Play Doh
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3407002000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3407004000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000073 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000071 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506105000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
Here is the Wiki-style professional guide for Play-Doh (Modeling Compound), based on the provided HS Code data and tax regulations for US imports.
π¨ Play-Doh & Modeling Compounds (Children's Amusement & Art)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tax Update | Child Safety Compliance
π I. Product Definition: What is "Play-Doh"?
Play-Doh and similar modeling compounds are non-drying, oil-based or water-based pastes designed for children's creativity and amusement. In international trade, they fall under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, or Chapter 35) or Chapter 95 (Toys).
However, for customs classification purposes, the distinction lies in function and packaging: 1. Art/Modeling Paste: Specifically put up for "children's amusement" or general modeling. 2. Adhesives: Glue-like substances put up for retail sale under 1kg. 3. Toys: If the compound is part of a toy set (e.g., a Play-Doh kitchen set), it might fall under Chapter 95.
β οΈ Key Classification Distinction:
- If sold as a standalone modeling paste for children: 3407.00.20.00 (0% Tax).
- If sold as a generic glue/adhesive under 1kg (retail): 3506.10.50.00 (0% Tax) or 3506.99.00.00 (27.1% Tax).
- If part of a toy set for kids: 9503.00.00 (0% Tax).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tax Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Target Audience | Packaging Condition | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3407.00.20.00 | Modeling pastes, including those put up for children's amusement | All Ages | Standalone modeling compound | 0.0% |
| 3506.10.50.00 | Prepared glues... put up for retail sale (β€1kg): Other | General Use | Small retail glue jars (not specifically "toys") | 0.0% |
| 3506.99.00.00 | Prepared glues... put up for retail sale (β€1kg): Other | General Use | Generic adhesives (not specified for children) | 27.1% |
| 9503.00.00.71 | Childrenβs products: Labeled for Under 3 years | Toddlers (<3) | Toy sets containing modeling paste | 0.0% |
| 9503.00.00.73 | Childrenβs products: Labeled for 3 to 12 years | Kids (3-12) | Toy sets containing modeling paste | 0.0% |
| 3407.00.40.00 | Dental wax/impression compounds; Other dental prep | Dental Prof. | Not for children's play | 0.0% |
π Critical Note:
- 3407.00.20.00 is the "Golden Code" for Play-Doh. It explicitly includes "children's amusement," granting a 0% duty.
- 3506.99.00.00 is the "Trap Code". If your product is described merely as "modeling glue" without emphasizing "children's amusement," it triggers the 27.1% total tax (2.1% Base + 25% Additional).
- 9503.xxxx applies only if the modeling paste is sold inside a toy set (e.g., "Play-Doh Kitchen").
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Market)
β Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed for Additional Tariffs)
β Effective Date: Current Season (2025-2026)
π― 1. 3407.00.20.00 β Modeling Pastes (Children's Amusement)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 / Additional Tax | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 0.0% |
| Why? | This code is exempt from the "Additional Tariffs" (301 List) because it is classified as a specific "modeling paste for children," not a generic industrial adhesive. |
| Legal Path | Heading 3407 β Subheading 3407.00.20 (Children's Amusement) |
π― 2. 3506.10.50.00 β Retail Glues (β€1kg)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tax | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 0.0% |
| Why? | Small retail adhesives (β€1kg) are often exempt from Section 301 if they are "prepared glues" and not specified as high-risk industrial chemicals. |
π― 3. 3506.99.00.00 β Other Prepared Glues/Adhesives
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% |
| Section 301 / Additional Tax | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 27.1% |
| Why? | This is the catch-all category for adhesives not listed elsewhere. If your product lacks the specific "children's amusement" label or is misclassified as a generic industrial glue, this tax applies. |
| Risk Level | π¨ HIGH (Cost increase of ~25%) |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Strategy (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Description | Must explicitly state: "Modeling paste for children's amusement" | To qualify for 3407.00.20.00 (0% tax). |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Must confirm non-toxic, child-safe formulation | Required for CPSIA compliance (US). |
| Packaging Photos | Show age labels (e.g., "0-3 yrs", "3-12 yrs") | To justify 9503 or 3407.00.20 classification. |
| Commercial Invoice | Do NOT use generic terms like "Industrial Glue" or "Craft Paste" | Prevents misclassification into 3506.99.00 (27.1% tax). |
| CPSIA Compliance | Third-party test report (ASTM F963) | Mandatory for "Children's Products" under 15 U.S.C. Β§ 2052. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ Rule: "Call it a Toy/Modeling Paste, Not a Glue!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration (Safe) | Incorrect Declaration (Risky) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone Tub | "Modeling paste for children's amusement, non-toxic" | "Art Glue" or "Craft Paste" | Safe (0%) β Risky (27.1%) |
| Toy Set | "Play-Doh Toy Set for Children 3+" | "Children's Toy Accessories" | Safe (0%) β Risky (27.1%) |
| Retail Size | "Adhesive for retail sale, β€1kg (Child Toy)" | "Industrial Adhesive" | Safe (0%) β Risky (27.1%) |
β 3. Special Considerations for "Children's Products"
If your product is intended for children (under 12), it triggers CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) requirements: - Age Grading: Must be clearly labeled (Under 3 or 3-12). - Testing: Heavy metals and phthalates testing is mandatory. - Tracking Labels: Physical labels on the product/packaging. - Consequence: If you fail to provide CPSIA compliance for a product intended for children, CBP will seize the goods regardless of the HS Code.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3407.00.20.00 |
0% | CPSIA Compliance + Age Labeling |
| π¨π³ China | 3407.00.20.00 |
Varies | CCC Certification |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3407.00 |
3.5% | EN71 Safety Standard |
| π¬π§ UK | 3407.00 |
3.5% | UKCA Marking |
π Conclusion:
The US market is unique because misclassifying Play-Doh as a generic adhesive (3506.99.00.00) can double your costs (27.1% vs 0%).
Correctly classifying it as "Modeling paste for children's amusement" (3407.00.20.00) ensures 0% duty, but requires strict adherence to safety labeling.
π VI. Common Mistakes & "Blood and Tears" Lessons
β Mistake 1: Calling it "Glue" on the Invoice
π Result: CBP assumes it is 3506.99.00.00 β 27.1% Tax assessed.
β
Fix: Use "Modeling Compound" or "Play-Doh" in the description.
β Mistake 2: Missing Age Label
π Result: CBP treats it as a general adhesive or detains for CPSIA violation.
β
Fix: Add "For use by children" + Age range on packaging.
β Mistake 3: Splitting the Shipment
π Result: If you split a toy set into "Paste" + "Molds" and declare them separately, you risk inconsistent classification.
β
Fix: Declare the entire set under 9503.00.00.71/73 (Toy) if it includes tools, or 3407.00.20.00 if sold as paste.
π― VII. Final Summary: The Play-Doh Success Formula
π― The Formula for 0% Duty:
"Children's Amusement" + "Modeling Paste" + "CPSIA Label" =
3407.00.20.00
π Action Plan:
1. Rename your product description to "Modeling Paste for Children's Amusement".
2. Verify your packaging has clear age grading (0-3 or 3-12).
3. Prepare CPSIA test reports before shipping.
4. Declare using HS Code 3407.00.20.00 to avoid the 27.1% trap.
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a "Dental Wax" (used by dentists), it goes to 3407.00.40.00 (0%), but it cannot be marketed for children's play. Be careful not to mix "Toy" marketing with "Dental" codes!
π£ Ready to Ship?
π Contact a Customs Broker: "I need to classify 'Modeling Paste for Children' under 3407.00.20.00."
π Checklist: β Safety Labeling β CPSIA Test β Accurate Invoice Description.
π Result: Smooth Clearance, 0% Tax, Happy Kids!
β¨ Precision in Classification = Profit in Logistics!
πΌ Don't let a wrong HS Code cost you 25% of your margin!
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.