hot water bag
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4016990500 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016991500 | 20.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926902100 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926907500 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Hot Water Bags & Related Nursing Accessories
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Hot Water Bags"?
Hot water bags, douche bags, enema bags, and similar nursing cushions are essential daily health and comfort products. In international trade, these items are strictly regulated under specific chapters of the Harmonized System (HS). They are not classified under general plastic goods but fall under specific subheadings based on their material (primarily rubber or plastics) and function.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Vulcanized Rubber Articles (e.g., traditional rubber hot water bags, seals, lids) β Classified under Chapter 40.
- Plastic/Other Material Articles (e.g., PVC/PE hot water bags, douche bags, enema bags, nursing cushions) β Classified under Chapter 39.π Critical Note:
- If the product is made of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber) and fits specific descriptions like "household articles" or "closures/seals," it falls under HS 4016.
- If the product is explicitly listed as "Ice bags; douche bags, enema bags, hot water bottles... pessaries; prophylactics; bulbs for syringes" made of plastics or other materials, it falls under HS 3926.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenarios | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.05.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Household articles not elsewhere specified or included | Traditional rubber hot water bags, rubber storage pads, household rubber accessories | β Vulcanized Rubber |
4016.99.15.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Caps, lids, seals, stoppers and other closures | Rubber caps/lids for bottles, rubber seals, gaskets | β Vulcanized Rubber |
3926.90.21.00 |
Other articles of plastics... Ice bags; douche bags, enema bags, hot water bottles... nursing cushions... | PVC/PE Hot Water Bags, enema bags, douche bags, invalid nursing cushions, dress shields, pessaries, prophylactics, syringe bulbs | β Plastics/Other Materials |
3926.90.75.00 |
Other articles of plastics... Pneumatic mattresses and other inflatable articles, not elsewhere specified or included | Inflatable rubber/plastic mattresses, air cushions, inflatable toys (not hot water specific) | β Plastics/Inflatable |
π Focus Reminder:
- For Hot Water Bags specifically:
- If made of plastic (most common modern types), use3926.90.21.00.
- If made of vulcanized rubber, check if it fits "Household articles" (4016.99.05.00) or is considered a "closure/seal" (4016.99.15.00).
- Do not classify hot water bags under general "inflatable articles" (3926.90.75.00) if they fall into the specific list of3926.90.21.00(douche/enema/hot water bottles). Specificity prevails!
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & 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. 3926.90.21.00 β Plastic Hot Water Bags, Douche Bags, Enema Bags, Nursing Cushions
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (List 4A/B - Specific additional tariff on Chinese goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 11.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 11.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (For high-value shipments; check current $800 threshold rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.21.00 β USITC:301_L4A β 301_Surtax:7.5% |
π Explanation:
- The base rate of 4.2% is standard for many plastic household articles.
- The 7.5% additional tariff is applied due to US-China trade relations (Section 301).
- Total cost impact: 11.7% is relatively moderate compared to electronics (45%+) or steel/aluminum, but still significant for low-margin goods.
- Note: This code explicitly covers "hot water bottles" and "douche bags," making it the most accurate for plastic hot water bags.
π― 2. 4016.99.05.00 β Vulcanized Rubber Household Articles (e.g., Rubber Hot Water Bags)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (Currently exempt or not listed in surcharge lists for this specific subheading) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Possible (If value < $800, no duty applies regardless) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4016.99.05.00 β USITC:301_Exempt |
π Explanation:
- Rubber household articles often enjoy 0% tariff under current trade agreements or exemptions.
- However, ensure the product is truly vulcanized rubber and not a plastic-rubber composite that might be reclassified.
- If classified incorrectly as plastic (3926.90.21.00), you pay 11.7% instead of 0%!
π― 3. 4016.99.15.00 β Rubber Caps, Lids, Seals, Closures
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4016.99.15.00 |
π Explanation:
- If your "hot water bag" is primarily sold as a replacement rubber cap/seal for a bottle, it may fall here.
- Not recommended for full hot water bags unless they are strictly closure components.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Missing Items)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (Plastic vs. Rubber), dimensions, capacity |
| β Photos (Label + Product) | βοΈ | Clear view of "Hot Water Bag," "Douche Bag," or "Enema Bag" text |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Plastic Hot Water Bag" or "Rubber Hot Water Bag" accurately |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight, dimensions, quantity |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove origin (China) and determine applicable surtax |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state "100% PVC" or "100% Vulcanized Rubber" to avoid classification disputes |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material Matters: Plastic = 11.7%, Rubber = 0%! Declare Accurately!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Hot Water Bag | 3926.90.21.00 - "Plastic Hot Water Bag" |
Misdeclare as "Rubber Bag" β Risk of penalty |
| Rubber Hot Water Bag | 4016.99.05.00 - "Rubber Household Article" |
Misdeclare as "Plastic" β Higher tax (11.7%) |
| Rubber Cap/Seal | 4016.99.15.00 - "Rubber Closure" |
Misdeclare as "Bag" β Wrong classification |
| Inflatable Mattress | 3926.90.75.00 - "Inflatable Article" |
Misdeclare as "Hot Water Bag" β Wrong scope |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Composite Material (e.g., Plastic body + Rubber seal) | Declare based on essential character. If rubber seal is minor, likely Plastic (3926.90.21.00). Consult customs broker. |
| Medical vs. Household | "Hot water bags" are generally household. "Douche/Enema bags" may have medical use but are still classified under 3926.90.21.00. No special medical exemption unless FDA-approved devices. |
| OEM/White Label | Provide design specs to prove material type. Avoid vague terms like "Bag." |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to duty if not under De Minimis ($800). For samples < $800, ensure correct HS code to build accurate history. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.21.00 |
11.7% (Plastic) | None | Plastic: 11.7%. Rubber: 0%. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.05.00 |
0.0% (Rubber) | None | Check if product qualifies as rubber. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.21.00 |
4.2% | CCC (if applicable) | Base rate 4.2%. No 301 surtax for imports INTO China. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 |
0-6.5% | CE (if medical) | VAT varies by country. No 301 surtax. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.97 |
0-6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the key market with significant surtaxes on plastic goods (11.7%).
- Rubber goods remain tax-free (0%) in the US, offering a potential cost-saving opportunity if material can be verified as vulcanized rubber.
- Always verify material composition to choose the optimal HS code.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all hot water bags as "Plastic" regardless of material
π Consequence: Paying 11.7% when 0% was possible for rubber products.
Fix: Test material or get supplier confirmation. If rubber, use 4016.99.05.00.
β Mistake 2: Misclassifying "Hot Water Bag" as "Inflatable Mattress" (3926.90.75.00)
π Consequence: Incorrect classification may lead to audits, penalties, or retroactive duties if the specific list (3926.90.21.00) is deemed more appropriate.
Fix: Use the specific code for "hot water bottles" under 3926.90.21.00.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Bag" on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs may detain for clarification, causing delays and demurrage fees.
Fix: Use precise names: "PVC Hot Water Bag," "Rubber Douche Bag."
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Hot Water Bag, 2L, PVC Material, Model XYZ, for Household Use"
OR
"Vulcanized Rubber Hot Water Bag, 1.5L, for Household Use"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Hot Water Bag: 11.7% Duty. Rubber: 0% Duty. Declare Material Clearly!"
πΉ "Specific Code > General Code. Don't Risk Misclassification!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product can be certified as vulcanized rubber, you save 11.7% in US duties. Consider material alternatives if cost is a major factor.
For plastic products, ensure your supplier provides material certificates to support the 3926.90.21.00 classification and avoid disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with material specs.
π Apply for Pre-Ruling if shipment value is high.
π Ensure your invoice matches the HS code exactly.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of duty saved 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.