Retail Packaged Aromatic Insecticide
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808912501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808911500 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3307410000 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3307490000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3809921000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3809931000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π¦ Retail Packaged Aromatic Insecticide: HS Code & Tax Strategy Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Is Your "Insecticide" Aromatic?
"Retail Packaged Aromatic Insecticide" refers to pest control products specifically designed for retail sale (e.g., coils, sprays, candles, incense-like sticks) that contain aromatic or modified aromatic chemical compounds as the active killing agent.
In international trade, the distinction between "standard insecticides" and "aromatic insecticides" is the single most critical factor for tax liability. If your product contains aromatic substances, it falls under the strict 3808 classification, triggering significantly higher tariffs than non-aromatic alternatives.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic: - Form/Packaging: Must be "put up for retail sale" (individual units like coils, wicks, sprays). - Composition: Must contain >0% aromatic or modified aromatic insecticide. - Function: Insecticidal action via burning, repellency, or toxicity. - Specific Exception: If the mixture is a specific named compound (e.g., N-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide), a unique code exists with different tax treatment.
π¦ II. Detailed HS Code Breakdown (Based on 2026 Data)
| HS Code | Product Description (Exact Match) | Key Conditions | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.91.25.01 |
Insecticides... Containing any aromatic or modified aromatic insecticide... Other | β
Retail packaged β Contains aromatic active ingredient β General aromatic insecticides |
β οΈ High Tariff (31.5%) |
3808.91.15.00 |
Insecticides... Containing N-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide... Mixtures | β
Retail packaged β Specific Chemical Only: N-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide β Inert substances only |
β οΈ Medium Tariff (25.0%) |
π Critical Distinction: - Most "aromatic insecticides" (e.g., pyrethroids with aromatic rings, traditional incense coils, citronella blends) fall under
3808.91.25.01. - Only the specific mixture containingN-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (often known as Clothianidin analogues or specific neonicotinoid derivatives) qualifies for the specialized code3808.91.15.00.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Analysis (Detailed Tax Breakdown)
β Applicable Region: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Status: Active Import Tariffs
π― Scenario A: General Aromatic Insecticide (3808.91.25.01)
| Tax Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% | Standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate for chemical insecticides. |
| Section 301 / Additional Tariff | 25.0% | Additional duties imposed on Chinese-origin goods in this category. |
| Total Tariff Rate | 31.5% | Sum of Base + Additional. |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
Duties are calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight value. |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO | Small shipments (under $800) generally do not apply if classified under 301-listed chemical codes. |
π Expert Insight: The 31.5% rate applies to almost all retail insecticides that rely on aromatic chemicals (e.g., standard mosquito coils, bug sprays with aromatic carriers, and "incense" insecticides). This is a very high duty rate compared to non-aromatic pesticides.
π― Scenario B: Specific Mixture Insecticide (3808.91.15.00)
| Tax Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | MFN rate for this specific specialized mixture. |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% | Section 301 tariff applies to the mixture. |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% | Sum of Base + Additional. |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
|
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO | Specific 301 coverage applies. |
π Expert Insight: While still high (25%), this code offers a 6.5% saving compared to general aromatic insecticides (
3808.91.25.01). However, this only applies if the product is strictly a mixture of the specific chemicalN-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide and inert substances. Any other aromatic insecticide defaults to 31.5%.
π οΈ IV. Clearance & Operational Strategy (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Must be included | Proves the presence of "aromatic" components. If the SDS lists aromatic solvents/active ingredients, 3808.91.25.01 is mandatory. |
| Chemical Composition Sheet | Detailed % breakdown | Crucial for distinguishing between general aromatic (3808.91.25.01) and the specific 3808.91.15.00 mixture. |
| Product Label | Retail Packaged | Must clearly show "For Retail Sale" (e.g., individual coil boxes). Bulk packaging may fall under different codes. |
| Manufacturer's Declaration | Origin & Chemical ID | Verifies the specific active ingredient to avoid misclassification penalties. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (The Golden Rule)
π₯ The "Aromatic Trap" Rule: "If it smells aromatic and kills bugs, it's likely 31.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk of Misdeclaration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Mosquito Coil | 3808.91.25.01 |
High Risk: If declared as "General Pesticide" (lower rate), it will be audited and fined. |
| Specialized Clothianidin Mix | 3808.91.15.00 |
Critical: Must prove the exact chemical name. If the chemical name is missing, Customs will default to 3808.91.25.01 (31.5%). |
| Non-Aromatic Insecticide | 3808.94 or similar |
Opportunity: If you can reformulate to non-aromatic bases, you might avoid the 25% Section 301 surcharge entirely. |
β 3. Special Case: "Agarbatti" vs. Insecticide
Note: Some incense products are classified differently.
| Product Type | HS Code | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Scented Incense (Agarbatti) | 3307.41.00.00 |
0.0% (Perfume/Deodorizer) |
| Insecticidal Incense (Aromatic Insecticide) | 3808.91.25.01 |
31.5% |
β οΈ Warning: Do not declare "Incense" (Agarbatti) if the product is labeled and sold as an insecticide. If it kills bugs and contains aromatic insecticides, it is 3808, not 3307. Customs will reclassify it and charge the difference + penalties.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.91.25.01 |
31.5% | Highest duty due to aromatic classification. |
| πΊπΈ USA (Special Mix) | 3808.91.15.00 |
25.0% | Only for specific named mixture. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.91 |
~5-8% | No Section 301; lower base rates. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.91 |
~13% | Export duties may apply. |
π VI. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
β Error 1: Misclassifying as "General Pesticide"
- Action: Declaring 3808.91.99 (Other) for an aromatic product.
- Consequence: 31.5% tariff applied automatically + 10% penalty for underpayment.
- Fix: Ensure chemical analysis confirms "aromatic" status.
β Error 2: Confusing "Incense" with "Insecticide"
- Action: Declaring "Agarbatti" (3307) for bug-repellent incense.
- Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 3808 (31.5%) and fines for fraud.
- Fix: If it kills bugs, declare as Insecticide (3808), regardless of "incense" appearance.
β Error 3: Missing Chemical Specifics
- Action: Declaring 3808.91.15.00 without the specific chemical name in the packing list.
- Consequence: Customs defaults to the higher rate 3808.91.25.01.
- Fix: Always list the full chemical name: N-[[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]- carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide.
π― VII. Conclusion: Strategic Recommendations
- Verify Chemical Composition: Before shipping, get a lab report confirming if your active ingredient is "aromatic" or the specific
3808.91.15.00mixture. - Price Calculation: Factor in 31.5% (or 25%) into your landed cost calculation immediately. This is not a negotiable rate for Chinese exports.
- Packaging Clarity: Ensure the retail packaging clearly states "Insecticide" and not just "Perfume" to avoid reclassification issues.
- Consult a Broker: For the specific
3808.91.15.00mixture, a customs broker is essential to validate the chemical name against the HTSUS database.
πΉ Pro Tip: If possible, consider reformulating to non-aromatic insecticides. This could drop the duty from 31.5% to 0-6% (depending on the base code), saving thousands of dollars per container.
β¨ Clearance is precise. Classification is critical. Save costs by getting the HS Code right! πΌπ’
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.