pool cleaner
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421290005 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421290015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8509805095 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8509801000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8479899596 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8479897000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πββοΈ Pool Cleaner (Automatic & Manual Swimming Pool Cleaning Machines)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What a "Pool Cleaner" Is?
A Pool Cleaner is a device designed to remove debris, dirt, and algae from the bottom and walls of swimming pools. In international trade, these products are broadly categorized into two main groups based on their power source and function:
- Automatic Electric/Solar Pool Cleaners: Devices with self-contained electric motors or robotic systems that move independently or via suction/push-pull mechanisms.
- Manual/Hand-Pushed Cleaners: Non-motorized devices such as brushes, manual vacuum heads, or carpet-style sweepers (though rare for pools, sometimes grouped similarly under mechanical appliances).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the device has a self-contained electric motor and operates as a domestic appliance β It falls under Chapter 85 (Electromechanical Appliances).
- If the device is a purely mechanical sweeper without an electric motor (e.g., a manual push broom for floors, sometimes confused with pool sweepers) β It may fall under Chapter 84 (Machinery).
- Crucial Note: Most modern "Robotic Pool Cleaners" are classified under 8509 because they are electromechanical domestic appliances. Purely mechanical "floor polishers" or "sweepers" without electricity fall under 8479 or 8509 depending on specific design, but pool-specific electric cleaners are strictly 8509.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the relevant HS Codes for electromechanical appliances and mechanical sweepers. Note: Pure pool cleaners are typically subsumed under "Other" domestic appliances or specific cleaning machinery. The following codes from your data are the most relevant proxies for Electric Pool Cleaners and Mechanical Sweepers.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application to Pool Cleaners | Motor Type |
|---|---|---|---|
8509.80.50.95 |
Electromechanical domestic appliances... Other appliances: Other | Most Common for Robotic Pool Cleaners. Devices with self-contained electric motors that do not fit other specific subheadings (like vacuum cleaners of 8508). | β Electric (Self-contained) |
8509.80.10.00 |
Electromechanical domestic appliances... Other appliances: Floor polishers | Less Likely, unless the pool cleaner is explicitly marketed as a "floor polisher" for hard surfaces. Unlikely for standard pools. | β Electric (Self-contained) |
8479.89.95.96 |
Machines having individual functions... Other: Other: Tow behind sweepers | For Tow-Behind Pool Cleaners. If the pool cleaner is pulled by a vehicle or manual rope and has no self-contained motor, it might fall here. | β No Self-Contained Motor |
8479.89.70.00 |
Machines having individual functions... Other: Carpet sweepers | For Manual Mechanical Pool Sweeps. If the device is a purely mechanical sweeper (bristles/rollers) with no electricity, it may be classified here. | β No Motor |
8421.29.00.05 |
Filtering or purifying machinery... Refrigerant recovery | β NOT APPLICABLE. This is for HVAC equipment. Do not use for pool cleaners. | N/A |
8421.29.00.15 |
Filtering or purifying machinery... Oil-separation | β NOT APPLICABLE. This is for industrial oil filtration. Do not use for pool cleaners. | N/A |
π Critical Insight for Pool Cleaners:
- Robotic/Automatic Electric Pool Cleaners β Primarily8509.80.50.95. This is the standard "catch-all" for domestic electromechanical cleaning appliances not specifically named (like vacuums).
- Manual/Suction-Powered Pool Vacuums (connected to pool pump) β These are often considered parts of swimming pools or filters, but if they have a motor, they go to 8509. If they are just hoses/heads, they may be under 9031 or 8421 (filters). However, the data provided focuses on electromechanical appliances.
- Mechanical Sweepers (non-electric) β8479.89.70.00(Carpet Sweeper) or8479.89.95.96(Other Machines).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Based on provided data (2025-2026 tariff structure)
π― 1. 8509.80.50.95 ββ Other Electromechanical Domestic Appliances (Electric Pool Cleaners)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Automatic/Robotic Pool Cleaner (Electric, Self-contained) |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% (No Section 301 or IEEPA surcharge indicated for this specific code in the provided data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Since total tax is 0%, small packages may still be subject to processing fees, but no duty liability) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8509.80.50.95 |
π Explanation:
- This is a highly favorable classification for electric pool cleaners.
- Unlike many other electronics, this specific subheading for "Other" domestic appliances currently shows 0% base + 0% additional in the provided dataset.
- Warning: Always verify if the pool cleaner is considered a "Vacuum Cleaner" (Heading 8508). If it is, the rate might differ. However, Robotic Pool Cleaners are distinct from vacuum cleaners and typically fall under 8509.
π― 2. 8509.80.10.00 ββ Floor Polishers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Not typically used for pool cleaners |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Note | Low risk, but incorrect classification for pool cleaners. |
π― 3. 8479.89.95.96 ββ Tow-Behind Sweepers (Non-Electric)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Manual or towed mechanical pool sweeper (rare) |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
π― 4. 8479.89.70.00 ββ Carpet Sweepers (Mechanical)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Mechanical sweepers |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to surcharge) |
π Explanation:
- If your pool cleaner is mechanical (no battery/motor) and classified as a "sweeper," it may fall under 8479.89.70.00, incurring a 25% additional tariff.
- Recommendation: Avoid this classification for electric products. Electric products go to 8509 (0% tax).
π« Non-Applicable Codes (Do Not Use)
| HS Code | Description | Why Avoid? |
|---|---|---|
8421.29.00.05 |
Refrigerant Recovery Units | Incorrect. This is for HVAC technicians, not pool maintenance. |
8421.29.00.15 |
Oil-Separation Equipment | Incorrect. This is for industrial machinery. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Required Documents)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner," "Model," "Voltage (110V/220V)," "Power (Watts)." |
| β Operation Manual | βοΈ | Proves the product is a "Domestic Appliance" and not an industrial machine. |
| β Photos (Full & Components) | βοΈ | Show the complete unit, motor, brushes, and any control panel. |
| β FCC Certificate | βοΈ | Required for any device with an electric motor/plug-in power supply in the US. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as: "Electric Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner, Model XYZ, HS Code 8509.80.50.95." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight and dimensions. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βElectric Pool Cleaner = 8509.80.50.95 = 0% Duty. Manual Sweeper = 8479.89.70.00 = 25% Duty.β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic/Automatic Electric Pool Cleaner | 8509.80.50.95 |
0% | β Low (Verify it's not a vacuum) |
| Suction-Side Pool Cleaner (No Motor, just hose/head) | Check 9031/8421 | Variable | β οΈ Medium (Often misclassified) |
| Manual Push-Along Brush/Sweeper | 8479.89.70.00 |
25% | β οΈ High (Unnecessary tax if mistaken) |
| Tow-Behind Pool Cleaner (Motorized, external) | 8479.89.95.96 |
0% | β Low |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Branding | Ensure the invoice lists the brand clearly. If private label, ensure the manufacturerβs data sheet matches. |
| Included Accessories | If sold with a vacuum hose or brush, declare as a set under the main appliance code (8509). Do not split. |
| Smart/APP-Controlled Cleaners | Still classified as 8509. The "smart" feature does not change the HS code from "Domestic Appliance." |
| Battery-Powered Cleaners | Still 8509. The motor is self-contained. Do not classify as "Battery" (8507) unless the battery is the primary component sold separately. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (for Electric Pool Cleaners) | Duty Rate | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8509.80.50.95 |
0% | FCC + UL | Best Market due to 0% duty in this dataset. |
| π¨π³ China | 8509.80.90.00 |
~8-10% | CCC | Standard import duty for domestic appliances. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8509.80.90 |
~0-2% | CE + RoHS | Generally low duty, but strict eco-design regulations. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8509.80.90 |
~0-2% | UKCA | Post-Brexit, aligns with EU closely. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8509.80.90 |
5% | RCM | Standard import tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers the lowest duty (0%) for electric pool cleaners under8509.80.50.95in this dataset.
- China and EU have higher base duties or stricter certification requirements.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Electric Pool Cleaners as Vacuum Cleaners (8508).
π Consequence: Incorrect classification. While similar, "Pool Cleaners" are distinct from "Household Vacuum Cleaners." Misclassification can lead to audits. Use 8509.80.50.95 for "Other" appliances.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Mechanical Pool Sweeps as 8509.
π Consequence: Over-payment of taxes. Mechanical sweeps have no motor and belong to 8479.89.70.00 (25% duty). If you can avoid this by offering electric models, do so.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring FCC Certification for Electric Cleaners.
π Consequence: Customs hold, return, or destruction. Any device with an electric motor/plug needs FCC approval for the US market.
β Mistake 4: Using "Refrigerant Recovery" or "Oil Separation" Codes.
π Consequence: Immediate rejection. These codes are for industrial HVAC/Oil machinery. Never use for pool products.
β Correct Description Example:
"Automatic Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner, Electric, Self-Contained Motor, Wall and Floor Cleaning, Model ABC123, FCC Certified, HS Code: 8509.80.50.95"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Savings, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Electric Pool Cleaner = 8509.80.50.95 = 0% Duty."
πΉ "Manual Sweeper = 8479.89.70.00 = 25% Duty."
πΉ "No Motor, No 8509."
π Pro Tip:
If your pool cleaner is battery-operated, ensure the battery is Li-ion (common) and declared properly. The HS Code (8509) remains the same for the appliance, but battery shipping regulations (UN38.3) apply.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the FCC certificate and product photos.
π Use HS Code 8509.80.50.95 for electric pool cleaners to enjoy 0% duty in the US market.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every penny saved in 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.