水族箱过滤器
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421210000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421290065 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5911400100 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5911900080 | 38.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421390190 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🐠 Aquarium Filters (Aquarium Filtration Systems)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Aquarium Filters"?
Aquarium filters are essential water treatment devices for maintaining aquatic life. In international trade, they are classified based on filtration media (cloth/textile vs. mechanical housing) and filtration medium (water vs. gas/air). Misclassification here can lead to severe duty discrepancies, especially given the current trade restrictions on Chinese-origin goods.
⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- Water Filtration Housing/Machines: Devices primarily designed to filter water using cartridges, sand, or biological media. → Grouped under 8421.21 or 8421.29.
- Textile Filters (Filter Cloths): Specifically woven fabrics used in industrial presses (like hydraulic presses) or other machinery for filtering oil/water. → Grouped under 5911.40.
- Industrial Textile Articles: Other technical textiles used as filter elements or cloths not specifically classified elsewhere. → Grouped under 5911.90.
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
8421.21.00.00 |
Liquid or gas filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for filtering or purifying water | Home aquarium filters, underwater pump filters, inline water filters | Mechanical/Housing |
8421.29.00.65 |
Other filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus | Specialized aquarium systems, multi-stage filtration units not covered by 8421.21 | Mechanical/Housing |
5911.40.01.00 |
Filter cloth for hydraulic presses or similar machinery | Note: If the product is specifically filter cloth sold for industrial presses (e.g., hydraulic press filter cloths used in water treatment plants), it falls here. Caution: Do not confuse household filter cartridges with industrial filter cloths. | Textile (Woven) |
5911.90.00.80 |
Other textile articles for technical uses (e.g., filter cloths, filter bags) | Loose filter cloths, technical fabric filter elements for industrial water/air purification | Textile (Non-woven/Woven) |
8421.39.01.90 |
Other machinery and apparatus for filtering or purifying gases | Air pumps for aquariums, aerators, biological air filters | Mechanical/Gas |
🔍 Critical Reminder:
- Most standard home aquarium filters (underwater, hang-on-back, canister) are classified under 8421.21.00.00 or 8421.29.00.65 because they are "machinery for filtering water." - If you are importing only the filter material (e.g., felt, synthetic fabric sheets) intended for industrial filtration, it may fall under 5911.40 or 5911.90. - Aquarium Air Pumps are for purifying gases (adding oxygen to water via air), so they fall under 8421.39.01.90.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharge, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 8421.21.00.00 —— Machinery for filtering/purifying water (Aquarium Filters)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% (Under Section 301) |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% (Specific US Trade Policy Add-on) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Allowed (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8421.21.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:301 → 122_SECTION |
📌 Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": Standard MFN rate for water filtration machinery. - "301 Surcharge 25%": Additional tariff on Chinese goods under US Trade Law Section 301. - "122 Section 10%": Additional specific tariff under Section 122 (or related emergency powers). - Total 35%: High duty cost. Must be factored into pricing strategy.
🎯 2. 8421.29.00.65 —— Other filtering/purifying machinery (Special Aquarium Units)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Allowed |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8421.29.00.65 → FOOTNOTE:301 → 122_SECTION |
📌 Note:
- Same tariff structure as above. Most "other" mechanical water filters fall here if not specifically "for water" under 8421.21 (though most aquarium filters are 8421.21).
🎯 3. 5911.40.01.00 —— Filter Cloth for Hydraulic Presses (Industrial Textile)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 43.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 43% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Allowed |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5911.40.01.00 → FOOTNOTE:301 → 122_SECTION |
📌 Warning:
- If your product is classified as "filter cloth" (textile) rather than "machinery," the base rate is higher (8%), leading to a higher total duty (43%). - Do not misclassify mechanical aquarium filters as textile filter cloths to save tax. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) will likely reclassify and penalize you. Only industrial filter cloths for hydraulic presses belong here.
🎯 4. 5911.90.00.80 —— Other Technical Textile Articles (Filter Cloths/Elements)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.8% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.8% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 38.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Allowed |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5911.90.00.80 → FOOTNOTE:301 → 122_SECTION |
📌 Note:
- Lower base rate than 5911.40, but still higher than the mechanical filters (35%). - Applies to non-specific textile filter elements used in industrial settings.
🎯 5. 8421.39.01.90 —— Other Gas Filtering Equipment (Aquarium Air Pumps)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Allowed |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8421.39.01.90 → FOOTNOTE:301 → 122_SECTION |
📌 Note:
- Aquarium air pumps are for "purifying gases" (oxygenating water). They fall under this code with the same 35% total duty.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (No Missing Documents)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Spec Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify: Filtration type (Water/Gas), Flow Rate (GPH/LPH), Material, Voltage. |
| ✅ Product Photos (Labeled) | ✔️ | Clear view of labels, models, and components. Show if it's a "machine" or "fabric". |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must explicitly state: "Aquarium Water Filter" or "Aquarium Air Pump". Do not use vague terms like "Filter". |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail contents. If air pump and filter are in one box, declare as a set or separate lines clearly. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Required for origin determination. If non-China, may qualify for lower duties. |
| ✅ FCC Certification | ✔️ | Mandatory for electrical components (pumps, air pumps) in the US. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Machine for Water, Code 8421; Cloth for Press, Code 5911; Air Pump, Code 8421.39! Be Precise, Avoid Penalties!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Underwater Aquarium Filter | 8421.21.00.00 (Machine for Water) |
Misclassify as "Textile Filter" → 43% Duty |
| Aquarium Air Pump | 8421.39.01.90 (Gas Purifying) |
Misclassify as "Water Filter" → Similar rate, but inaccurate description |
| Industrial Filter Cloth | 5911.40.01.00 |
Misclassify as "Machine" → If it's just cloth, CBP may still accept, but ensure it's not a machine |
| Filter Cartridge (Plastic/Media) | Part of 8421.21.00.00 machine |
Declare separately as "Parts" if shipped with machine, but usually included |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Set Sale (Filter + Pump) | Declare as a "Kit" or main item. Usually, the water filter (8421.21) is the principal item. |
| OEM Custom Filters | Provide client design drawings. Ensure description matches the client’s label exactly. |
| Importing Only Filter Media (Sponges/Foam) | If simple foam/sponge without housing, it may still be considered a "part" of the machine (8421) or textile (5911). Clarify with customs broker. |
| Non-Chinese Origin | If imported from Vietnam, Thailand, etc., IEEPA/301 duties may be waived or reduced. Apply for CO immediately. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8421.21.00.00 |
35% (Total) | FCC + UL/ETL (Electrical) | High duty. De Minimis ($800) NOT available. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8421.21.00.00 |
0% - 5% (Import Duty) | CCC (if electrical) | Low import duty. No 301/122 surcharges for domestic trade. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8421.21.00 |
0% - 2.7% | CE + RoHS | No Section 301. Low duty. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 8421.21.00 |
0% - 2.7% | UKCA + RoHS | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 8421.21.00 |
5% | RCM + CE | Moderate duty. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-origin aquarium filters due to 35% total duty. - EU, UK, AU, and Asia have significantly lower duties (0-5%). - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., assembling in Vietnam/Malaysia) to avoid US surcharges.
📌 Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons from Blood & Tears)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Aquarium Filter" as "Textile Filter" (5911) to avoid 301 tariff?
👉 Consequence: CBP will reclassify as 8421.21.00.00 + penalties. If they accept 5911, you pay 38.8%-43%, which is higher than 35%! Bad idea.
❌ Mistake 2: Not declaring FCC for electrical components (Pumps/Air Pumps).
👉 Consequence: Goods seized at border. Fines of $10,000+ per violation.
❌ Mistake 3: Using "Filter" as the only description on Invoice.
👉 Consequence: CBP cannot determine if it's water, air, or textile filter. Leads to detention, inspection delays, and potential misclassification.
❌ Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies to small shipments.
👉 Consequence: NO. Section 301 and 122 tariffs exclude de minimis. Even small packages are subject to 35% duty.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Aquarium Underwater Filter Motor, Model ABC, 110V/60Hz, for Water Filtration, Made in China, FCC Certified"
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Water Filter = 8421.21 (35% Total); Air Pump = 8421.39 (35% Total); Cloth = 5911 (43% Total)."
🔹 "Origin Matters: Non-China = Lower Duty; China = High Duty. Plan Ahead!"
🔹 "FCC is Mandatory for Electric Parts. No FCC = No Entry."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your aquarium filters are manufactured in Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA/301 exemptions, reducing duties to 0-5%.
Recommend Applying for Advance Ruling from CBP if you have a large volume, to confirm classification and duty liability.
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Let your aquarium filters pass customs smoothly, maximize profits, and grow your business!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Dollar of Cost Should Be Precisely Calculated!
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.