detergent
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402505100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3401305000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402901000 | 38.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3401190000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ό Detergent (Cleaning Agents & Detergent Preparations)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tax Regime Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Detergent"?
Detergents are essential cleaning formulations used in households, industries, and commercial settings. In international trade, they are classified primarily under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations). The classification hinges on:
Retail Packaging: Small, consumer-ready sizes vs. bulk industrial containers.
Active Ingredients: Type of surfactants (anionic, nonionic, etc.) and their concentration.
Intended Use: Household cleaning, industrial degreasing, or specialized cleaning.
β οΈ Key Classification Distinctions:
- Retail Packs (e.g., small bottles for home use): Often fall under 3402 subheadings.
- Bulk/Industrial Use: May fall under 3401 or 3402 depending on surfactant type.
- Material Composition: Organic surfactants vs. synthetic detergents can trigger different duty rates.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Regime)
Based on the provided data, here are the valid HS Codes for Detergent with their corresponding tax structures:
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3402.50.51.00 | Retail Pack Detergent Preparations | Organic surfactant based; retail packaging matches perfectly. | 10.0% |
| 3401.30.50.00 | Organic Surfactant Detergent Preparations | Fallback category rule; no material conflict found. | 35.0% |
| 3402.90.10.00 | Synthetic Detergent Preparations | Matches synthetic cleaning agent scope; no material conflict. | 38.8% |
| 3401.19.00.00 | Other Organic Surfactant Preparations | Fits material classification definition; comprehensive scope. | 17.5% |
| 3402.90.50.10 | Dishwashing Liquid (Dish Soap) | Matches "Detergent Preparation" definition perfectly; specific use case. | 13.7% |
π Critical Insight:
- 3402 series generally covers "Washing preparations" including soaps and synthetic surfactants.
- 3401 series often covers "Soap" or surfactants in specific forms (e.g., raw materials or less refined).
- The tax rates vary wildly (from 10% to 38.8%) based on the specific formulation and packaging!
π° Part 3: 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-ons & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Context: China Origin Imports (Likely to US/General Markets with IEEPA/Add-on rules)
β Structure: Base Duty + Additional Duties (122 Clause)
π― 1. 3402.50.51.00 β Retail Pack Detergent (Lowest Tax Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| "122 Clause" Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 10.0% |
| Interpretation | Best for retail-packaged organic surfactant detergents. Lowest duty burden if criteria are met. |
π― 2. 3401.30.50.00 β Organic Surfactant Preparation (High Tax Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| "122 Clause" Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 35.0% |
| Interpretation | Often a "fallback" classification. High penalty due to additional surcharges. Avoid if possible. |
π― 3. 3402.90.10.00 β Synthetic Detergent (Highest Tax Option)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | +3.8% |
| Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| "122 Clause" Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 38.8% |
| Interpretation | Applies to synthetic cleaning agents. Highest duty due to base + multiple surcharges. |
π― 4. 3401.19.00.00 β Other Organic Surfactant Prep (Medium-High)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| "122 Clause" Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 17.5% |
| Interpretation | Intermediate cost. Good for specific organic surfactants not fitting other subheadings. |
π― 5. 3402.90.50.10 β Dishwashing Liquid (Mid-Low)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | +3.7% |
| Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| "122 Clause" Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax | 13.7% |
| Interpretation | Specific for dish soap. Lower additional duty makes it competitive. |
π Clause "122" Explanation:
This refers to a specific policy surcharge (likely under Section 122 of a specific trade act or a hypothetical 122nd clause in this dataset context) applicable to 10% on top of other duties for this product category.
Note: The "Additional Duty" (0%, 7.5%, or 25%) represents the variable surcharge based on the specific HS subheading.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ Mandatory | Proves chemical composition (surfactant type) for correct HS classification. |
| Formula Sheet | βοΈ Mandatory | Distinguishes between Organic (3401/3402.50) vs. Synthetic (3402.90) formulations. |
| Packaging Photos | βοΈ Mandatory | Proves Retail Packaging (for 3402.50) vs. Bulk (3401/3402.90). |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Precise | Must state "Detergent," "Dish Soap," or "Organic Surfactant" accurately. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Essential | Confirms origin (e.g., China) to calculate the 122 Clause + Additional duties. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The Golden Rule)
π₯ "Define the Surfactant, Not the Bottle!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Household Detergent (Small Bottle, Organic) | 3402.50.51.00 |
Lowest Tax (10%) - Must be retail pack & organic. |
| Dish Soap | 3402.90.50.10 |
Lowest Base + 122 (13.7%) - Specific for kitchen use. |
| Industrial Solvent/Strong Cleaner (Synthetic) | 3402.90.10.00 |
Highest Tax (38.8%) - Avoid if possible; check if "Organic" claims apply. |
| Ambiguous Formulation | 3401.30.50.00 |
Avoid (35%) - This is the "fallback" trap with high penalties. |
β 3. Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
| β Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling Retail as Bulk | Tax jumps from 10% to 35-38% (due to loss of retail exemption). |
| Vague "Surfactant" Description | Customs may reclassify to the "fallback" 3401.30.50.00 (35%). |
| Ignoring the 122 Clause | Missing the mandatory 10% surcharge leads to penalties and delays. |
| Synthetic vs. Organic Confusion | 3402.90.10.00 (38.8%) is significantly higher than 3402.50.51.00 (10%). |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Market | Recommended HS | Tax Trend | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Origin) | 3402.50.51.00 |
Lowest (10%) | Retail packaging proof. |
| USA (Import) | 3402.50.51.00 |
High (10% + USITC) | IEEPA & Section 122 rules apply heavily. |
| EU (Import) | 3402 Series |
0-5% | CE Compliance + REACH Registration required. |
| Japan | 3402 Series |
0-3% | Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in Japanese. |
π Strategic Conclusion:
- Retail-packaged Organic Detergents are the "sweet spot" for minimizing tax (10%).
- Synthetic/Bulk formulations are heavily penalized (up to 38.8%).
- Dish Soap (3402.90.50.10) is a reliable mid-tier option (13.7%).
π Part 6: Common Errors & "Lessons Learned"
β Error 1: Calling everything "Soap"
π Correction: Detergents with synthetic surfactants are NOT soap. They fall under 3402.90.
β Error 2: Mixing Retail & Bulk in One Shipment
π Correction: Separate them! Retail gets 10%; Bulk gets 35-38%.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause"
π Correction: This 10% is mandatory. Add it to your Landed Cost calculation immediately.
β Best Practice:
"Clearly label: 'Organic Surfactant, Retail Pack, Household Detergent' on the Invoice and SDS. Ensure the formula sheet proves <5% synthetic content if claiming
3402.50.51.00."
π― Part 7: Final Verdict & Action Plan
π― Remember:
πΉ "Organic + Retail = 10%" (Win)
πΉ "Synthetic + Bulk = 38.8%" (Lose)
πΉ "Dish Soap = 13.7%" (Safe Bet)
πΉ "Ambiguous = 35%" (The Trap)
π Action Items:
1. Verify Formula: Confirm if your detergent is "Organic" or "Synthetic."
2. Check Packaging: Is it truly retail-ready (single consumer unit)?
3. Calculate Landed Cost: Add 10% (Base) + Surcharge (0-25%) + 122 Clause (10%).
4. Consult Customs Broker: Submit a Binding Tariff Ruling request before shipping if the classification is borderline.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on the Right HS Code!
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.