scrub salt
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3401305000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304995000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3401200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304910050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🧂 Salt Scrub (Exfoliating Body Products)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategies
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand “Salt Scrub” Products?
Salt scrub, a popular skincare product, is primarily composed of coarse salt mixed with oils, fragrances, and other exfoliating agents. In international trade, its classification hinges on usage (skin care/exfoliation) and physical form (granular, paste, or liquid). Due to variations in formulation and presentation, it may fall under different chapters:
Chapter 33 (Essential Oils & Cosmetics): Products primarily intended for skin care or cosmetic exfoliation, often containing botanical extracts or synthetic fragrances. Chapter 34 (Soaps & Surfactants): Products with a strong soap base or high surfactant content, often used for cleansing and exfoliation simultaneously.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is marketed as a cosmetic skin care item (e.g., “luxury body scrub,” “spa treatment”) and contains significant amounts of salts/oils for exfoliation rather than cleaning → Consider Chapter 33. - If the product functions primarily as a cleansing agent with a soap/surfactant base → Consider Chapter 34.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
3304.91.00.50 |
Preparations for the care of the skin, powders (other than talc) | Grainy salt scrubs, dry powder exfoliants | Purpose: Skin care; Form: Powder/Granular |
3304.99.50.00 |
Other preparations for the care of the skin | Paste-based or oil-heavy salt scrubs | Purpose: Skin care; Form: Paste/Liquid (Non-powder) |
3401.20.00.00 |
Soap; Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of bars, cakes, molded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap | Salt-based cleansing bars or molded exfoliating soaps | Purpose: Washing; Form: Bar/Cake/Molded |
3401.30.50.00 |
Other preparations for washing the skin | Liquid, cream, or gel salt scrubs | Purpose: Washing; Form: Non-bar (Liquid/Cream) |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Cosmetic vs. Cleansing: If the primary function is exfoliation and skin nourishment, lean towards 3304. If the primary function is cleaning/detergency, lean towards 3401. - Form Matters: Powders/granules go to 3304.91; Pastes/Liquids/Creams go to 3304.99 or 3401.30. Bars/Cakes go to 3401.20.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (Including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3304.91.00.50 —— Skin Care Preparations, Powders
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3304.91.00.50 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surcharge stems from Section 301 of the US Trade Act; - The 10% IEEPA surcharge is the additional tariff imposed on Chinese products under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; - Total 35%, which is a high tariff for cosmetic-grade salt scrubs. Must be anticipated in advance!
🎯 2. 3304.99.50.00 —— Other Skin Care Preparations (Pastes/Liquids)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3304.99.50.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Same as the powder category; tariff rate is identical; - Applies to paste, cream, or liquid salt scrubs if classified under Chapter 33 (Cosmetic/Skin Care).
🎯 3. 3401.20.00.00 —— Soap & Molded Cleansing Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3401.20.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- If the salt scrub is in bar, cake, or molded shape and marketed as a cleansing soap, it falls here; - Even if it contains exfoliating salts, the form (bar) and primary use (washing) drive it to Chapter 34.
🎯 4. 3401.30.50.00 —— Other Washing Preparations (Non-Bar)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3401.30.50.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Applies to liquid, gel, or cream salt scrubs if classified under Chapter 34 (Washing/Cleansing); - Common for “body wash with scrub beads” products.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Ingredients list, physical form (powder/paste/liquid), net weight |
| ✅ Product Label/Photos | ✔️ | Clear image showing packaging, claims (“Exfoliating,” “Cleansing”), and usage instructions |
| ✅ Ingredient Analysis | ✔️ | Detailed breakdown of salt type, oil content, surfactant presence |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly describe as “Salt Scrub for Body Care” or “Exfoliating Body Wash” |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show packaging structure (jar, tube, bag) |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | If applicable, for chemical stability and handling |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 “Form Defines Chapter, Use Defines Heading, Name Must Match!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Grainy Salt Scrub (Powder/Granular) | 3304.91.00.50 |
Misdeclare as soap → 35% (Same, but wrong code may cause audit) |
| Cream/Liquid Scrub (Cosmetic) | 3304.99.50.00 |
Misdeclare as washing product → 35% (Same, but wrong code) |
| Bar/Molded Salt Soap | 3401.20.00.00 |
Misdeclare as cosmetic → 35% (Same, but risk of reclassification) |
| Liquid Body Wash with Scrub Beads | 3401.30.50.00 |
Misdeclare as powder → 35% (Form mismatch risk) |
✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/White Label | Provide brand authorization and formula sheets to avoid “generic” labeling issues |
| Dual-Claim Products (“Cleansing & Exfoliating”) | Argue primary purpose: If marketing focuses on “spa/exfoliation,” use 3304; if “daily wash,” use 3401 |
| Contains Essential Oils | Highlight in description: “Contains natural essential oils for skin care” to support Chapter 33 classification |
| Small Sample Shipments | Even under $800, no de minimis exemption for these HS codes → Pay full 35% |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 3304.91.00.50 / 3401.30.50.00 |
35% (China Origin) | FDA Cosmetics Registration (Voluntary), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) | 35% total due to 301 & IEEPA |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3304.91.00.50 |
0~10% | NMPA Cosmetic Filing | No additional surcharges |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 3304.91.00.00 |
0% (if CPNP notified) | CPNP Notification, ISO 22716 (GMP) | No surcharges |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 3304.91.00.00 |
0% | UK Cosmetic Product Notification | No surcharges |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3304.91.00.00 |
0% | TGA Listing (if therapeutic claims) | No surcharges |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US imposes a significant 35% tariff on salt scrubs from China, regardless of whether they are classified under Chapter 33 or 34; - European and Asian markets are more favorable, with 0% or low tariffs; - Supply chain diversification (e.g., manufacturing in Vietnam or Thailand) may help avoid IEEPA surcharges.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring all salt scrubs as “Cosmetics” (3304) regardless of form
👉 Consequence: If the product is a bar soap, it should be 3401. Misclassification may lead to seizure or fines.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the “De Minimis” exemption
👉 Consequence: Shipments under $800 do NOT qualify for duty-free entry for these HS codes → Unexpected 35% tax.
❌ Mistake 3: Vague product descriptions (“Body Scrub”)
👉 Consequence: Customs may request additional information, causing delays or reclassification.
❌ Mistake 4: Not disclosing “Surfactant Content”
👉 Consequence: If high surfactant content is present, Customs may reclassify from 3304 to 3401.
✅ Correct Practice:
“Coarse Sea Salt Exfoliating Scrub, 200g Jar, Containing Argan Oil and Lavender Essential Oil, For Body Skin Care, Made in China”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Declaration Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantras:
🔹 “Powder/Gel vs. Bar: Chapter 33 or 34?”
🔹 “35% Total Tariff for China Origins: Plan Ahead!”
🔹 “De Minimis Does NOT Apply: Pay Up or Re-route!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your salt scrub is manufactured in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may avoid IEEPA surcharges (10%), reducing the total tariff to 25% or lower.
Apply for Advance Rulings to confirm HS Code classification before shipment.
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure your salt scrubs clear customs smoothly, maximize profits, and reach global customers efficiently!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every Dollar of Cost Deserves Accurate 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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.