There is a critical distinction between wipes classified as textile products (based on fabric content) and those classified as pharmaceutical or chemical preparations (based on medical/sterilizing function). Misclassification can lead to severe tariff penalties due to varying "Section 301" and "Section 122" additional duties.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the wipe is primarily defined by its cotton/textile nature and used for general cleaning/masking β It may fall under Chapter 63 (Other made-up textile articles).
- If the wipe is primarily defined by its medicinal/antiseptic solution and used for hygiene/medical purposes β It may fall under Chapter 34 (Soap, organic surface-active agents) or Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
6307.90.98.70 |
Cotton finished wipes, classified as other disposable consumables under masks/protection | General surface cleaning, non-medical wiping, personal hygiene (non-sterile) | Textile Focus: Defined by material (Cotton) and form (Finished wipe). Not primarily for medical sterilization. |
6307.90.98.82 |
Other manufactured articles containing cotton, meeting cotton towel material requirements | Similar to above, but specifically meeting cotton towel standards | Textile Focus: High cotton content, structural resemblance to towels/masks. |
3401.11.50.00 |
Cotton articles impregnated with detergents/cleaning agents, for toilet/cleaning purposes | Household surface cleaning, removing dirt/grime | Chemical Focus: Impregnated with cleaning detergents, not necessarily disinfectants/medicines. |
3005.90.10.00 |
Similar articles impregnated with pharmaceuticals, for medical/disinfection purposes | Sterilization, medical hygiene, disease prevention | Pharmaceutical Focus: Impregnated with antiseptics/disinfectants for medical/health protection. |
3005.90.50.90 |
Similar articles impregnated with pharmaceuticals, for other medical/hygiene purposes | General hygiene, non-sterile medical cleaning, personal care | Pharmaceutical Focus: Broad category for impregnated hygiene products not strictly sterile. |
π Critical Reminder:
- Chapter 63 Codes (6307.90...) are generally for textile-based wipes where the fabric is the primary characteristic.
- Chapter 34/30 Codes (3401.11...,3005.90...) are for impregnated items where the liquid content (detergent or medicine) defines the product's function.
- Disinfecting implies antimicrobial/medical use β Points toward Chapter 30. Cleaning implies detergent use β Points toward Chapter 34. Cotton Structure β Points toward Chapter 63.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Based on current Section 301 and 122 regulations)
π― 1. 6307.90.98.70 & 6307.90.98.82 ββ Cotton/Wool Finished Wipes (Textile Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 7.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 7.5% (Standard USITC 301 duty for textile accessories/consumables) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% (Specific surcharge for certain textile/apparel imports) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Denied. Section 301 and 122 duties generally do not apply to de minimis imports < $800 if origin is China). |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6307.90.98 β Section301:Footnote9903.88.01 β Section122:SpecificStatute |
π Explanation:
- These codes are treated as textile consumables.
- The 24.5% total rate is high but lower than the pharmaceutical category.
- Crucial: If you classify a disinfecting wipe here to avoid higher medical tariffs, customs may reclassify it if the label claims "Disinfects/Kills 99.9% Germs," leading to back-taxes and penalties.
π― 2. 3401.11.50.00 ββ Impregnated with Detergents (Cleaning Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Most cleaning agents have low base tariffs) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 25.0% (Heavy surcharge for chemical preparations from China) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3401.11.50 β Section301:25% β Section122:10% |
π Explanation:
- This code is for cleaning wipes, not disinfecting ones.
- If your product is marketed as a "Disinfecting Wipe" but classified here, it is a misdeclaration.
- The 35% rate is the highest among the options, so exporters often avoid this code unless the product is strictly non-medical cleaner.
π― 3. 3005.90.10.00 & 3005.90.50.90 ββ Impregnated with Pharmaceuticals (Medical/Disinfecting Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Pharmaceuticals/Hygiene items often have 0% base) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% (Many medical/pharma goods are exempt from Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Usually restricted for pharma) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3005.90 β Section301:Exempt β Section122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Surprisingly Lower Tax: Despite being "Medical/Disinfecting," the Section 301 exemption for pharma-related goods brings the total down to just 10%.
- Why is it lower than Cotton Wipes (24.5%)?
- Section 301 imposes a 25% tariff on many textile/chemical categories, but exempts certain pharmaceutical/hygiene preparations.
- However, Section 122 still applies at 10%.
- Strategy: If the product is truly "Disinfecting" (kills pathogens), classifying under Chapter 30 is often more cost-effective (10%) than Chapter 63 (24.5%) or Chapter 34 (35%).
π οΈ IV. Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Label & Packaging | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Disinfectant," "Active Ingredients" (e.g., Ethanol 70%), and "Kill Rate" (e.g., 99.9% Germs). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for all impregnated items. Proves chemical composition. |
| β Drug Establishment Registration | βοΈ | If classified under 3005, FDA registration may be required. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Impregnated Non-sterile Bandage" or "Hygiene Wipe," not just "Cotton Towel." |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential to claim any potential exemptions (though Section 122 applies to China). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βDisinfecting = Pharma = Lower Tax, But Check FDA!β
βCleaning = Detergent = High Tax (35%)β
βCotton Only = Textile = Medium Tax (24.5%)β
| Scenario | Correct Classification | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Wipes with "Kills 99.9% Viruses" label | 3005.90.10.00 or 3005.90.50.90 |
β
Lowest Tax (10%). β οΈ Risk: FDA compliance. Must ensure active ingredients are approved. |
| Wipes with "Cleans Grease/Dirty" label | 3401.11.50.00 |
β Highest Tax (35%). β οΈ Avoid unless necessary. |
| Plain Cotton Wipes with no active claim | 6307.90.98.70 |
β οΈ Medium Tax (24.5%). β οΈ Risk: If found to have disinfectant residue, customs will reclassify to 3005 or 3401. |
| OEM Wipes for Hospitals | 3005.90.10.00 |
β
10% Tax. β Requires full pharma documentation. |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Claiming "De Minimis" (<$800) | β Do not attempt. Section 122 and Section 301 duties typically negate de minimis exemptions for Chinese-origin goods, even under 3005. |
| Ambiguous Labeling | If the label says "Fresh Scent Wipe" but contains 70% Alcohol, customs may still classify it as 3005 based on function. Be transparent. |
| Section 122 Impact | Note that Section 122 (10%) applies to all these categories for Chinese origin. It is a fixed surcharge that cannot be avoided for most textile/pharma imports from China. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3005.90.10.00 |
10.0% (Best Option) | FDA Registration + SDS | Avoid 3401 (35%) and 6307 (24.5%) if disinfecting. |
| π¨π³ China | 3005.90.10.00 |
5% - 10% | CFDA/NMPA Approval | Lower base rates, but strict pharma controls. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3005.90.10.00 |
Varies (Biocidal Products Reg.) | BPR Compliance | EU has stricter biocide regulations than US. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3005.90.10.00 |
0% - 5% | MHRA Registration | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- For US Market,3005.90.10.00is the strategic winner (10% total) if the product is legitimately disinfecting.
-6307.90.98.70is the fallback for non-medical cotton wipes (24.5%).
- Never use3401.11.50.00for disinfecting wipes unless you want to pay 35%; it is for simple cleaners.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying "Disinfecting Wipes" under 6307.90.98.70 (Cotton Wipes)
π Consequence: Customs detects "Disinfectant" claims on label β Reclasifies to 3005 or 3401 β Back taxes + 25% Penalty.
π Lesson: If it disinfects, itβs likely pharma/chemical, not just textile.
β Error 2: Using 3401.11.50.00 for disinfecting wipes
π Consequence: You pay 35% tax unnecessarily.
π Lesson: 3401 is for detergents. 3005 is for disinfectants. 3005 is cheaper (10%).
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10% Surcharge)
π Consequence: Budget miscalculation.
π Lesson: All these codes carry a 10% Section 122 duty for China origin. Factor this into your pricing.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Non-sterile disinfecting wipes, impregnated with 70% Ethanol, for household surface sanitation, Cotton/Non-woven blend, Model XYZ, FDA Registered Facility."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Disinfecting = Chapter 30 = 10% Total Tax (Best)"
πΉ "Cotton/Textile Only = Chapter 63 = 24.5% Total Tax"
πΉ "Cleaning/Detergent = Chapter 34 = 35% Total Tax (Worst)"
πΉ "Section 122 = 10% Flat Tax on ALL for China"
π Pro Tip:
If your product contains antibacterial agents (e.g., Benzalkonium Chloride) but not "medicinal" disinfectants, you might still be classified under 3005 or 6307.
Recommendation:
π Consult a customs broker before shipping.
π Submit an Advance Ruling from CBP if the product is ambiguous.
π Clear Compliance, Lower Costs, Faster Clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Margin is Protected by Precise HS Codes!
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.