Panty Liner
CN β USAI Analysis
πΈ Panty Liners (Sanitary Napkins, Panty Liners & Similar Articles)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategies
π Part 1: Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Panty Liners"?
Panty liners are personal hygiene products designed for light menstrual flow or daily discharge. In international trade, they fall primarily under Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous manufactured articles), specifically heading 9619.
Key Distinction:
- Panty Liners/Sanitary Napkins: Disposable or reusable absorbent products used for hygiene. β HS Code 9619
- Textile Underwear: If the item is primarily a piece of clothing (e.g., cotton panties with a small absorbent insert that is not the main function), it may fall under 6104/6204. However, dedicated "panty liners" are always 9619.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is a disposable absorbent pad (with or without wings, adhesive, or packaging) β 9619.00
- If it is a reusable cloth liner (textile-based, no absorbent core) β 6104/6204 (Apparel)
- Most commercial imports refer to disposable liners β 9619.00.00.00
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Is it Disposable? |
|---|---|---|---|
9619.00.00.00 |
Sanitary Napkins and Tampons, Panty Liners and Similar Articles | Disposable hygiene pads, liners, wipes | β Yes |
6104.93.00.00 |
Womenβs or girlsβ panties and briefs, knitted or crocheted | Reusable cloth liners (rare for import as "liners") | β No (Apparel) |
6212.30.00.00 |
Brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, garters | Not applicable to panty liners | β N/A |
π Key Reminder:
- 9619.00.00.00 is the universal code for disposable panty liners, sanitary napkins, and tampons.
- Ensure your product description explicitly states "Disposable Panty Liner" to avoid misclassification as apparel.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rates (Including Additional Duties and Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025-2026 (Current Trade Environment)
π― 1. 9619.00.00.00 ββ Panty Liners, Sanitary Napkins, Tampons
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0% (No Section 301 tariff applies to this HS code) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% (No IEEPA surcharge applies to this HS code) |
| Total Duty Rate | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (For shipments under $800, no duty or tax is collected) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9619.00.00.00 β No Footnotes for Additional Tariffs |
π Explanation:
- Personal hygiene products like panty liners are exempt from Section 301 tariffs (25%) and IEEPA surcharges (10%).
- This is a zero-duty item for US imports from China, making it highly competitive.
- However, check for FDA requirements if the product is marketed as a medical device (e.g., for post-surgical care).
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation (None Omitted)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Disposable Panty Liners, Made in China" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include total count, net weight, gross weight |
| β FDA Registration (If Applicable) | βοΈ | Most general panty liners are Class I medical devices or consumer goods. Register with FDA if marketed for medical use (e.g., post-partum). |
| β Ingredient/Composition Statement | βοΈ | Specify materials: SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), pulp, non-woven fabric |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Not required for duty-free, but good for proof |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βClear Name, Zero Duty, FDA Check, Easy Clear!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Panty Liners | 9619.00.00.00 β "Disposable Panty Liners" |
Misdeclare as "Textile Underwear" β 10-15% duty + scrutiny |
| Reusable Cloth Liners | 6104.93.00.00 β "Knitted Cotton Liners" |
Use 9619 β Customs may reject or reclassify |
| Medical-Grade Liners | 9619.00.00.00 + FDA Documentation |
No FDA docs if claimed as "medical" β Seizure Risk |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| FDA Classification | - General Hygiene: No FDA approval needed. - Post-Surgical/Heavy Flow: May require FDA Class I registration. - Always declare accurately: "For personal hygiene use" |
| Packaging Claims | - Avoid medical claims like "treats infection" unless FDA-approved. - Use "Absorbent Hygiene Product" for safety. |
| Wooden Pallets | - ISPM 15 certification required if using wooden pallets. |
| Private Label | - Provide brand authorization if selling under a different brand name. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9619.00.00.00 |
0% | FDA (if medical) | Zero duty, easy clearance |
| π¨π³ China | 9619.00.00.00 |
0% | N/A | Duty-free, widely imported |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9619.00.00.00 |
0% | CE (if medical) | No VAT on imports, but local VAT applies |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9619.00.00.00 |
0% | TGA (if medical) | GST applies to low-value goods |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9619.00.00.00 |
0% | PMDA (if medical) | Strict labeling requirements |
π Conclusion:
- USA, China, EU, Australia, Japan all have 0% duty for panty liners (HS 9619).
- The main challenge is not duty, but regulatory compliance (FDA/CE/TGA) if marketed for medical purposes.
- De Minimis ($800 in US) allows small shipments to enter duty-free and tax-free.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring disposable liners as "Underwear" (HS 6104)
π Consequence: Duty jumps to 10-15%, plus customs delay.
β Mistake 2: Not checking FDA requirements for "medical-grade" claims
π Consequence: Product seizure if marketed as treating medical conditions without registration.
β Mistake 3: Vague product description ("Hygiene Product")
π Consequence: Customs may request additional info, causing delays.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring ISPM 15 for wooden pallets
π Consequence: Pallets rejected or treated at port, incurring costs.
β Correct Practice:
"Disposable Panty Liners, Non-Medical, Made in China, HS 9619.00.00.00, FDA Registered Facility (if applicable)"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "9619 is Zero Duty, FDA Check if Medical, Clear Name, Easy Clear!"
πΉ "Donβt call it underwear, call it hygiene, save money and time!"
π Tip:
- If your panty liners are sold as general consumer goods, no FDA approval is needed.
- If marketed as post-surgical or heavy-flow medical aids, ensure FDA Class I registration.
- Always use HS 9619.00.00.00 for disposable liners.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm FDA status for your product.
π Use accurate HS Code 9619.00.00.00 for zero duty and smooth clearance.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Hygiene Products Deserve a Smooth Journey to Market!
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.