填缝剂
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824997510 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905030 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999397 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🧪 Tile Grout & Sealer Removal Agent (填缝剂/美缝剂去除剂与美缝剂)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Understand "Grout & Sealers" Truly?
In the construction and home improvement trade, Grout Removal Agents and Tile Sealers (Meifeng Agents) are often confused but have distinct chemical properties and regulatory treatments.
Grout Removal Agents (填缝剂去除剂): Chemical formulations designed to dissolve or soften cementitious, epoxy, or silicone-based grout residues. They are primarily classified as chemical preparations or surface-active agents.
Tile Sealers / "Meifeng Agents" (美缝剂): Polymer-modified adhesive systems used to fill and seal tile gaps, offering aesthetic and waterproofing functions. They are classified as adhesives.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a liquid/paste used to REMOVE existing materials → Classified under Chapter 38 or Chapter 34 (Chemicals/Cleaning).
- If the product is a paste/liquid used to ADD/ADHERE new materials → Classified under Chapter 35 (Adhesives).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes, their logical justifications, and tax implications for Grout Removal Agents and Tile Sealers (Meifeng Agents) imported from China to the US.
| HS Code | Product Description | Logical Justification | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.75.10 |
Grout Removal Agent (Chemical Preparation) | Classified as a chemical preparation under Chapter 38, fitting the general purpose attribute of industrial chemical agents. | 38.7% |
3402.90.50.30 |
Grout Removal Agent (Cleaning Preparation) | Classified as a cleaning preparation under Chapter 34, specifically used to remove residual matter from gaps/joints. | 38.7% |
3402.90.50.10 |
Grout Removal Agent (Surfactant-based) | Classified as a chemical cleaning preparation, fitting the scope of surface-active agents (surfactants) used for cleaning. | 38.7% |
3824.99.93.97 |
Grout Removal Agent (Industrial Chemical) | Classified under the "catch-all" category for chemical industrial preparations in Chapter 38. | 40.0% |
3506.91.50.00 |
Tile Sealer / Meifeng Agent (Adhesive) | Classified as a polymer-modified adhesive, fitting the logical category of adhesives under Chapter 35. | 37.1% |
🔍 Critical Insight:
- Grout Removers have varying tax rates (38.7% vs 40.0%) depending on whether they are classified under Chapter 34 (Cleaning/Surfactants) or Chapter 38 (Other Chemical Preparations/Catch-all).
- Tile Sealers (Meifeng) are strictly classified as Adhesives (3506) with a lower base rate, but still subject to significant additional tariffs.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a "Grout Remover" as an "Adhesive" or vice versa will lead to customs delays, penalties, and potential reclassification with higher duties.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. Grout Removal Agents (HS Codes: 3824.99.75.10, 3402.90.50.30, 3402.90.50.10)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax (USITC) | +25.0% (Additional duty under USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (Targeted surtax on Chinese products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (High duty threshold excludes low-value shipments) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824/3402 → Footnote 301:25% → IEEPA/122:10% |
📌 Explanation:
- These codes fall under "Chemical Preparations" and "Surfactants."
- The 3.7% base rate is relatively low, but the 25% Section 301 and 10% IEEPA/122 surtaxes drive the total to 38.7%.
- Note: If classified under3824.99.93.97, the base rate increases to 5.0%, making the total 40.0%.
🎯 2. Tile Sealer / Meifeng Agent (HS Code: 3506.91.50.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.1% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax (USITC) | +25.0% (Additional duty under USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (Targeted surtax on Chinese products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3506.91.50.00 → Footnote 301:25% → IEEPA/122:10% |
📌 Explanation:
- Adhesives generally have a lower base duty (2.1%) compared to chemical cleaning agents (3.7% or 5.0%).
- However, the additional surtaxes remain constant at 35% (25% + 10%).
- This makes the total effective tax rate 37.1%, which is slightly lower than the grout remover options.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify chemical composition (e.g., % of surfactants, solvents, polymer content). |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Critical for chemical imports. Must indicate if the product is flammable, corrosive, or hazardous. |
| ✅ Product Photos (Label & Container) | ✔️ | Clear view of ingredients list, warnings, and intended use ("Remover" vs. "Sealer"). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must accurately describe the product as "Chemical Preparation" or "Adhesive," not just "Household Item." |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Required to confirm Chinese origin and apply appropriate surtaxes. |
| ✅ Packaging List | ✔️ | Detailed breakdown of net/gross weight, ensuring no confusion with other goods. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Chemicals vs. Adhesives, Define the Function, Save the Duty!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product removes grout | "Chemical Grout Remover" → 3824.99.75.10 or 3402.90.50.x0 |
Declared as "Adhesive" | Rejected, delayed, or reassessed at higher rate. |
| Product fills/seals tiles | "Polymer Tile Sealer" → 3506.91.50.00 |
Declared as "Cleaning Agent" | Rejected, potential fraud penalty. |
| Mixed Kit (Remover + Sealer) | Separate Line Items | Mixed in one line item | Confusion, potential misclassification of the entire shipment. |
| Volumetric Weight | Accurate Net Weight | Declared as "Gift" | De minimis exemption denied due to commercial nature and high duty. |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Flammable Ingredients | If the remover contains high concentrations of alcohol or solvents, it may be classified as Dangerous Goods (DG). Requires UN38.3 certification and DG declaration. |
| Bleach-based Removers | If the product is chlorine-based, it may fall under different hazard classes. Ensure SDS matches the HS Code chemical description. |
| OEM Custom Formulas | Provide the exact chemical formula breakdown to customs brokers to justify the specific HS Code (e.g., proving surfactant content for 3402). |
| Sample Shipments | Even for samples, if the total duty exceeds de minimis thresholds (currently $800, but high rates make it risky for bulk), declare accurately. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Duty (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3402.90.50.30 / 3506.91.50.00 |
37.1% - 40.0% | SDS, MSDS, FMCSA (if transport) | Highest duties due to Section 301 + IEEPA. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3402.90.50.30 / 3506.91.50.00 |
Low (1-5%) | CCC (if applicable), Standard GB | No surtaxes. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3402.90 / 3506.91 |
~6.5% | REACH Registration (Critical!) | REACH compliance is mandatory for chemicals/adhesives. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3402.90 / 3506.91 |
~6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit, UK REACH is required. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3402.90 / 3506.91 |
~5% | AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals) | AICIS registration needed for chemical imports. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest effective tax burden on these products due to the combination of base duty + 25% Section 301 + 10% IEEPA.
- EU/UK require strict chemical registration (REACH), which is a non-tariff barrier but lower in cost than US tariffs.
- Cost Optimization: For the US market, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., manufacturing in Vietnam or Mexico) to potentially qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower Section 301 rates, if eligible.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring "Grout Remover" as "Cleaning Fluid" without specifying chemical nature.
👉 Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 3824.99.93.97 (40.0%) instead of 3402.90.50.30 (38.7%), or flag for hazardous material review.
❌ Error 2: Confusing "Tile Sealer" (Adhesive) with "Grout Cleaner" (Chemical).
👉 Consequence: Misclassification leads to incorrect duty assessment. Adhesives (3506) are cheaper than some chemical removers (3824).
❌ Error 3: Omitting the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
👉 Consequence: Shipment held at port, potential return or destruction if hazardous contents are unreported.
❌ Error 4: Assuming "De Minimis" ($800) applies to high-duty goods.
👉 Consequence: Even if the value is under $800, if the product is subject to special trade remedies (like IEEPA), customs may still assess duties or reject the entry.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Epoxy Grout Removal Agent, 500ml Bottle, Contains Acidic Solvents, SDS Available, HS 3402.90.50.30"
vs.
"Polymer Tile Sealer, 300ml Tube, Adhesive, HS 3506.91.50.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonics:
🔹 "Remover = Chemical (38/34), Sealer = Adhesive (35)."
🔹 "US Duty: 37-40%, EU: 6.5% + REACH."
🔹 "SDS is King, Misclassification is Pain!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes to the US, conduct a Pre-Ruling Request with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the exact HS Code. This provides legal certainty and avoids surprise costs.
Consider supply chain relocation to non-China origins if the 35%+ surtax erodes your profit margins significantly.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult with a licensed customs broker.
📄 Prepare comprehensive SDS and product specifications.
🚀 Ensure accurate HS Code declaration to avoid seizures and penalties.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every percentage point of duty is part of your final landed cost!
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) — 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.