Photo Stain Remover
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3307490000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808925080 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3307900000 | 40.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808922800 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ό Photo Stain Remover (Photographic Cleaner)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Expert-Level Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Photo Stain Remover"?
Photo Stain Removers are specialized chemical preparations designed to clean, restore, or maintain photographic materials (prints, negatives, slides). They are typically liquid or gel-based solutions containing surfactants, solvents, or enzymes to remove dust, fingerprints, mold, or chemical stains without damaging the image emulsion.
In international trade, these products sit at the intersection of cosmetics/toiletries and chemical preparations. Their classification depends heavily on their primary function (deodorizing vs. cleaning) and chemical composition (fungicidal vs. general cleaning agents).
β οΈ Key Classification Pivot Points:
- Is it primarily for deodorizing/deodorization? β Chapter 33 (Perfumery/Cosmetics)
- Is it primarily a fungicide/mold inhibitor? β Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products)
- What is the exact chemical basis? β Determines specific subheading under 3307 or 3808.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Logic from Data | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3307.49.00.00 | Preparations for Deodorizing | Based on the name "Anti-mold agent," it is inferred that its function belongs to deodorizing or deodorizing-related chemical preparations, fitting the use characteristic of "preparations for deodorizing," with no material conflict. | Deodorizing sprays, air fresheners, or cleaners with strong odor-control properties. |
| 3808.92.50.80 | Other Fungicides | The product use is "anti-mold," belonging to the category of fungicides; the material/form is reasonably inferred to be a chemical preparation, fitting the classification logic of "other fungicides" under 3808.92.50.80. | Mold-resistant sprays for storage, archival preservation, or industrial mold prevention. |
| 3307.90.00.00 | Other Perfumery/Cosmetic Preparations | The "anti-mold agent" in the product name belongs to chemical preparations, fitting the use category of "other toiletries/preparations" under "other perfumes, cosmetics or toilet preparations," with no material conflict. | General-purpose cleaning liquids not specifically deodorizing or strictly fungicidal. |
| 3808.92.28.00 | Other Fungicides (Sulfonamide-based) | The product "anti-mold agent" is for bactericidal purposes, fitting the classification of fungicides in HS codes; although the chemical composition is not specified, common sense infers it contains sulfonamides or similar organic sulfur chemicals, with no obvious material conflict with the "other" category. | Specific chemical mold inhibitors containing sulfur-based compounds. |
π Critical Note:
- The term "Photo Stain Remover" is ambiguous. If the primary function is cleaning stains, it might not fit "Deodorizing" (3307.49). However, the provided data links "Anti-mold" to these codes. - If the product is purely a cleaning agent (no mold-fighting claim), it might fall under 3402 (Organic Surface-Active Agents) or 3808 (Biocides/Pesticides) depending on formulation. However, we strictly adhere to the provided data which links it to mold/deodorizing functions.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Post-2025 (Current Tariff Structure)
π― 1. 3307.49.00.00 β Preparations for Deodorizing
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (Additional) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Denied for Section 301/122 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3307.49.00.00 β SECTION301:25% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- This code assumes the product is classified as a deodorizing preparation. - High Cost Alert: At 41%, this is a significant tariff burden. Ensure the product labeling supports the "deodorizing" claim if using this code.
π― 2. 3808.92.50.80 β Other Fungicides
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (Additional) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3808.92.50.80 β SECTION301:25% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- This code applies if the product is marketed as a mold/mildew killer (fungicide). - Savings: Saves 1.0% compared to 3307.49.00.00. - Regulatory Note: Fungicides may require EPA registration for sale in the US.
π― 3. 3307.90.00.00 β Other Perfumery/Cosmetic Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.4% |
| Section 301 Tariff (Additional) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3307.90.00.00 β SECTION301:25% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- A catch-all for cosmetic/toiletry preparations not elsewhere specified. - Middle Ground: Slightly cheaper than 3307.49 but more expensive than 3808.92.50.
π― 4. 3808.92.28.00 β Other Fungicides (Sulfur-Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Tariff (Additional) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3808.92.28.00 β SECTION301:25% β IEEPA:10% |
π Explanation:
- Lowest Tariff Option at 38.7% among the four. - Requirement: The product must contain sulfonamides or similar organic sulfur compounds. If it does not, this classification is incorrect and risky.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must list active ingredients (e.g., "Sulfonamide," "Quaternary Ammonium Compounds"). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Essential for chemical products. Classify hazard class clearly. |
| β EPA Registration (if Fungicide) | βοΈ | If claiming "Anti-mold" or "Fungicide," EPA registration is mandatory for US sales. |
| β Formula Disclosure | βοΈ | To justify HS Code 3808.92.28.00 (Sulfur-based), provide chemical composition proof. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Photo Cleaning Solution" or "Mold Inhibitor." |
| β Packaging Label | βοΈ | Must match SDS and EPA claims. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Takeaways)
π₯ βKnow Your Active Ingredient! Claiming βAnti-Moldβ triggers EPA + Higher Duty, but Lower Base Rate!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Contains Sulfonamide/Organic Sulfur | 3808.92.28.00 |
Lowest Duty (38.7%). Best if formula allows. |
| General Mold Killer (No Sulfur) | 3808.92.50.80 |
Standard Fungicide (40.0%). Requires EPA Reg. |
| Deodorizing/Scented Cleaner | 3307.49.00.00 |
Cosmetic Angle (41.0%). Avoids EPA if no biocidal claim. |
| General Purpose Cleaner | 3307.90.00.00 |
Catch-All (40.4%). Use if function is unclear. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do not use "Photo Stain Remover" as the sole description if it contains biocides. The CBP may classify it under 3808 by default, leading to duty disputes. - If you market it as "Anti-Mold," you must have EPA registration. Otherwise, it will be seized or detained.
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| No Active Biocidal Ingredients | If itβs just surfactants (soap-like), consider 3402 (Surface-Active Agents). Note: Not in provided data, but potentially lower duty. |
| Small Quantities for Personal Use | Still subject to tariffs. No de minimis exemption for Section 301/122 goods. |
| Mixed Packaging | If sold with brushes or sprayers, declare as kit or separate items? Best to declare as set under the principal item (the liquid). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.92.28.00 |
38.7% | EPA + SDS | Highest regulatory barrier. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.92.28.00 |
~6-9% | None | Low duty, easy entry. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.92 |
~5-10% | REACH | REACH registration required for chemicals. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3808.92 |
~5-10% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit, UK REACH applies. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. - Chemical compliance (EPA/REACH) is the biggest hurdle, not just tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Using 3307 (Cosmetics) for a product that kills mold.
π Result: CBP reclassifies to 3808, imposes higher duty + EPA violation fines.
β Mistake 2: Claiming "Anti-Mold" without EPA Registration.
π Result: Seizure by FDA/CBP. Product destroyed.
β Mistake 3: Using 3808.92.28.00 for a non-sulfur product.
π Result: Audits, back taxes, and penalties for misclassification.
β Correct Practice:
"Photo Cleaning Solution, Sulfonamide-Based, Anti-Fungal, EPA Reg. No. XXXXX, Liquid, 100ml Bottle"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Sulfur? Go 3808.28 (38.7%). No Sulfur? Go 3808.50 (40.0%). Deodorant? Go 3307.49 (41.0%)."
πΉ "EPA Reg is a Must for 'Anti-Mold'. No Reg, No Sale!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is non-biocidal (just cleaning agents), consider re-formulating or re-labeling to avoid the 40%+ tariff and EPA complexity. Pure detergents may fall under 3402, which often has lower duties and no EPA requirement.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your Customs Broker to confirm the active ingredients.
π Ensure EPA Registration if using terms like "Anti-Mold," "Mildew Remover," or "Fungicide."
π Choose3808.92.28.00if possible to save 1.3% vs. other options, but ensure chemical accuracy.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in the age of Trade Wars!
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.