laundry balls
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5603110070 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307909891 | 24.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4602191800 | 39.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐งบ Laundry Balls & Baskets: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Protocols
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Laundry Balls/Baskets"?
In international trade, "laundry balls" is a broad term that often masks two distinct product categories based on function and material:
- Laundry Cleaning Balls (Detergent Balls): Small spheres used in washing machines to replace or supplement detergent. Commonly made of synthetic fibers, non-woven fabrics, or resin.
- Laundry Baskets/Bins: Containers for holding dirty or clean laundry. Often made of woven plant materials (rattan/bamboo), plastic, or metal wire.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a cleaning aid (consumable or reusable cleaning tool) โ Look at Non-woven fabrics (5603) or Other manufactured articles (6307).
- If the item is a container (basket/bin) โ Look at Plastic containers (3926), Metal articles (7326), or Woven plant materials (4602).
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
5603.11.00.70 |
Laundry Cleaning Balls (Synthetic Fiber/Non-woven) | Cleaning aid, reusable detergent ball | Non-woven fabric, synthetic fiber, porous structure |
6307.90.98.91 |
Other Made-up Cleaning Articles (Finished Goods) | General household cleaning items, no specific material conflict | Finished product, not raw material, general cleaning purpose |
3926.90.10.00 |
Plastic Laundry Baskets/Bins | Household storage, plastic weave, foldable bins | Plastic material, container form |
4602.19.18.00 |
Woven Plant Material Baskets | Rattan, bamboo, or straw laundry hampers | Natural plant fiber, woven basket shape |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other Iron/Steel Articles | Metal wire laundry baskets, steel frame bins | Iron/Steel, non-specified specific form |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- "Laundry Balls" as cleaning tools must not be confused with "Laundry Baskets". The former is a cleaning accessory (HS 5603/6307), the latter is a storage container (HS 3926/4602/7326).
- Material Declaration is Key: For baskets, the customs declaration must specify the primary material (Plastic vs. Plant vs. Metal), as this drastically changes the tariff rate.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: From Nov 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 5603.11.00.70 โโ Laundry Cleaning Balls (Synthetic Fiber/Non-woven)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (from USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (Targeting China/ HK products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% โ Surtax: 25% + IEEPA: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Duty 0%": Non-woven fabric articles often have low base rates.
- "Surtax 25%": Standard Section 301 tariff for many Chinese manufactured goods.
- "IEEPA 10%": Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for specific Chinese goods.
- Total 35% is a high-cost entry, requiring precise classification to avoid being misclassified as a more heavily taxed category.
๐ฏ 2. 6307.90.98.91 โโ Other Made-up Cleaning Articles (Finished Goods)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 7.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 24.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 7.0% โ Surtax: 7.5% + IEEPA: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Duty 7%": Higher than non-woven fabrics because it is classified as a "finished article" rather than a material component.
- "Surtax 7.5%": Lower Section 301 surtax compared to the 25% in HS 5603.
- Total 24.5% is more cost-effective than HS 5603. If your product can be legally justified as a "made-up cleaning article" rather than a "non-woven fabric product," this code is preferred.
๐ฏ 3. 3926.90.10.00 โโ Plastic Laundry Baskets/Bins
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 20.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3.4% โ Surtax: 7.5% + IEEPA: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Duty 3.4%": Plastic containers have a moderate base rate.
- "Surtax 7.5%": Standard surtax for plastic articles.
- Total 20.9% is the lowest tariff among the basket options. Ensure the product is explicitly plastic and declared as a container.
๐ฏ 4. 4602.19.18.00 โโ Woven Plant Material Baskets (Rattan/Bamboo)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 39.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 4.5% โ Surtax: 25% + IEEPA: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Duty 4.5%": Low base for woven goods.
- "Surtax 25%": High surtax applies to woven plant products from China.
- Total 39.5% is the highest tariff for baskets. High cost due to Section 301 penalties.
๐ฏ 5. 7326.90.86.88 โโ Other Iron/Steel Articles (Metal Baskets)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surtax | +50.0% (Critical Add-on) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 2.9% โ Surtax: 25% + Metal Surtax: 50% + IEEPA: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- "Base Duty 2.9%": Very low base for metal articles.
- "Surtax 25%": Standard Section 301.
- "Metal Surtax 50%": CRITICAL! Additional tariff specifically targeting steel, aluminum, and copper products.
- Total 87.9% is extremely high. Metal laundry baskets face the steepest tariff burden.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Clear description of material (Plastic/Rattan/Metal/Non-woven), dimensions, and function. |
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Clear shots of the product, label, and material texture. Essential for customs verification. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must explicitly state the correct HS Code and detailed product name (e.g., "Plastic Laundry Basket" vs. "Woven Rattan Hamper"). |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | List contents clearly. Avoid mixing different materials in one shipment if possible. |
| โ Material Declaration | โ๏ธ | For baskets: Must specify "100% Plastic," "100% Rattan," or "Steel Frame." |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Material First, Function Second, Name Precise, Tariff Reduced!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Laundry Basket | HS 3926.90.10.00 |
Mislabeling as "Plastic Toy" โ Wrong HS |
| Rattan Laundry Basket | HS 4602.19.18.00 |
Mislabeling as "Plastic" to avoid tax โ Audit Risk |
| Laundry Cleaning Balls | HS 6307.90.98.91 (Preferred) or 5603 |
Declaring as "Plastic Beads" โ Confusion |
| Metal Wire Basket | HS 7326.90.86.88 |
Ignoring "Steel Surtax" โ 87.9% Tax Shock |
โ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Baskets | Declare based on principal material (e.g., plastic handle + metal frame โ likely metal code). Provide detailed breakdown. |
| Laundry Balls + Detergent | Declare separately. Detergent may have different HS/tariffs. Do not bundle if not sold as a set. |
| OEM Custom Baskets | Provide design drawings to prove material composition. Avoid generic names like "Home Accessory." |
| Sample Imports | Still subject to duties. Do not assume samples are duty-free for commercial clearance later. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | Varies by Material | 20.9% - 87.9% | None (General) | Highest surtaxes globally. Material declaration is critical. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | Varies by Material | 5% - 10% | None | No Section 301 or IEEPA surtaxes. Low cost. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | Varies by Material | 4% - 8% | CE (if applicable) | No Section 301. Lower overall cost than US. |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | Varies by Material | 5% | RCM | No surtaxes. Stable tariff environment. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for laundry products due to layered surtaxes (Section 301 + IEEPA + Steel Surtax).
- Plastic baskets (3926.90.10.00) are the most tariff-efficient for containers in the US (20.9%).
- Metal baskets (7326.90.86.88) are the least efficient (87.9%) due to the 50% metal surtax.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Error 1: Declaring a Metal Basket as "Home Decor" without specifying material
๐ Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 7326, applies 87.9% tax โ Massive Back Tax + Penalties!
โ Error 2: Declaring a Rattan Basket as "Plastic"
๐ Consequence: Customs inspection reveals natural fibers โ Reclassification to 4602 (39.5%) + Fraud Risk!
โ Error 3: Bundling Laundry Balls with Detergent under one HS Code
๐ Consequence: Customs rejects mixed classification โ Shipment Delayed for Inspection!
โ Error 4: Ignoring the Steel Surtax (50%) for Metal Baskets
๐ Consequence: Profit margin wiped out by unexpected 50% tax โ Financial Loss!
โ Correct Practice:
"Plastic Laundry Basket, Foldable, 40x30x30cm, Model XYZ, HS Code 3926.90.10.00"
"Rattan Laundry Hamper, Woven Bamboo, Model ABC, HS Code 4602.19.18.00"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Plastic is King (20.9%), Steel is Death (87.9%), Rattan is Heavy (39.5%), Balls are Mid (24.5%-35%)."
๐น "HS Code determines cost, material declaration determines survival!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your product is originated from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Recommend applying for Advance Rulings before shipping high-volume metal or mixed-material goods to the US.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
๐ Ensure your laundry products clear smoothly, save costs, and maximize profits!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.