Sennoside
CN β USAI Analysis
πΏ Sennoside (Senna Glycosides)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Sennoside"?
Sennoside is the primary active ingredient in the plant Senna alexandrina (also known as Cassia senna). It is a natural anthraquinone glycoside widely used in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries as a stimulant laxative. In international trade, it is classified not as a "plant product" but as a "Prepared Pharmaceutical Product" or "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)," depending on its purity and form.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is a standardized extract intended for direct medical use (e.g., capsules, tablets, raw API for drug manufacturing) β Classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products).
- If it is a crude botanical extract with no specific therapeutic standardization β May fall under Chapter 13 (Extracts) or Chapter 39 if it's a polymer derivative, but this is rare for sennoside.
- Most Common Import Scenario: Pure Sennoside A/B or standardized Senna Extract (API) β 3004.90 or 3003.90.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Is it an API? |
|---|---|---|---|
3004.90.70.00 |
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale: Other: Other: Containing senna or sennosides | Pre-packaged laxative tablets/capsules containing sennoside | β Yes (Finished Form) |
3003.90.90.90 |
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of two or more constituent ingredients which are mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale: Other: Other | Bulk Sennoside powder/API for pharmaceutical manufacturing | β Yes (Raw Material/API) |
1302.39.90.00 |
Vegetable saps and extracts; pectic substances, pectinates and pearates; agar-agar and other mucilages and thickeners, derived from vegetable products: Other vegetable saps and extracts: Other | Crude, non-standardized Senna leaf extract (not for direct medical use) | β No (Botanical Raw Material) |
2937.22.00.00 |
Hormones and derivatives thereof; sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof: Insulin and derivatives thereof | Incorrect Classification β Do not use unless mislabeled | β N/A |
π Key Reminder:
- Sennoside is a drug substance. It is NOT classified as a simple food or cosmetic ingredient in most jurisdictions unless it is a low-dose dietary supplement with specific regulatory approval.
- If the product is >50% pure Sennoside A/B, it is strictly an API (3003/3004).
- If it is a standardized extract (e.g., 20-30% sennosides) in bulk for tablet pressing β 3003.90.
- If it is retail-packaged (e.g., "Senokot" brand boxes) β 3004.90.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 3004.90.70.00 β Finished Senna Medicaments (Retail Pack)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +0% (No 301 additional duty for Chapter 30 items under current lists) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (For Chinese/origin products, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Rate | 14.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Pharmaceuticals are excluded from $800 de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3004.90.70.00 |
π Explanation:
- While base duties for pharma are low, the 10% IEEPA surcharge significantly increases the cost for Chinese-origin sennoside products.
- No 301 tariff applies to finished pharmaceuticals (Chapter 30) in most cases, but always verify with the latest USITC list.
π― 2. 3003.90.90.90 β Bulk Sennoside API (Raw Material)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.5% |
| USITC Surtax | +0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 14.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3003.90.90.90 |
π Note:
- Even as a raw ingredient, sennoside is treated as a pharmaceutical substance, not a chemical (Β§2933 or Β§2937).
- This classification requires FDA Prior Notice and Drug Listing Number compliance.
π― 3. 1302.39.90.00 β Crude Senna Extract (Non-Pharma)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.5% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (If classified as "other vegetable extracts" under 301 List 4) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 38.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (If declared as food/cosmetic, still subject to FDA scrutiny) |
π Warning:
- Misclassification Risk: If you declare sennoside as "vegetable extract" to avoid pharma regulations, Customs may reclassify it as a drug, leading to seizure, fines, and back taxes.
- Only use this HS Code if the product is strictly for industrial/non-medical use (e.g., natural dye, non-therapeutic cosmetic) and can prove no therapeutic claims.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Must show % of Sennoside A/B, purity, heavy metals, microbes |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Required for all food/drug imports into the US |
| β Establishment Registration | βοΈ | Facility must be registered with FDA (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart H) |
| β Drug Listing Number | βοΈ | If importing finished drugs, list number required |
| β Statement of No Therapeutic Claims | βοΈ | If declaring as 1302.39.90.00, provide legal affidavit |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Sennoside API" or "Senna Extract Medicament" |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Consignee must be a licensed pharmaceutical importer |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Pharma or Plant? Declare Clearly. If it's for healing, it's Chapter 30. If it's for dye, it's Chapter 13. Don't bluff, FDA will see!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sennoside powder for tablet manufacturing | 3003.90.90.90 (API) |
Declare as "Food Supplement" β FDA Hold |
| Pre-packaged Senokot-style capsules | 3004.90.70.00 (Retail Drug) |
Declare as "Cosmetic" β Seizure |
| Crude senna leaf powder (non-standardized) | 1302.39.90.00 (Extract) |
Must provide CoA proving no drug intent |
| Sennoside in a skincare cream | 3304.99.00 (Cosmetic) |
Only if no laxative claim and low dose |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Sennoside for US Brand | Provide Master Manufacturing Record and GMP Certificate. FDA may inspect the foreign facility. |
| Senna Tea Bags | Classified as Food (1905.90) if not making therapeutic claims. But if labeled "Laxative," it's a Drug (3004.90). |
| Sennoside in Dietary Supplements | If sold as "Supplement," it must comply with DSHEA. However, Sennoside is often banned in dietary supplements in the US due to safety concerns. Check FDA Warning Letters. |
| Chinese Origin | 10% IEEPA surcharge applies. Consider sourcing from India or Pakistan (often lower tariffs or no IEEPA surcharge) if possible. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3004.90.70.00 |
14.5% (CN) | FDA Registration + Prior Notice | Strict on therapeutic claims |
| π¨π³ China | 2937.22 or 3004.90 |
5-8% | NMPA Approval | Complex import for API |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3004.90 |
0% (if GMP) | EMA/GMP Compliance | Senna is a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3004.90 |
0% | TGA Registration | Listed medicine on Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3004.90 |
0% | PMDA Approval | Strict on anthraquinone content |
π Conclusion:
- USA & EU are the most stringent regarding therapeutic claims.
- Australia & EU allow senna as a Traditional Herbal Medicine with simplified registration.
- China has complex rules for importing APIs; often requires domestic approval.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Sennoside as "Food Supplement"
π Consequence: FDA issues a Warning Letter or Seizure because Sennoside is classified as a drug in the US.
π Fix: Register as a New Drug or OTC Monograph product.
β Mistake 2: Misdeclaring 3004 as 1302 to avoid 301 tariffs
π Consequence: Customs audits CoA, finds >10% sennoside, reclassifies to 3004, adds 10% IEEPA + penalties.
π Fix: Accurate classification with full CoA.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice
π Consequence: Cargo refused entry at port, stored in bonded warehouse, $0 recovery.
π Fix: Submit FDA Prior Notice 2-4 hours before arrival.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Sennoside API (90% Purity), for pharmaceutical manufacturing, Chinese Origin, FDA Registered Facility, No Therapeutic Claims on Label"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember Mantra:
πΉ "If it heals, it's Pharma. If it's Pharma, it's Chapter 30. If it's Chinese, pay 10% IEEPA. Don't lie to FDA!"
πΉ "HS Code decides fate. Duty difference is huge. One wrong word, and the cargo stays."
π Pro Tip:
If your Sennoside is intended for Dietary Supplements, check FDA Compliance Policy Guides. Senna laxatives are often banned in supplements. Consider registering as a New Drug or sourcing pre-approved formulations from India/EU.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a FDA-licensed customs broker + Provide CoA + Apply for FDA Prior Notice
π Let your Sennoside clear customs smoothly, legally, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Penny Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.