Nivea Sun Protection Cream
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3304995000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304991000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🌞 Nivea Sun Protection Cream
🌐 HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One-Stop Reference for Sunscreen Product Clearance
📦 一、Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Nivea Sun Protection Cream"?
Nivea Sun Protection Cream is a cosmetic skincare preparation designed to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. It falls under the category of non-medicinal beauty and skincare products, including sunscreens and sun tan preparations.
⚠️ Key Classification Rule:
- If it's a non-medicinal sunscreen cream (not a drug, not for treating skin conditions), and not in a retail pack of petroleum jelly, it belongs to "Other" under subheading 3304.99.
- If it contains petroleum jelly and is packaged for retail sale, it falls under 3304.99.10.00.✅ Nivea Sun Protection Cream (e.g., Nivea Sun Milk, Nivea Sun Cream) is not petroleum jelly-based, and is not pre-packaged as petroleum jelly → classified under 3304.99.50.00
📌 二、HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable to | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
3304.99.50.00 |
Beauty or make-up preparations and skincare products (non-medicinal), including sunscreen/sun tan products; Other; Other; Other | Nivea Sun Cream, Sun Milk, Sun Lotion (non-drug, non-petroleum jelly based) | ✅ Not petroleum jelly ✅ Not pre-packaged for retail as petroleum jelly |
3304.99.10.00 |
Beauty or make-up preparations and skincare products (non-medicinal), including sunscreen/sun tan products; Other; Other; Petroleum jelly put up for retail sale | Retail packs of pure petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline-style tubes) | ❌ Not applicable to Nivea Sun Cream |
🔍 Critical Distinction:
- Nivea Sun Protection Cream ≠ Petroleum Jelly → Do NOT use 3304.99.10.00
- Even if it contains mineral oil or emollients, as long as it’s not labeled or marketed as "petroleum jelly", it’s 3304.99.50.00
💰 三、2026 Tariff & Duty Breakdown (U.S. Market – China Origin)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including all subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3304.99.50.00 — Sun Protection Cream (Non-Petroleum Jelly, Non-Medicinal)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Emergency Economic Powers Act Duty | +10.0% (for products from China/Hong Kong) |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold (US) | ❌ Not applicable (denied) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3304.99.50.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- USITC 25%: From Section 301 Tariff List (China trade actions)
- IEEPA 10%: From International Emergency Economic Powers Act (China-specific sanctions)
- Total = 35% — High tariff, but lower than panel-based electronics
- No de minimis relief → Even small shipments are fully taxed
🎯 2. 3304.99.10.00 — Petroleum Jelly Put Up for Retail Sale
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Emergency Economic Powers Act Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold (US) | ❌ Not applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3304.99.10.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- This code only applies to pure petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline, Aquaphor) sold in retail packaging
- Nivea Sun Cream is NOT petroleum jelly, so this code is NOT applicable
🛠️ 四、Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays & Penalties)
✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: “Sun Protection Cream, Non-Medicinal, Not Petroleum Jelly” |
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Include ingredients, SPF level, usage, packaging type |
| ✅ Product Photos (Label + Packaging) | ✔️ | Show no “petroleum jelly” labeling |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Prove non-medicinal status (no drug claims) |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | If from China, may trigger 35% duty |
| ✅ MSDS / Safety Data Sheet | ✔️ | For hazardous ingredient disclosure (if any) |
| ✅ Packaging List | ✔️ | Show no mixed components (e.g., no separate petroleum jelly packs) |
✅ 2.申报技巧 (Pro申报 Tips)
🔥 “Label Right, Declare Right, Duty Low!”
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Nivea Sun Cream (e.g., SPF 50) | 3304.99.50.00 |
❌ Misdeclaring as 3304.99.10.00 |
| Pure Vaseline in retail tube | 3304.99.10.00 |
❌ Misdeclaring as 3304.99.50.00 |
| Sunscreen with mineral oil base | 3304.99.50.00 |
❌ Claiming “petroleum jelly” |
| Multi-product pack (cream + stick) | Declare as one product | ❌ Splitting into separate HS codes |
✅ Correct Product Description for申报:
"Nivea Sun Protection Cream, SPF 50, Non-Medicinal, Not Containing Petroleum Jelly, Retail Pack, 100g"
✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| OEM or Private Label Version | Provide brand agreement + ingredient list to prove no drug claims |
| Sunscreen with SPF 50+ | Still falls under 3304.99.50.00 — no drug classification unless labeled for medical use |
| Importing to EU/UK/Australia | Check local tariffs — EU: 0% (if CE certified), Australia: 5%, UK: 0% |
| Customs Audit Risk | Prepare to prove non-medicinal status — no claims like “treats sunburn” or “prevents skin cancer” |
🌍 五、Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 3304.99.50.00 |
35.0% (China origin) | FDA (non-drug), FCC (if electronic) | No de minimis |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3304.99.50.00 |
5% | CCC, GMPC | No additional tariffs |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 3304.99.50.00 |
0% (if CE & IFRA compliant) | CE, IFRA, EU Cosmetics Regulation | No extra duties |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3304.99.50.00 |
5% | RCM, TGA (if claims) | No extra tariffs |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3304.99.50.00 |
0% | PSE, JIS | No extra duties |
📌 Key Insight:
- The U.S. is the only major market with 35% duty on Nivea Sun Cream from China
- EU, UK, Australia, Japan all have 0–5% — great for export diversification
📌 六、Common Mistakes & Risk Warnings (Avoid These!)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Nivea Sun Cream as 3304.99.10.00 (Petroleum Jelly)
👉 Result: Incorrect HS Code → Customs delay, penalty, or seizure
❌ Mistake 2: Using “petroleum jelly” in product name or description
👉 Result: Even if not pure jelly → Risk of misclassification
❌ Mistake 3: Not proving non-medicinal status
👉 Result: May be reclassified as a drug → Higher duty + regulatory issues
❌ Mistake 4: Splitting product into multiple packages
👉 Result: Each package taxed separately → Higher total cost
✅ Best Practice:
Always use “Non-Medicinal Sun Protection Cream” in the invoice and label
Avoid any mention of “petroleum jelly” unless it’s truly a petroleum jelly product
🎯 七、Conclusion: Smart Importing Starts with Accurate HS Code
🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:
🔹 "If it’s not petroleum jelly, don’t use 3304.99.10.00!"
🔹 "Sunscreen ≠ Drug ≠ Petroleum Jelly"
🔹 "3304.99.50.00 = 35% duty in U.S. (China origin)"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your Nivea Sun Cream is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption → 0% duty
✅ Apply for Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) with U.S. Customs to lock in the correct HS Code and duty rate
📣 Take Action Now!
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product photos + request HS Code pre-determination
🚀 Avoid costly delays, penalties, or rejections — import with confidence!
✨ Precision Classification = Lower Duty = Higher Profit!
💼 Your product’s success starts at the HS Code level.
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.