Stainless steel cleaning paste
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3405900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3405300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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β¨ Stainless Steel Cleaning Paste & Polishes (Ch3405)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know "Stainless Steel Paste"?
Stainless steel cleaning paste is a specialized chemical preparation used for polishing, cleaning, and maintaining stainless steel surfaces, as well as other metals, furniture, floors, and coachwork. In international trade, these products are strictly categorized under Heading 3405 of the Harmonized System (HS).
They fall into two primary categories based on their specific application: 1. General Purpose Polishes/Creams (HS 3405.90): Multi-purpose pastes for metal, glass, floors, or furniture that are not specifically designated for coachwork in the main text. 2. Coachwork Polishes (HS 3405.30): Preparations specifically designed for car bodies, vehicle exteriors, and similar "coachwork" surfaces, excluding pure metal polishes.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the product is a general-purpose scouring paste, cream, or powder for metal, glass, or furniture β It falls under 3405.90.00.00.
- If the product is explicitly marketed as a polish for coachwork (car bodies, vehicle exteriors) β It falls under 3405.30.00.00.
- Note: Waxes of Heading 3404 are excluded. If the product is primarily wax-based (e.g., carnauba wax blend for waxing), it might be classified under 3404, not 3405.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Concordance)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
3405.90.00.00 |
Other polishes and creams (for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass, or metal); scouring pastes/powders | General stainless steel cleaners, multi-surface metal polishes, floor cleaners, scouring powders | General Purpose: Not specifically defined as "Coachwork" in the specific subheading. |
3405.30.00.00 |
Polishes and similar preparations for coachwork, other than metal polishes | Car body waxes, vehicle exterior polishes, automotive detailing creams | Specific Purpose: Explicitly for "Coachwork" (vehicles). Note: "Other than metal polishes" refers to the specific subheading hierarchy, but in practice, automotive body polishes go here. |
π Important Reminder:
- Stainless Steel Paste is typically a "metal polish." However, if it is marketed for car exteriors (which are often stainless or painted metal), it may fall under 3405.30.
- If it is a general household or industrial paste for sinks, appliances, or tools, it is almost always 3405.90.
- Do not classify as "Wax" (3404) unless it is a pure wax product without scouring/polishing agents.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3405.90.00.00 ββ Other Polishes and Creams (General Stainless Steel Paste)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3405.90.00.00 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff for cleaning preparations is 0%, US-China trade tensions have imposed a 25% additional tariff under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on most Chinese-origin chemical preparations and consumer goods.
- Total Effective Duty: 25%. This is a high duty that must be factored into your cost structure.
- No De Minimis Exemption: Imports under $800 (Section 321) do not escape these additional duties for Chinese goods subject to Section 301.
π― 2. 3405.30.00.00 ββ Polishes for Coachwork (Automotive Stainless/Car Polish)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3405.30.00.00 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Note:
- Same tariff structure as 3405.90.
- Even if marketed as "Car Polish," if it originates from China, it bears the 25% surcharge.
- Ensure your product description clearly states "For Coachwork" if using 3405.30, to avoid misclassification penalties.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All or Nothing)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail ingredients (abrasives, chemicals), pH level, and usage instructions. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for chemical imports. Must comply with OSHA/GHS standards. |
| β Product Label Photo | βοΈ | Must show "Made in China," Net Weight, Brand, and HS Code reference if possible. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Stainless Steel Cleaning Paste, HS 3405.90.00.00" |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Consistent with invoice details. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Prove origin (China) for accurate tariff application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Chemical Paste, Check SDS; Origin China, Pay 25%; Coachwork vs. General, Be Specific!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Household Stainless Steel Cleaner | 3405.90.00.00 - "Scouring Paste for Metal" |
Declare as "Cosmetic Cream" β 60%+ penalty + seizure |
| Car Body Polish | 3405.30.00.00 - "Coachwork Polish" |
Declare as "Metal Polish" β Misclassification risk |
| Wax-Based Car Wax | 3404.90.00.00 (Heading 3404) |
Declare as 3405 β Wrong HS, potential audit |
| Powdered Scouring Cleaners | 3405.90.00.00 |
Declare as "Detergent" (3402) β Major Error |
β 3. Special Handling for Chemicals
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hazardous Chemicals | If the paste contains strong acids/alkalis, it may be classified as Hazmat. Require UN3263 or UN3082 packaging and labeling. |
| FDA/USDA Regulation | If marketed for food-contact surfaces (e.g., kitchen sinks), ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR for indirect food additives. |
| Liquid vs. Paste | Visually, pastes are often treated as solids, but if highly viscous, customs may request a viscosity test. Provide a viscosity report if asked. |
| Origin Marking | Must be clearly marked "Made in China" on the product and package. Missing markings can lead to Withhold and Release orders. |
π Part 5: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3405.90.00.00 |
25% (Total) | SDS, FDA (if food contact) | High Duty: 25% Section 301 applies. |
| π¨π³ China | 3405.90.00.00 |
0%~5% | CCC (if applicable), SDS | Low duty, strict safety standards. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3405.90 |
6.5% | REACH Compliance, CLP Labeling | High Regulatory Barrier: REACH registration required. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3405.90 |
6.5% | UKCA Marking, REACH UK | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 3405.90.90.10 |
6.5% (MFN) | MSDS, Canada Consumer Product Safety Act | No Section 301 equivalent, but standard MFN applies. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese stainless steel paste due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- EU/UK have high regulatory barriers (REACH/CLP) but lower duties (6.5%).
- Consider tariff engineering or third-country processing (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if volume is high, to mitigate US duties.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Stainless Steel Paste" as "Detergent" (3402)
π Consequence: Wrong HS code. Customs will reclassify to 3405 and charge 25% + 6.5% = 31.5%, plus penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring SDS for Chemical Imports
π Consequence: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may reject the entry if no SDS is provided for chemical preparations. Delays of 2-4 weeks.
β Error 3: Using "Cosmetic" or "Skin Care" as Product Name
π Consequence: Misclassification. Customs will flag for fraud. Penalty: 3x the duty value.
β Error 4: Forgetting "Made in China" Marking
π Consequence: Goods held at port. Must relabel or destroy. Cost: High.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Stainless Steel Cleaning Paste, Scouring Cream for Metal Surfaces, HS 3405.90.00.00, Made in China, SDS Attached, For Industrial/Household Use"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rules:
πΉ "25% Duty for China, SDS is Mandatory, HS 3405 is Correct, No De Minimis!"
πΉ "Coachwork vs. General, Choose Wisely, Avoid Audit Stress!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping to the USA, consider applying for a Section 301 Exclusion if your specific product was eligible during the exclusion periods (check current status). However, most cleaning pastes are not currently excluded.
For high-volume imports, consult a customs broker about HTS Code pre-rulings to ensure 3405.90 vs. 3405.30 accuracy.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Verify Origin Marking
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid Seizures, Maximize Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Duty is Pure Profit!
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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.