Polishing and Cleaning Agents
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π§Ό Polishing and Cleaning Agents (Surface Treatment & Hygiene Products)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Polishing and Cleaning Agents"?
Polishing and cleaning agents are essential chemical preparations used in household, industrial, and commercial settings. In international trade, they are strictly divided into two main categories based on their primary function and chemical composition:
1. Polishing and Creams (Heading 3405):
Preparations specifically designed for shining, buffing, or protecting surfaces (footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal). This includes scouring pastes and powders.
Key Feature: The primary goal is aesthetic improvement (shiny surface) or protective coating.
2. Cleaning and Surface-Active Preparations (Heading 3402):
Organic surface-active agents (excluding soap), washing preparations, and cleaning preparations.
Key Feature: The primary goal is removal of dirt, grease, or stains via emulsification or suspension.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a paste, cream, or powder primarily for buffing/shining surfaces (even if it has cleaning properties) β Classify under 3405.
- If the product is a liquid, detergent, or spray primarily for washing/cleaning via surface-active agents (surfactants) β Classify under 3402.
- Note: Waxes (Heading 3404) are explicitly excluded from 3405.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3405.40.00.00 |
Scouring pastes and powders and similar preparations (impregnated paper, wadding, felt, etc.) | Steel wool, scouring pads, abrasive cleaning pastes, metal/polishing powders | 25.0% |
3405.90.00.00 |
Polishes and creams, for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal (Other) | Shoe polish, furniture wax-free cream, car dashboard polish, glass polishing cream | 25.0% |
3402.90.50.10 |
Other Washing preparations (Surface-active agents, non-soap) | Dishwasher tablets, laundry detergent pods, heavy-duty degreasers, liquid soaps (non-traditional) | 0.0% |
3402.90.50.30 |
Other Cleaning preparations (Surface-active agents, non-soap) | All-purpose spray cleaners, bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, hand sanitizers (non-alcohol based) | 0.0% |
π Important Reminder:
- 3405 items are generally higher risk for high tariffs (25%) due to "additional tariffs" (likely Section 301 or similar trade measures depending on origin).
- 3402 items are currently tariff-free (0%), making them highly competitive for import.
- Do not classify simple waxes (like candle wax or pure beeswax) under 3405; they belong to 3404.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assuming standard trade context based on previous examples)
β Effective Time: Current rates as per 2026 tariff schedule
π― 1. 3405.40.00.00 & 3405.90.00.00 ββ Polishes, Creams, Scouring Pastes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / 25%) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (High-value chemical imports rarely qualify for low-value exemptions in bulk) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3405.40/90 β Section 301 Footnote β Total 25% |
π Explanation:
- These products fall under Heading 3405, which is explicitly excluded from waxes (3404).
- The 25% additional tariff applies to most Chinese-origin chemical preparations in this category.
- Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment of shoe polish will incur $2,500 in duties alone.
π― 2. 3402.90.50.10 & 3402.90.50.30 ββ Cleaning & Washing Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | N/A (Already 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3402.90.50 β Free Trade Agreements / MFN Status |
π Explanation:
- Liquid detergents, surfactant-based cleaners, and washing preparations are currently duty-free.
- This includes industrial degreasers, household all-purpose sprays, and laundry additives.
- Cost Impact: $10,000 shipment incurs $0 in duties (assuming no VAT/GST at entry).
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Missing = Delay)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must list active ingredients, pH level, physical state (liquid/paste/powder). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for chemical clearance. Must comply with GHS standards. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove origin and apply correct tax rates. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state HS Code and product name (e.g., "Liquid Glass Cleaner" not just "Cleaner"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight. |
| β Manufacturer Declaration | βοΈ | Confirming no hazardous materials if applicable (for air freight). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Liquid Clean Free, Paste Polish Pay!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Dish Soap | 3402.90.50.10 (0%) |
Misclassified as 3405 β 25% Duty |
| Powder Detergent | 3402.90.50.10 (0%) |
Misclassified as 3404 (Wax) β 0% but Wrong HS (Customs may reject) |
| Shoe Polish (Cream) | 3405.90.00.00 (25%) |
Claiming it's "cleaning" only β Audit Risk |
| Scouring Pad with Soap | 3405.40.00.00 (25%) |
Declaring as "Textile Product" β Misclassification |
| Car Wax (Pure Wax) | 3404.90.00.00 (Not in list) |
Declaring as 3405 β Rejection (3405 excludes waxes) |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Multi-purpose Cleaner | If it cleans AND polishes, classify based on primary function. If ambiguous, provide SDS showing primary active ingredient (surfactant vs. abrasive). |
| Impregnated Wipes | If paper/felt impregnated with polish β 3405.40.00.00 (25%).If impregnated with detergent β 3402.90.50.30 (0%). |
| Industrial Degreaser | Ensure itβs not a "solvent" (Heading 3814). If itβs surfactant-based, itβs 3402 (0%). |
| Essential Oils in Cleaner | If primarily for fragrance, still 3402. If therapeutic claim, may require FDA/Health approval. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3405.90.00.00 |
25% | SDS, GHS | High duty on polishes; 0% on cleaners. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3402.90.50.30 |
0% | SDS, GHS | Competitive advantage for liquids. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3405.10.00 |
~4-6% | REACH, CLP | REACH registration is mandatory for chemicals. |
| π¨π³ China | 3405.90.00 |
~5-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Varies by exact formulation. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3405.90.00 |
~0-5% | JIS Standards | Strict labeling requirements in Japanese. |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers a 25% tax gap between polishes (3405) and cleaners (3402).
- EU & Japan have lower base tariffs but stricter chemical registration (REACH, JIS).
- Strategy: If your product can function as both, emphasize cleaning/surfactant properties to aim for 3402 (0%).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Shoe Polish" as "Liquid Cleaner"
π Consequence: Customs audit β Penalty + Back Duty (25%).
π Reality: Shoe polish is a cream/paste for shining β 3405.
β Mistake 2: Classifying "Scouring Powder" as "Soap" (3401)
π Consequence: Incorrect HS Code β Delay.
π Reality: If it contains abrasives and is not a traditional soap bar, itβs 3405.40.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring SDS Requirements
π Consequence: Detention by CBP/DHS for safety review.
π Reality: All chemical imports require a valid SDS matching the declared composition.
β Mistake 4: Confusing "Wax" (3404) with "Polish Cream" (3405)
π Consequence: Misclassification.
π Reality: 3405 explicitly excludes waxes. If itβs pure wax, use 3404. If itβs a emulsion/cream with abrasives, use 3405.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Liquid All-Purpose Cleaner, Surfactant-Based, 1L Bottle, Model XYZ, SDS Available" β 3402.90.50.30 (0%)
"Paste Shoe Polish, Non-Wax Based, 100g Tube, Model ABC" β 3405.90.00.00 (25%)
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Liquids Clean for Free, Pastes Polish with Fee!"
πΉ "SDS is King, HS Code is Queen, Misclassification is a Crime!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a multi-purpose spray that claims to both clean and polish, provide a Technical Data Sheet highlighting the primary active ingredient as a surfactant rather than an abrasive. This may help argue for 3402 (0%) classification. However, be prepared for customs scrutiny.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare a detailed SDS and Product Composition Sheet.
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if unsure about classification for high-value shipments.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Your cost savings are calculated in every drop and every gram!
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.