Travel Soap Box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3924104000 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3924905650 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202321000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904000 | 12.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202391000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§Ό Travel Soap Box (Plastic Toilet/Toiletry Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand a "Travel Soap Box"?
A Travel Soap Box is a small, portable container designed to hold bar soap during travel, in hotels, or in gym locker rooms. In international trade, it is primarily classified based on its material, specific function, and structure.
While it seems simple, the classification varies significantly depending on whether it is considered a general "plastic household article," a "travel accessory," or a "sanitary item."
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a basic plastic container with no specific "travel bag" features β It may fall under Ch. 39 (Plastics) or Ch. 42 (Travel Goods). - If it has specific sanitary functions (e.g., drainage holes for soap) β It leans towards 3924 (Sanitary/Household). - If it is part of a luxury travel set or has a specific "case/box" structure for carrying β It leans towards 4202 (Travel Goods).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 possible HS Codes for Travel Soap Boxes, ranging from lowest to highest tariff impact:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tariff Rate (US Import) |
|---|---|---|---|
3924.10.40.00 |
Plastic sanitary/toilet articles (e.g., soap dishes) | Basic plastic soap holder with drainage, used in bathrooms | 13.4% |
3926.90.40.00 |
Other plastic articles | Simple, unbranded, generic plastic containers | 12.8% |
3926.90.10.00 |
Other plastic articles (containers/finished goods) | Plastic containers not specifically designated as "sanitary" | 20.9% |
3924.90.56.50 |
Plastic sanitary articles | Similar to 3924.10 but different sub-heading for specific plastic types | 20.9% |
4202.32.10.00 |
Articles of apparel or clothing accessories, of plastic sheeting | Travel-specific containers, reinforced/laminated plastic | ~49.6% (See below) |
4202.39.10.00 |
Other articles of apparel or clothing accessories | High-end travel accessories, covered with plastic material | 40.3% |
π Critical Note:
-3926.90.40.00offers the lowest base tax (12.8%) if the item is considered a generic plastic article. -3924.10.40.00is the most accurate functional classification for a soap dish (13.4%), balancing specificity and cost. -4202Codes classify the item as a "travel good" or "clothing accessory." These attract Section 301 tariffs (25%) + IEEPA (10%) + Base Tax, leading to the highest total duty. Avoid these unless the product is part of a broader travel kit.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-on Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 policies including Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs
π― 1. 3926.90.40.00 ββ Other Plastic Articles (Lowest Cost Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Not applicable for this specific sub-heading in the provided data) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific trade remedy) |
| Total Effective Rate | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (If value > $800, standard clearance; if < $800, may enter via Section 321, but rates apply to formal entries) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.40.00 β USITC:122 |
π Explanation:
- This code assumes the soap box is a general plastic article rather than a dedicated sanitary item. - No Section 301 (25%) applies here, making it the cheapest option among all classifications. - The 10% Section 122 tariff applies, but it is significantly lower than the 25% 301 tariff.
π― 2. 3924.10.40.00 ββ Plastic Sanitary/Toilet Articles (Most Accurate Functional Fit)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Not applicable per data) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 13.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3924.10.40.00 β USITC:122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most descriptive code for a "soap dish" or "toilet accessory." - Customs officers often prefer this code for its specificity. - The rate is only 0.6% higher than the generic plastic code, but it is less likely to be challenged during inspection.
π― 3. 3924.90.56.50 & 3926.90.10.00 ββ Plastic Sanitary/Containers (Medium Cost)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Varies by sub-heading interpretation) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3924.90.56.50 / 3926.90.10.00 β USITC:122 + Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- These codes attract a Section 301 surcharge of 7.5% (in addition to the 10% Section 122). - Not recommended unless the product is specifically excluded from other 3924/3926 sub-headings.
π― 4. 4202.32.10.00 & 4202.39.10.00 ββ Travel Goods/Clothing Accessories (Highest Cost)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% (4202.32) or 5.3% (4202.39) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.6% - 40.3% (4202.39) or ~49.6% (4202.32 with specific per kg fee) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Rate + Potential Ad Valorem/Specific Fees |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4202.32.10.00 β USITC:9903.88.01 (301) + IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Classifying a soap box as a travel good (Chapter 42) triggers the highest tariffs. - The 25% Section 301 tariff is the main driver. - Avoid this classification for simple plastic soap boxes unless it is part of a premium travel kit with fabric/leather components.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the soap box, showing drainage holes, material texture, and any branding. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Plastic Travel Soap Dish, No Electrical Parts, Single Use" |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify 100% Plastic (e.g., PP, ABS, PVC). No metal springs or electronics. |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | If using 3926.90.40.00, argue it is a "general plastic container." If using 3924.10.40.00, argue it is "sanitary/toilet article." |
| β Customs Entry Summary | βοΈ | Accurate valuation (CIF). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Be Specific, But Smart: 3924 vs. 3926"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Simple, clear plastic soap dish | 3924.10.40.00 (13.4%) |
Most accurate for "toilet accessory." Low risk of challenge. |
| Generic, unbranded plastic box | 3926.90.40.00 (12.8%) |
Lowest tariff. Riskier if customs argues it's "sanitary." |
| Soap box with fabric cover/strap | 4202.39.10.00 (40.3%) |
Now it's a "travel accessory." High tariff unavoidable. |
| Set with towel + soap box | 4202.32.10.00 (~49.6%) |
The whole kit is classified as travel goods. Very expensive. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT misdeclare a plastic soap box as a "part of a luggage" or "cosmetic bag" to get a lower rate. Customs can reclassify based on principal function. - If the soap box is transparent with a lid, it may be seen as a "container" (3926.90.40.00). If it has a drainage rack, it is "sanitary" (3924.10.40.00).
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3924.10.40.00 |
13.4% | Best balance of accuracy and cost. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3924.00 |
4.0% | No Section 301/IEEPA. Standard EU duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 3924.10.40.00 |
3.4% | Low import duty for plastic sanitary goods. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3924.00 |
4.0% | Post-Brexit tariff aligned with EU. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is unique due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. - EU/UK/China do not have the 25%+ punitive tariffs, making classification less critical for cost (though still important for regulation). - For US imports,3924.10.40.00is the sweet spot: Accurate, functional, and tariff-friendly.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Cosmetic Bag" (4202)
π Result: 40%+ tariff. Unnecessary cost increase.
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Plastic Toy"
π Result: Misclassification. Customs will reclassify and issue penalties.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Result: Even "low" base tariffs (2.8%) can jump to 12.8% due to Section 122. Budget accordingly.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Soap Dish, Drainage Holes, Travel Size, 100% PP Plastic, Non-Electrical"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money!
π― Remember the Formula:
πΉ Sanitary Function + Plastic =
3924(13.4%)
πΉ Generic Container + Plastic =3926(12.8% - Risky)
πΉ Travel Accessory + Plastic/Fabric =4202(40%+ Avoid!)
π Pro Tip:
Always use
3924.10.40.00for standard plastic soap boxes. It is the most defensible code during customs audits and offers a predictable 13.4% duty. Avoid4202codes for simple plastic items to prevent 25%+ Section 301 surcharges.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved on Duty is Pure Profit!
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.