Laundry Detergent Powder
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402501100 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402505100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ί Laundry Detergent Powder (Organic Surface-Active Agents & Cleaning Preparations)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Laundry Detergent"?
Laundry detergent powder is a cleaning preparation designed for washing textiles. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 34 (Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations...).
However, not all detergents are treated equally. The critical distinction lies in whether the product contains aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents and whether it is packaged for retail sale.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the powder contains any aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agent β It is classified as a specialized cleaning preparation with specific regulatory scrutiny.
- If it is a standard commercial or generic detergent without these specific aromatic modifiers β It falls under the "Other" category.
- Retail Packaging: Both HS codes in the data apply to products "put up for retail sale." Industrial bulk drums may fall under different headings (e.g., 3402.10), but this guide focuses on the provided retail data.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, there are two primary classifications for retail-packaged laundry detergents with surface-active agents:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristic | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.50.11.00 |
Preparations containing any aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agent | Contains specific fragrances or chemically modified aromatic surfactants | Premium scented detergents, fabric softener blends, specialty cleaning agents |
3402.50.51.00 |
Other preparations (not specified in above subheading) | Standard non-aromatic or unmodified surface-active agents | Basic laundry powders, standard household detergents, bulk retail packs |
π Crucial Note:
- Both codes fall under Heading 3402: "Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations... put up for retail sale."
- Exclusion: These do not apply to Heading 3401 (soaps, including medicated or cosmetic soaps in bars or cakes). If your product is a solid bar of soap, it is not covered by these HS codes.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by the tax structure: Base + 25% surtax)
β Effective Time: Current applicable rates as per 2025/2026 trade policies
π― 1. 3402.50.11.00 ββ Detergents with Aromatic/Modified Aromatic Agents
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional duties on Chinese goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 29.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 29% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Generally, goods subject to 301 tariffs are excluded from 80/86/87/88/89/90/91/92/93/94/95/96/97/98/99 de minimis thresholds in many cases, or specifically flagged for higher scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3402.50.11 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 301 List |
π Interpretation:
- The 4% base rate is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for this specific subgroup.
- The +25% surtax is applied due to the product's origin (China) under the Section 301 trade remedies.
- Total 29% is a significant cost burden. Importers must ensure the product description accurately reflects the "aromatic" nature to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 3402.50.51.00 ββ Other Detergents
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional duties on Chinese goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Same as above; 301 tariffs typically negate de minimis benefits) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3402.50.51 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 β Section 301 List |
π Interpretation:
- While the base rate is 0%, the 25% surtax remains fully applicable.
- This is a 4% savings compared to the aromatic variant.
- Strategic Insight: If the formulation allows, classifying as "Other" (non-aromatic/standard) may offer minor tariff efficiency, but misclassification is risky.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail chemical composition, specifically identifying if aromatic surface-active agents are present. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Proof of Chinese origin triggers the 25% surtax. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Laundry Detergent Powder, Put up for Retail Sale, HTS 3402.50.xx" |
| β Ingredient List / SDS | βοΈ | Critical for proving whether it contains "aromatic or modified aromatic" agents to justify HS code selection. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show net/gross weight, number of retail packages. |
| β Fragrance Disclosure | βοΈ | If claiming 3402.50.11.00, provide details on the aromatic content. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Retail Pack, Surface Active, Aromatic vs. Other, Tax Differs Four Percent!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Scented Detergent | 3402.50.11.00 (29%) |
Declaring as 3402.50.51.00 to save 4% β High Risk of Audit & Penalty |
| Unscented / Basic Detergent | 3402.50.51.00 (25%) |
Declaring as "Soap" (Heading 3401) β Wrong Chapter, Seizure Risk |
| Bulk Industrial Drum | Different HS Code (e.g., 3402.10) | Declaring as Retail Sale β Misclassification |
| Bar Soap | Heading 3401 | Declaring under 3402 β Wrong Product Type |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Ensure the supplier provides the exact chemical formulation. Even "unscented" powders may contain trace aromatic surfactants. |
| Multi-Pack Retail Sets | If sold as a set (e.g., 12 boxes), declare as a single unit of "Preparations put up for retail sale." Do not split. |
| Mixed Formulations | If the product contains both aromatic and non-aromatic surfactants, it may still qualify for 3402.50.11.00 if any aromatic agent is present. Be conservative in classification. |
| Origin Transshipment | If shipped via third country (e.g., Vietnam), US Customs may require proof of substantial transformation. Re-exporting Chinese goods without change may still trigger 301 tariffs. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.50.11.00 / .51.00 |
29% / 25% | None specific (but SDS required) | Highest cost due to 25% Surtax |
| π¨π³ China | 3402.50.xx | 4% / 0% (Import into China) | None | This guide is for US Import |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3402 50 | 0% (if no surtax applies) | REACH, CLP | No 25% surtax equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 3402 50 | 0% | REACH UK | Post-Brexit, no US surtax |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 3402.50.xx | 0% (CETA/USMCA may apply) | PMRA | Generally lower tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is uniquely expensive for Chinese-made detergents due to the 25% Section 301 surtax.
- The 4% difference between aromatic (29%) and other (25%) is marginal compared to the base 25% duty.
- Focus on accurate classification to avoid penalties, not just tariff optimization.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood-Learnings)
β Error 1: Calling the product "Soap"
π Consequence: Wrong Chapter (3401 vs 3402). Seizure or heavy penalty. Detergents are "surface-active preparations," not soap.
β Error 2: Misclassifying Aromatic Detergent as "Other" (3402.50.51.00)
π Consequence: Underpaying 4% duty. Customs audit leads to back taxes + interest + penalties.
β Error 3: Ignoring the 25% Surtax
π Consequence: Budget failure. If you only budgeted for the 0-4% base rate, your landed cost will be 25% higher than expected.
β Error 4: Bulk vs. Retail Confusion
π Consequence: Declaring industrial drums as retail packages. Wrong HS Code, customs hold.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Laundry Detergent Powder, Retail Pack (1kg), Containing Anionic and Non-Ionic Surface Active Agents, Put Up for Retail Sale, HTS 3402.50.51.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Pays Off!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Soap is 3401, Detergent is 3402."
πΉ "Aromatic means 29%, Other means 25%."
πΉ "25% Surtax is unavoidable for China Origin."
π Pro Tip:
- Negotiate Incoterms: Ensure your pricing accounts for the 25-29% total tariff.
- Pre-Audit: Have your chemical supplier confirm if any aromatic surfactants are present. If not, use 3402.50.51.00.
- Documentation: Keep SDS and ingredient lists ready for CBP examination.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with the exact ingredient list.
π Classify correctly, pay the right tax, and clear customs smoothly!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Margin Depends on Precision!
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.