Italian Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340290503000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402505100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
β Italian Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Cleaning Tablets"?
Italian Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets are specialized solid cleaning preparations designed to remove coffee oils, scale, and residue from espresso machines and coffee makers. In international trade, they fall under the broad category of Surface-active preparations and cleaning preparations.
The key distinction lies in their form and packaging: - Industrial/Professional Use: Bulk tablets or large containers intended for commercial use. - Retail Sale: Pre-packaged, small-count containers (e.g., 30-count boxes) intended for household or small business use.
β οΈ Critical Differentiation:
- If the product is not put up for retail sale (e.g., bulk, commercial packs) β Classified under 3402.90.50.30.00 (Other Cleaning Preparations).
- If the product is put up for retail sale (e.g., small boxes for end-users) β Classified under 3402.50.51.00 (Preparations Put Up for Retail Sale).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Retail Packaging? |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.90.50.30.00 |
Organic surface-active agents; cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401: Other | Bulk cleaning agents, commercial-grade tablets, non-retail packaging | β No |
3402.50.51.00 |
Organic surface-active agents; cleaning preparations: Preparations put up for retail sale: Other | Small boxes (e.g., 30 tabs), household use, branded retail packs | β Yes |
π Key Reminder:
- Retail Packaging is the deciding factor. If the product is sold in a single unit package directly to consumers or small businesses, it must be classified under3402.50.51.00.
- If sold in bulk (e.g., 1kg bags, 10kg boxes) for industrial use, it falls under3402.90.50.30.00.
- Do not split retail packs into bulk components for customs declaration.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3402.90.50.30.00 ββ Cleaning Preparations (Non-Retail, Other)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Error (Failed to retrieve tax information) |
| Additional Tariffs | Error (Failed to retrieve tax information) |
| Total Tariff | Error |
| Tax Calculation | N/A (Data unavailable) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable (Bulk/Commercial imports) |
| Legal Basis Path | 3402.90.50.30.00 |
π Interpretation:
- Tax information for this specific subheading failed to retrieve in the 2026 database.
- This may indicate a gap in the database or a need for manual verification via CBP rulings.
- Recommendation: Consult with a licensed customs broker to verify current rates, as historical rates for similar cleaning agents may apply.
π― 2. 3402.50.51.00 ββ Preparations Put Up for Retail Sale
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | β Not Applicable (No IEEPA surcharge for this HS code in the provided data) |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Possible (If value < $800, but subject to scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | 3402.50.51.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Note:
- 0% Base Tariff: Cleaning preparations for retail sale often enjoy low base rates.
- 25% Additional Tariff: Subject to Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods.
- No IEEPA Surcharge: Unlike some electronics or displays, cleaning preparations may not be subject to the additional 10% IEEPA tariff.
- Total Cost Impact: 25% of CIF value.
- De Minimis: Small packages under $800 may qualify for de minimis entry, but large retail shipments will be subject to the 25% tariff.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include ingredients, active surface-active agents, intended use |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical products; must comply with OSHA/GHS standards |
| β Product Photos (Packaging & Label) | βοΈ | Must show "Put Up for Retail Sale" or bulk packaging clearly |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If non-Chinese origin, may reduce tariffs |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets" and HS Code |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, number of units, packaging type |
| β FDA Registration (If Applicable) | βοΈ | If tablets contain food-contact surfaces or are misclassified as food, FDA approval may be needed |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Retail Packaging, 25% Tariff; Bulk Non-Retail, Verify Rates!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Small box (30 tabs) for home use | 3402.50.51.00 |
Misdeclare as bulk β Risk of penalties |
| Bulk pack (1kg) for cafe use | 3402.90.50.30.00 |
Misdeclare as retail β Unjustified tariff |
| Mixed shipment (Retail + Bulk) | Separate Line Items | Combined declaration β Confusion, delays |
| Tablets with unknown ingredients | Provide Full Ingredient List | Vague description β Customs hold |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide client order + design proof; avoid "generic" claims |
| Multi-Pack Retail | Still classified as 3402.50.51.00 if intended for end-user |
| Food-Grade vs. Machine-Grade | If for food-contact surfaces, ensure FDA compliance; otherwise, stick to cleaning agent classification |
| Sample Shipments | Mark as "Samples, Not for Sale" to avoid tariff misclassification |
π 5. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.50.51.00 |
25% (China) | SDS, FDA (if food-contact) | High tariff due to Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 3402.50.51.00 |
0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low tariff for domestic retail |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3402.50.51.00 |
0-6.5% | REACH, CLP | No additional tariffs for most origins |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3402.50.51.00 |
0-5% | AICIS | Competitive market |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3402.50.51.00 |
0-3% | PMDA (if chemical) | Low tariffs, strict safety standards |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes a 25% tariff on retail-sourced Chinese cleaning preparations.
- EU and Japan offer more favorable tariff structures, making them attractive alternatives for Chinese exporters.
- Retail Packaging is the key determinant for tariff application in all markets.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons from Tears)
β Mistake 1: Declaring retail packs as "Bulk" to avoid tariffs
π Consequence: Customs detects retail packaging β 25% tariff + penalties!
β Mistake 2: Misclassifying as "Food Additives"
π Consequence: FDA rejection, shipment return β Lost goods + delays!
β Mistake 3: Ignoring SDS requirements
π Consequence: Customs hold, inspection delays β Storage fees + fines!
β Mistake 4: Vague product description ("Coffee Cleaner")
π Consequence: Customs query, classification error β Delays + potential misclassification penalties!
β Correct Approach:
"Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets, 30-count box, surface-active agent based, for commercial and home use, SDS provided, HS Code 3402.50.51.00"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Retail Pack, 25% Tariff; Bulk Pack, Verify First!"
πΉ "SDS is King, Ingredients are Truth, Declaration is Key!"
π Pro Tip:
If your cleaning tablets are originated from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for preferential tariffs under free trade agreements.
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS Code and tariff accuracy before shipment.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure your Coffee Machine Cleaning Tablets clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.