Inorganic Salt Agricultural Mite Killer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808913000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808915001 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π·οΈ Inorganic Salt Agricultural Mite Killer (Agrochemicals)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Inorganic Salt Mite Killers"?
Inorganic Salt Agricultural Mite Killers belong to the broader category of Insecticides under Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System (HS). These are specifically formulated for retail sale or use as preparations. The critical distinction in classification lies in the composition of the active ingredient:
- Containing an Inorganic Substance: Products where the primary active ingredient is an inorganic compound (e.g., sulfur, copper, lime sulfur, or other inorganic salts) is classified under a specific subheading.
- Other Insecticides: Products that do not contain inorganic substances (e.g., organic synthetic chemicals) fall under the residual "Other" category.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product contains an inorganic active ingredient (such as sulfur dusts, copper-based sprays, or inorganic salt formulations) β Classified under 3808.91.30.00
- If the product contains organic synthetic ingredients (most common chemical miticides) β Classified under 3808.91.50.01
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Contains Inorganic Substance? |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.91.30.00 |
Insecticides: Other: Containing an inorganic substance | Sulfur dusts, lime sulfur, inorganic salt-based miticides for retail sale | β Yes |
3808.91.50.01 |
Insecticides: Other: Other | Most common organic chemical mite killers (e.g., abamectin, fenpyroximate, pyridaben) | β No |
π Key Reminder:
- The phrase "put up in forms or packings for retail sale" is crucial. If the product is a bulk industrial concentrate not for direct retail, it might fall under different headings (e.g., 29.04/29.05 for pure chemicals). This guide focuses on retail-ready preparations as per the provided data. - Misclassification between "inorganic" and "other" leads to significant tax discrepancies.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detail (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Countries: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply
π― 1. 3808.91.30.00 ββ Inorganic Salt Agricultural Mite Killer (Inorganic Substance)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| Can De Minimis Apply? | β No (Generally, agricultural chemicals are subject to strict customs scrutiny, but the rate itself is 0%, so de minimis is less relevant for cost, though documentation is still required) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3808.91.30.00 β No Section 301 footnote applies to this specific subheading for agricultural inorganic preparations |
π Explanation:
- Products containing inorganic substances (like sulfur) are often excluded from the highest penalties of Section 301 duties, resulting in a 0% total tariff. - This makes inorganic-based formulations significantly more cost-competitive than organic alternatives in the US market.
π― 2. 3808.91.50.01 ββ Organic Agricultural Mite Killer (Other Insecticides)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| Can De Minimis Apply? | β No (Agricultural pesticides are typically excluded from de minimis exemptions due to EPA regulations, regardless of tariff rate) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3808.91.50.01 β Footnote 9903.08.01 (Section 301 List 4A) |
π Note:
- The 30% total tariff is a major cost driver for organic chemical mite killers. - Even though the base tariff is only 5%, the 25% additional tariff significantly impacts profitability. - This applies to the vast majority of synthetic miticides on the market.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pit-Prevention Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Items Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly list the active ingredient (e.g., "Sulfur 80% WP" or "Abamectin 1.9% EC") and its chemical nature (Inorganic vs. Organic) |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | Mandatory. All pesticides in the US must have an EPA registration number. Without it, goods will be rejected or destroyed. |
| β Product Label (English) | βοΈ | Must match the EPA-approved label exactly. Includes hazard warnings, instructions, and first aid. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Confirms the percentage of active ingredients and impurities. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | βοΈ | Required for shipping and customs safety verification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Agricultural Insecticide/Miticides, HS Code 3808.91.xx.xx" |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mnemonics)
π₯ "Inorganic is Free, Organic is 30%, EPA Number is King!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur Dust / Lime Sulfur | 3808.91.30.00 |
Misdeclare as "Other" β Pay 30% unnecessarily |
| Synthetic Miticide (e.g., Fenpyroximate) | 3808.91.50.01 |
Misdeclare as "Inorganic" β Customs penalty + back taxes |
| Bulk Industrial Chemical (Not Retail) | Check Chapter 29 | Declare as 3808 β Goods detained for wrong classification |
| EPA Registration Missing | STOP | Ship without EPA # β Seizure and Destruction |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| EPA Pending Registration | Do not clear customs. The product cannot be legally sold or imported without a valid EPA registration number. |
| Hybrid Products (Inorganic + Organic) | If the product contains both inorganic and organic active ingredients, customs may classify based on the principal ingredient or the dominant nature. If inorganic is the primary active, argue for 3808.91.30.00 with strong COA evidence. |
| Retail vs. Non-Retail Packaging | If the product is in bulk drums for industrial use, it may not qualify for 3808 (which specifies "put up in forms or packings for retail sale"). It might fall under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) or 28 (Inorganic Chemicals). Consult a customs broker for bulk shipments. |
π 5. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3808.91.30.00 / 3808.91.50.01 |
0% / 30% | EPA Registration + FDA (if food crop) | 0% for inorganic, 30% for organic |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3808.94 / 3808.93 |
0% | EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) or Plant Protection Products Regulation | Different regulatory framework than EPA |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.91 / 3808.93 |
5% - 10% | Pesticide Registration Certificate | Higher base tariffs but no 301 penalties |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94 |
5% | APVMA Approval | Strict biosecurity controls |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is highly sensitive to the "Inorganic vs. Organic" distinction due to the 301 tariffs. - Inorganic mite killers enjoy a 0% tariff advantage, making them highly competitive. - EPA Registration is non-negotiable for US import. No exceptions.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring a synthetic miticide as "Inorganic Sulfur" to avoid the 25% tariff
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals organic active ingredients β Seizure, fines, and blacklisting
β Error 2: Assuming all "natural" or "biological" mite killers are inorganic
π Consequence: Many biopesticides are organic compounds β Misclassification β 30% tariff liability + back payments
β Error 3: Shipping without EPA Registration Number
π Consequence: Immediate rejection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and EPA. Goods may be returned or destroyed at your expense.
β Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Pesticide" without HS Code specification
π Consequence: Customs will assign the highest dutiable rate by default β Overpayment or audit
β Correct Practice:
"Agricultural Miticide, Liquid Formulation, Active Ingredient: [Chemical Name], EPA Reg. No. [Number], HS Code 3808.91.[30/50]"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Savings!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Inorganic = 0% Tariff | Organic = 30% Tariff"
πΉ "EPA # is Mandatory | No EPA, No Entry"
π Tip:
If your product contains a mix of inorganic and organic components, consult a customs broker to determine the "principal ingredient" for classification. For purely organic products, factor the 30% total tariff into your pricing strategy, or consider sourcing from non-tariffed countries if possible.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify EPA Registration Status
π Confirm Active Ingredient Nature (Inorganic vs. Organic)
π Choose the correct HS Code (3808.91.30.00or3808.91.50.01) to optimize costs.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Savings Are Calculated in Every Digit of the HS Code!
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.