Natural Ambergris
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3301300000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3301905000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302199140 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302390090 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π Natural Ambergris (The "Floating Gold" of Perfumery)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Ambergris"?
Natural Ambergris is a rare, waxy, combustible substance found in the intestinal tracts of sperm whales. Historically and chemically, it is classified as a natural secretion/resinoid rather than a simple animal tissue. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on whether it is treated as a raw natural resin, an essential oil extract, or a specific plant/animal-derived thickener.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified as a Natural Resinoid/Extract β HS Codes 3301.30, 3301.90, or 1302.19.
- If classified as a Natural Mucus/Thickener β HS Code 1302.39.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Detail Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
3301.30.00.00 |
Natural Resinoids Ambergris is considered a natural resin category. |
Raw ambergris used as a base for natural perfumes/resins. | Base: 0.0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% β Total: 17.5% |
3301.90.50.00 |
Other Essential Oils/Resinoids Natural secretion classified as essential oil extract or concentration. |
Purified ambergris oil or concentrated extracts used in luxury fragrance formulations. | Base: 0.0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% β Total: 17.5% |
1302.19.91.40 |
Vegetable Juices & Extracts (Other) Natural secreted organic substance fitting other organic extract categories. |
Ambergris treated as a generic natural organic extract (less common but valid for specific purities). | Base: 0.0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% β Total: 17.5% |
1302.39.00.90 |
Natural Mucilages & Thickeners (Other) Natural animal/plant-source viscous substance. |
Ambergris classified as a natural viscous thickener/gelling agent. | Base: 3.2%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% β Total: 20.7% |
π Key Reminder:
- The 17.5% rate applies to the majority of classifications where Ambergris is seen as a resinoid or essential oil extract (3301or1302.19).
- The 20.7% rate applies only if it is specifically classified as a natural mucilage/thickener (1302.39), which includes a higher base tariff.
- Do not assume lower duties; even though the base rate is often 0%, the additive tariffs (Section 301 & 122) are mandatory for Chinese-origin goods entering the US.
π° 3. Detailed Tariff Rate Explanation (Including Additives & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) [Assumed based on tax structure in DATA]
β Effective Time: Current (Post-2024 Trade Policy)
π― 1. HS Codes 3301.30.00.00, 3301.90.50.00, 1302.19.91.40 ββ Natural Resinoids & Essential Oil Extracts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Supplementary Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable (High-value commodity, subject to full duty assessment) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β Section 122 β HS Code Category |
π Explanation:
- "Base 0%": Under normal MFN (Most Favored Nation) terms, these specific subheadings for resins/oils often have low or zero base rates.
- "Section 301 (7.5%)": This is the standard additional tariff for Chinese goods under the U.S.-China trade war framework.
- "Section 122 (10%)": This specific surcharge applies to certain chemical and pharmaceutical-related imports.
- Result: The 17.5% total is significant. While not as extreme as 25% or 100%, it impacts high-value luxury goods like Ambergris, where margins are tight.
π― 2. HS Code 1302.39.00.90 ββ Natural Mucilages & Thickeners
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.2% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Supplementary Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β Section 122 β HS Code Category |
π Note:
- If your customs broker classifies Ambergris as a "natural viscous substance" rather than an essential oil/resin, the base duty jumps from 0% to 3.2%.
- This results in a 20.7% total duty, which is 3.2% higher than the resinoid classification.
- Recommendation: Aim for the 17.5% classification (3301or1302.19) by emphasizing its use as a perfume fixative/resinoid rather than a thickener.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail origin, physical state (waxy solid/oil), and chemical composition. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for proving origin. If not from China, check for FTA benefits (though Ambergris is often global). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Natural Ambergris, Sperm Whale Origin" and value. |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | Specify: "Used as a natural fixative in perfumery" or "Raw Resinoid". Avoid vague terms like "organic material." |
| β CITES Documentation | βοΈ | CRITICAL: Ambergris is from Sperm Whales. Verify if CITES permits are required for import/export depending on jurisdiction and species protection status. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Define as Resin, Not Thickener; Fixative Use is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Ambergris Chunks | 3301.30.00.00 (Natural Resinoid) |
Declare as "Animal Wax" β May trigger different inspection. |
| Ambergris Oil/Extract | 3301.90.50.00 (Essential Oil) |
Declare as "Perfume Ingredient" β Too vague, may lead to higher base rate. |
| Used in High-End Perfume | 1302.19.91.40 (Organic Extract) |
Declare as "Food Additive" β Incorrect classification, high penalty risk. |
| Thickener Application | 1302.39.00.90 (Mucilage) |
Only use if actual functional use is thickening; otherwise higher tax (20.7%). |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| CITES Compliance | β οΈ Check Regulations: Sperm whales are protected. Ensure CITES Appendix I/II compliance. Some jurisdictions ban trade; others allow "found" ambergris with proof. |
| Misclassification Risk | If declared as "General Chemical," it may be rejected. Always link to HS Chapter 33 (Essential Oils) or 13 (Extracts). |
| High Value | Ambergris is extremely expensive ($50kβ$100k/kg). Insurance and secure logistics are mandatory. The 17.5β20.7% duty is substantial in absolute terms. |
π 5. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3301.30.00.00 / 3301.90.50.00 |
17.5% | None (if pure natural) | Highest demand; strict CITES check. |
| π¨π³ China | 1302.19.91.00 |
~5β7% | None | Major consumer market for natural ingredients. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3301.30.00 |
0β6% | REACH Compliance | Stricter on animal-derived products; may require ethical sourcing proof. |
| π¦πͺ UAE | 3301.30.00 |
5% | Halal Certification (if relevant) | Major hub for luxury perfumery. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA imposes a consistent 17.5% duty for resinoid/essential oil classifications.
- EU may have lower base duties but stricter REACH and animal product regulations.
- CITES is the universal bottleneck; ensure legal sourcing documentation is flawless.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring Ambergris as "General Chemical" or "Other Organic"
π Consequence: HS Code misclassification β Penalty + Delay. Customs may reclassify to a higher duty rate.
β Error 2: Ignoring CITES Regulations
π Consequence: Confiscation of goods + Heavy Fines. Sperm whale products are highly regulated.
β Error 3: Claiming "Plant Origin" when it is Animal Secretion
π Consequence: Fraud risk. Ambergris is a natural animal secretion. Misrepresentation leads to severe legal issues.
β Error 4: Using "Perfume" as the Product Name Only
π Consequence: Customs may classify it as a finished cosmetic (higher duty) or raw material (lower duty). Be Specific: Use "Natural Ambergris Resinoid".
β Correct Practice:
"Natural Ambergris (Sperm Whale Secretion), Raw Form, Used as Perfume Fixative, HS Code 3301.30.00.00, CITES Compliant"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Cut Costs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Resin/Oil = 17.5%, Thickener = 20.7%"
πΉ "CITES is King, Without It, Goods Are Lost"
πΉ "Be Specific: 'Ambergris Resinoid', Not 'Organic Paste'"
π Tip:
- Apply for an Advance Ruling if the volume is high.
- Verify CITES Status in the destination country before shipment.
- Document the "Natural" Origin clearly to justify the 0% base rate (if applicable).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a customs broker specializing in cosmetics/raw materials.
π Prepare CITES certificates and product specs.
π Ensure your Ambergris reaches the market legally, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Duty Counts in the Luxury Perfume Industry!
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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.