Menstrual Cup
CN β USAI Analysis
π©Έ Menstrual Cup (Reusable Menstrual Collector)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Menstrual Cup"?
A Menstrual Cup is a flexible, reusable device made primarily of medical-grade silicone, natural rubber latex, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), designed to collect menstrual fluid inside the vagina. It is distinct from disposable pads, tampons, or period underwear.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition and intended use. While some might argue itβs a "hygiene product" (Chapter 96) or a "plastic article" (Chapter 39), most global customs authorities classify it under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) or Chapter 40 (Rubber) due to its intimate contact with the human body and medical/hygienic nature.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Silicone/Latex Cups β Generally fall under Chapter 40 or Chapter 30 depending on local interpretation.
- Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Cups β Often classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- Disposable Liners/Pads β Fall under HS 9619 (Sanitary towels, tampons, etc.).
- Menstrual Cups are NOT "Sanitary Towels" (9619) in many jurisdictions because they are reusable and inserted, not absorbed externally.
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material | Note on "Sanitary Towel" (9619) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4016.93.00.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Silicone/Latex cups | Medical-grade Silicone/Latex | β Most Common US/EU Classification for Reusable Cups |
3926.90.97.00 |
Other articles of plastics | TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) cups | TPE/Plastic | β For TPE-based cups in US/China |
3005.90.00.00 |
Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles for placing on wounds or the body | Some EU countries classify as "hygienic articles for body" | Various | β οΈ Less common but used in some EU interpretations |
9619.00.00.00 |
Sanitary towels and tampons, whether or not on a backing, and applicators for them | Disposable pads, tampons, period underwear | Paper, Cotton, Gel | β NOT for Menstrual Cups (Reusable/Inserted) |
4014.90.00.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber | Latex-only cups (less common now) | Natural Rubber Latex | β Possible for older latex designs |
π Key Reminder:
- US Customs (CBP) typically classifies silicone menstrual cups under 4016.93.00.00 (Vulcanized rubber articles) or 3926.90.97.00 (Plastic articles) if TPE.
- EU Customs often uses 3005.90.00.00 or 4016.93.00.00.
- Do NOT use HS 9619 unless you are shipping disposable products. Misclassification can lead to penalties, delays, and back-taxes.
π° Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Adjustments)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Current Trade Relations)
π― 1. 4016.93.00.00 β Articles of Vulcanized Rubber (Most Common for Silicone Cups)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-specific, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Value usually exceeds $800 exemption threshold if bulk shipped; even if < $800, Section 301 may apply) |
| Legal Path | USITC:4016.93.00.00 β Footnote:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- The 3.4% base rate is standard for rubber articles.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies to most Chinese rubber/plastic goods.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge adds further cost for Chinese-origin goods.
- Total: 38.4% β This is a significant cost driver for Chinese-made menstrual cups entering the US.
π― 2. 3926.90.97.00 β Other Plastic Articles (For TPE Cups)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:3926.90.97.00 β Footnote:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- TPE is often treated as "plastic" by US Customs.
- Tariff impact is identical to rubber classification.
π― 3. 3005.90.00.00 β Hygiene Articles (Some EU/Alternative Interpretations)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 6.5% (EU) / Varies |
| Section 301 | Not always applicable if classified under Chapter 30 in some jurisdictions |
| IEEPA | May not apply if deemed "pharmaceutical/hygiene" in specific countries |
| Total Tariff Rate | Varies by Country (e.g., EU: 0β6.5%, US: Still 38.4% if misclassified) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ Applicable Rate |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Often Eligible if value < $800 (US) |
π Caution:
- Do not rely on this classification in the US without a Binding Ruling.
- In the EU, this may offer lower tariffs, but requires strict compliance with medical device hygiene standards.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material type (100% Silicone, TPE, Latex), size, capacity, FDA/CE compliance |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Proof of medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials |
| β Certificate of Free Sale | βοΈ | Issued by manufacturerβs country |
| β FDA 510(k) Clearance (if applicable) | βοΈ | For US market, most silicone cups are Class I medical devices, exempt from pre-market approval but must be registered |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: βReusable Menstrual Cup, Medical-Grade Silicone, Not for Disposable Useβ |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include quantity, weight, dimensions |
| β CE Marking Certificate | βοΈ | For EU/UK market |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial Matters, Reusability Defines, Avoid 9619 at All Costs!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Cup (Reusable) | 4016.93.00.00 (US) / 3005.90.00.00 (EU) |
β Using 9619.00.00.00 (Sanitary Towels) β Leads to 10β30% penalty + delay |
| TPE Cup (Reusable) | 3926.90.97.00 (US) |
β Using 9619.00.00.00 |
| Disposable Pads/Tampons | 9619.00.00.00 |
β Correct |
| Period Underwear | 9619.00.00.00 or 6217.10 |
β Not a cup |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide brand authorization letter to avoid IP claims |
| Gift Samples (< $800) | May qualify for de minimis exemption in the US, but ensure correct HS code is still used |
| Medical Device Claim | If marketed as βFDA-cleared,β ensure FDA registration number is on packaging |
| Bulk Shipments (> $800) | Subject to full tariffs (38.4% in US); consider Tariff Engineering or Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) usage |
π Part V: Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.93.00.00 or 3926.90.97.00 |
38.4% | FDA Registration, CPSIA (if applicable) | High tariff; consider Vietnam/Mexico sourcing for < 5% duty |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.93.00.00 |
5β10% | CCC (not always required for silicone) | Domestic market growing |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3005.90.00.00 or 4016.93.00.00 |
0β6.5% | CE Mark, REACH Compliance | Low tariffs; strict hygiene standards |
| π¬π§ UK | 3005.90.00.00 |
0β6.5% | UKCA Mark, MHRA Registration | Post-Brexit, aligns with EU rules |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4016.93.00.00 |
5% | TGA Registration (if medical) | Moderate duty |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4016.93.00.00 |
0β3% | PSE (if electrical components) | Low duty; high quality standards |
π Conclusion:
- US is the most expensive market for Chinese-made menstrual cups due to 38.4% combined tariffs.
- EU, UK, Australia, and Japan offer significantly lower duties (0β6.5%).
- Sourcing from Vietnam or Mexico can reduce US tariffs to 0β5% due to free trade agreements or origin rules.
π Part VI: Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Using HS Code 9619.00.00.00 (Sanitary Towels) for Menstrual Cups
π Consequence: Customs may flag as misdeclaration β Penalties, seizure, or return
β
Fix: Use 4016.93.00.00 or 3926.90.97.00
β Mistake 2: Failing to declare βReusableβ nature
π Consequence: Classified as disposable β Incorrect tariff & regulatory non-compliance
β
Fix: Clearly state βReusable Menstrual Cup, Medical-Grade Siliconeβ on invoice
β Mistake 3: Not providing MSDS or Material Certification
π Consequence: Delayed clearance, especially in EU/US for health products
β
Fix: Include MSDS and FDA/CE compliance documents
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 301 IEEPA Surcharges
π Consequence: Unexpected 35β40% cost increase
β
Fix: Factor into pricing or consider alternative sourcing
π― Part VII: Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Savings, Smooth Clearance!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ βReusable β Disposableβ β Never use HS 9619 for cups.
πΉ βMaterial Dictates Codeβ β Silicone/Latex β Ch. 40; TPE β Ch. 39.
πΉ βTariff Engineering Worksβ β Source from Vietnam/Mexico for US market to avoid 38.4% duty.
πΉ βDocumentation is Kingβ β MSDS, FDA/CE certificates, and clear descriptions prevent delays.
π Pro Tip:
If your menstrual cups are shipped under $800 per package, they may qualify for de minimis exemption in the US, but the HS code must still be correct. Misclassification can still lead to audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker for a Binding Ruling if unsure.
π¦ Ensure packaging includes: βReusable Menstrual Cup, FDA-Registered Facility, Medical-Grade Siliconeβ
π Consider multi-country sourcing to optimize tariff burden.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned β Get It Right the First Time!
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.