Unscented Disinfecting Wipes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818200040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808945010 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808945095 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808594000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808945050 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧴠Unscented Disinfecting Wipes: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Tactics
Unscented Disinfecting Wipes are a staple in hygiene and healthcare logistics. However, their classification in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is highly dependent on material composition and active ingredient. Because "wipes" can be paper-based, non-woven fabric, or other textiles, and "disinfectants" vary by chemical makeup, they fall into two distinct tariff categories.
The data provided indicates two primary pathways: 1. Paper/Fiber-based Wipes (Clean/Facial Tissue category) 2. Disinfectant-impregnated Textiles/Wipes (Chemical/Disinfectant category)
Below is the detailed breakdown of each HS Code, tax implications, and customs advice.
π¦ 1. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Book)
π °οΈ Pathway A: Paper/Fiber-Based Wipes
If the wipe is made of paper, cellulose, or fibrous material (similar to facial tissues or toilet paper), it is classified under Chapter 48.
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary of Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 4818.20.00.40 | Cleaners, wipes, and cloths of paper pulp, paper, cellulose fibrous sheeting, or paper products for household, hospital, or industrial use. | β
Match: The item is identified as a "wipe" made of paper/fiber. It fits the description of "cleaners or facial tissues" used for hygiene. β Conflict: No material conflict with paper-based products. |
π ±οΈ Pathway B: Disinfectant-Impregnated Wipes (Non-Paper/Other Materials)
If the wipe is made of non-woven fabric, cloth, or other non-paper materials, or if it is strictly classified as a disinfectant preparation, it falls under Chapter 38 (Pharmaceutical/Chemical Products).
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary of Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 3808.94.50.10 | Disinfectants and similar products...: Wipes, swabs, and other articles impregnated with disinfectants. | β Match: Matches use (disinfection) and form (wipe). Based on common sense, if not paper, itβs likely non-woven fabric. Fits the category for disinfecting wipes. |
| 3808.94.50.95 | Disinfectants and similar products...: Other (including impregnated wipes not specified elsewhere). | β Match: Classified as a disinfectant. If the material is ambiguous or doesn't fit the specific "non-paper wipe" subcategory, it falls under the "Other" disinfectant category. |
| 3808.59.40.00 | Disinfectants and similar products...: Other disinfectants (not specified elsewhere). | β Match: Primary use is "disinfectant liquid/preparation." Since no material conflict exists, it fits the "catch-all" category for disinfectants. |
| 3808.94.50.50 | Disinfectants and similar products...: Hydrogen peroxide or similar preparations. | β Match: Use matches disinfectant. Material/Ingredient: While wipes are solid, the active ingredient (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) drives classification if it's a chemical preparation impregnated on a substrate. |
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Is it Paper? β Go to 4818.20.00.40.
- Is it Non-Woven/Cloth + Chemical? β Go to 3808.94 or 3808.59.
- Customs Preference: The 3808 codes generally attract higher duties due to "Section 301" and "122 Clause" tariffs on Chinese goods.
π° 2. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Tariffs applied as per current USITC/Trade Representative rulings (Section 301 & IEEPA 122 Clause).
π― 1. HS Code 4818.20.00.40 (Paper/Fiber Wipes)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Most Favored Nation rate for paper products) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Value exceeds $800 threshold for most commercial shipments; even if under $800, Section 301 often applies to specific lists, but typically de minimis is waived for certain high-risk categories. Note: Standard de minimis is $800, but trade war tariffs may complicate this. Check current CBP guidance.) |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:4818.20.00.40 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA: 122 Clause |
π Interpretation:
- Base: 0% because itβs a paper product.
- Trade War Penalty: +25% (Section 301) + 10% (122 Clause).
- Total: 35%. This is a moderate-high tariff, but significantly lower than the disinfectant chemical pathway if the material is confirmed paper.
π― 2. HS Codes 3808.94.50.10, 3808.94.50.95, 3808.59.40.00, 3808.94.50.50 (Disinfectant Wipes/Chemicals)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (High risk of scrutiny due to chemical content) |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:3808.xxxx β Section 301 β IEEPA: 122 Clause |
π Interpretation:
- Base: 5% for disinfectants/chemical preparations.
- Trade War Penalty: +25% (Section 301) + 10% (122 Clause).
- Total: 40%.
- Why Higher? Chemical products and non-paper textiles are often viewed as more strategic/commodified, attracting the full bracket of additional tariffs.
π οΈ 3. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory Documents)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Material Composition Certificate | YES | CRITICAL. Must explicitly state: "100% Wood Pulp/Paper" OR "100% Non-Woven Polypropylene/Cotton". This determines if you pay 35% (Paper) or 40% (Disinfectant). |
| β Formula/Ingredient List | YES | For 3808 codes, CBP may require the percentage of active disinfectant ingredient (e.g., 0.1% Quaternary Ammonium, 3% Hydrogen Peroxide). |
| β Product Photos (Packaging & Item) | YES | Show the wipe texture (smooth vs. fibrous) and label claims ("Unscented", "Disinfectant", "Kills 99.9% Germs"). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | YES | Required for chemical disinfectants. Must indicate flash point, toxicity, and transport classification (likely non-hazardous for wipes). |
| β Commercial Invoice | YES | Clearly describe as "Unscented Disinfecting Wipes" and include HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Hygiene Supplies." |
| β Labeling Compliance | YES | Must comply with EPA labeling requirements for disinfectants (EPA Registration Number is MANDATORY on the label). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Material Defines Code, EPA Defines Legality!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Wipes | HS: 4818.20.00.40Description: "Unscented Paper Disinfecting Wipes" |
Misdeclaring as 3808 β Risk of Penalty (though tax is higher, paper has specific exemptions). |
| Non-Woven Wipes | HS: 3808.94.50.10Description: "Unscented Non-Woven Disinfecting Wipes" |
Misdeclaring as 4818 β False Declaration (material mismatch). |
| EPA Registration | Must include EPA Reg. No. on Invoice & Label | No EPA Number β Seizure & Destruction by CBP/EPA. |
| "Unscented" Claim | Ensure no fragrance ingredients in SDS | If scented, may require additional fragrance chemical disclosures. |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide authorization letter from brand owner + EPA Reg. Number linkage. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk packs may require palletization diagrams. Retail packs need individual unit labeling. |
| Hybrid Products | If wipe is paper BUT impregnated with strong chemicals, CBP may still argue for 3808 if the chemical nature dominates the product's essential character. Consult a customs broker. |
| EPA Exemptions | Some wipes are EPA-exempt (e.g., simple water-based). If so, HS Code might shift, and EPA label is not required. Verify EPA status first. |
π 4. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4818.20.00.40 (Paper) or 3808.94 (Non-Paper) |
35% (Paper) or 40% (Chemical) | EPA Registration MANDATORY | Section 301 & 122 Clause apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 4818.20 or 3808.94 |
~5-10% | None (Domestic) | Lower base duty, no trade war tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4823.69 (Paper) or 3808.94 |
0-6.5% | EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) | Stricter chemical approval (BPR) than US EPA. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4823.69 or 3808.94 |
0-5% | UK GB EPR/BPR | Post-Brexit standards align closely with EU. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most tariff-heavy market for Chinese-origin wipes (35-40%).
- EU/UK require stricter chemical/biocidal approvals (BPR/GB EPR), which can be a bigger barrier than duty.
- China has low duties but high domestic competition.
π 5. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Claiming "Wipes" are "Paper" but they are actually Non-Woven Fabric.
π Consequence: Misclassification penalty. CBP can audit material content. If found to be non-woven, you owe the difference (40% vs 35%) plus fines.
β Error 2: Missing EPA Registration Number on the label.
π Consequence: Automatic Seizure. The EPA strictly enforces this. Even if duties are paid, the goods will be destroyed.
β Error 3: Declaring "Facial Tissues" for Disinfecting Wipes.
π Consequence: While tax might be similar, the use case (disinfectant) triggers additional regulatory scrutiny. If not declared as a disinfectant, it may be flagged for chemical testing.
β Error 4: Ignoring the 122 Clause (10%).
π Consequence: Underpayment. Many importers forget the 122 Clause applies to most Chinese goods entering the US. Total tax is Base + 25% + 10%.
β Correct Practice:
"Unscented Disinfecting Wipes, Material: [Specify Paper/Non-Woven], Active Ingredient: [Chemical Name], EPA Reg. No: [Number], HS Code: [4818.20.00.40 OR 3808.94.50.10]"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Risk Mitigation
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Paper is 35%, Non-Woven is 40%. EPA Number Saves the Shipment."
πΉ "Check Material First, Then Check Chemical. Misclassification is Expensive!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is paper-based, strive for 4818.20.00.40 to save 5% in duties compared to non-paper disinfectant wipes.
- Ensure your supplier provides a Letter of Guarantee on material composition.
- Pre-clearance: Submit product samples to a customs broker for Advance Ruling if unsure between Paper vs. Non-Woven classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Customs Broker + Provide EPA Reg. Number + Confirm Material (Paper vs. Non-Woven)
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid EPA Seizures, and Maximize Profit Margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent in Duty Counts. Get It Right, Ship It Fast!
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.