织物柔顺剂
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402501100 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402505100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905050 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3809910000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3809100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧴 Fabric Softeners & Anti-Static Agents (Chemical Preparations for Textiles)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Fabric Softeners"?
Fabric softeners and anti-static agents are chemical preparations primarily used to improve the feel, reduce static electricity, or manage wrinkles in textiles. In international trade, they are NOT a single HS Code but are classified based on their primary function, chemical composition, and intended use.
The core distinction lies in: 1. Consumer vs. Industrial Use: Are they for household laundry (3402) or industrial textile finishing (3809)? 2. Function: Do they act as detergents/surfactants (3402) or specific textile finishes/anti-static agents (3809)? 3. Formulation: Are they "aromatic" (perfumed) or standard chemical formulations?
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a household fabric softener or laundry surfactant, it generally falls under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents).
- If the product is an industrial anti-static agent or textile finishing chemical not primarily for washing/cleaning, it often falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority对照)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Function/Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.50.11.00 |
Aromatic Fabric Softener | Household/consumer use; contains aromatic substances; final consumer product | Surfactant/Detergent Category with fragrance |
3402.50.51.00 |
Standard Fabric Softener | Household/consumer use; chemical preparation in the category of surface-active agents and detergents | Surfactant/Detergent Category; non-aromatic or standard formulation |
3402.90.50.50 |
Textile Anti-Static Softener | Textile application; chemical product under Chapter 34, NOT for washing/cleaning | Chemical Preparation; Anti-static but classified under 34 due to chemical nature |
3809.91.00.00 |
Textile Anti-Static Agent (Industrial Finisher) | Used in textile industry as a finishing agent; industrial chemical preparation | Textile Finishing Agent; Industrial use, specific anti-static function |
3809.10.00.00 |
Textile Anti-Static Agent (Industrial Finisher) | Chemical preparation for textile finishing; classified under finishing agents | Textile Finishing Agent; Specific tariff structure (2.2¢/kg + %) |
🔍 Important Reminder:
- Chapter 34 (3402) is for surface-active agents and detergents. If the softener is used for laundering (washing clothes), it belongs here.
- Chapter 38 (3809) is for finishing agents. If the anti-static agent is used in industrial processing (e.g., during weaving, knitting, or post-production finishing) and not for consumer laundry, it belongs here.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring an industrial anti-static chemical as a household softener (or vice versa) can lead to significant duty differences and customs delays.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025年11月10日起 (Including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3402.50.11.00 —— Aromatic Fabric Softener (Consumer/Laundry)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for this category) |
| Total Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 39% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (High tax burden prevents small package exemption utility) |
| Legal Path | Base Tariff → Section 301 → 122 Clause |
📌 Explanation:
- This code applies to perfumed/aromatic softeners for consumer use.
- The 39% total rate is high due to the combination of base tariff, Section 301, and the 122 clause.
🎯 2. 3402.50.51.00 —— Standard Fabric Softener (Consumer/Laundry)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for this category) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base Tariff (0%) → Section 301 → 122 Clause |
📌 Note:
- This is the most common code for standard, non-aromatic fabric softeners.
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the 35% total rate still makes it costly.
- Lower than aromatic softeners by 4%, due to the 0% base rate.
🎯 3. 3402.90.50.50 —— Textile Anti-Static Softener (Chemical Prep)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for this category) |
| Total Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base Tariff → Section 301 → 122 Clause |
📌 Explanation:
- This code is for anti-static agents that are chemical preparations but fall under Chapter 34 (not primarily for washing).
- The rate is high (38.7%) due to the 3.7% base plus surtaxes.
🎯 4. 3809.91.00.00 —— Textile Anti-Static Agent (Industrial Finisher)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for this category) |
| Total Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 41% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Base Tariff → Section 301 → 122 Clause |
📌 Note:
- This is for industrial textile finishing agents.
- Highest ad valorem rate (41%) among the softener/anti-static categories.
🎯 5. 3809.10.00.00 —— Textile Anti-Static Agent (Specific Industrial Use)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.2¢/kg + 3% (Specific rate) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% (Adjusted Section 301 for this subheading) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for this category) |
| Total Rate | 2.2¢/kg + 3% + 7.5% + 10% = 2.2¢/kg + 20.5% |
| Tax Calculation | (2.2¢ per kg) + (CIF Value × 20.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Specific Rate → Section 301 → 122 Clause |
📌 Important:
- This code has a mixed rate (specific + ad valorem).
- For lightweight products (e.g., small packets of anti-static sheets), the specific duty (2.2¢/kg) might be more significant.
- For heavy liquids, the 20.5% total ad valorem equivalent is lower than the 35-41% rates of other codes, BUT the base structure is different. Always consult a customs broker to calculate which rate is actually lower for your specific product density and weight.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specifications | ✔️ | Ingredients, function (softening vs. anti-static), usage method |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Critical for chemical clearance; indicates hazardous vs. non-hazardous nature |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images of label, packaging, and product form (liquid/powder/sheet) |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Fabric Softener" or "Anti-Static Agent" and HS Code |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Weight, volume, and net/gross weight for calculating specific duties (if applicable) |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | To confirm Chinese origin and apply appropriate surtaxes |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | E.g., EPA registration (if claim is pesticidal), or standard chemical composition analysis |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 “Function Dictates Code, Chemical Nature Determines Chapter!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Household Liquid Softener | 3402.50.51.00 (Standard) or 3402.50.11.00 (Aromatic) |
Misdeclare as 3809 → Audit Risk |
| Industrial Anti-Static Spray | 3809.91.00.00 or 3809.10.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 3402 → Underpayment Penalty |
| Anti-Static Sheets (Consumables) | Likely 3809.10.00.00 (if textile finish) |
Misdeclare as 3402 → Wrong Duty Structure |
| Detergent + Softener Combo | Check primary function; often 3402 |
Split declaration without justification → Confusion |
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide customer PO and label design. Ensure the functional claim matches the HS Code. |
| B2B vs. B2C | B2B (Industrial) often falls under 3809. B2C (Retail) falls under 3402. Do not mix. |
| "Natural" or "Organic" Claims | Still classified by chemical function. "Organic" does not change HS Code from 3402 to 3809. |
| Anti-Static vs. Softening | If the product claims both, consult a broker. The primary function determines the code. If it's mainly for laundry, 3402 is safer. |
🌍 V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3402.50.51.00 |
35% (Standard) / 39% (Aromatic) | EPA (if pesticidal claim), TSCA | High surtaxes; 122 clause applies |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3402.50.51.00 |
~10-15% | None | Standard import duty + VAT |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3402.50 |
0-6.5% | REACH Compliance | Low base tariff; REACH registration critical |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3402.50 |
0-6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit regulations apply |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3402.50 |
0-5% | JIS Standards | Moderate duty; strict labeling |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market due to Section 301 and 122 clause tariffs.
- EU and Japan have lower base tariffs but strict chemical regulations (REACH, JIS).
- Accurate classification is vital in the US to avoid the 35-41% pitfall.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Industrial Anti-Static Agents as Household Softeners
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of duty (if 3809 is higher) or misclassification penalty. The duty structures are completely different.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring the 122 Clause
👉 Consequence: The 122 clause adds 10% to the tariff. If not accounted for, you will face budget shortfalls and potential customs holds.
❌ Error 3: Confusing Anti-Static with Antistatic
👉 Consequence: Minor, but spelling errors on invoices can cause customs queries. Use the standard term "Anti-Static".
❌ Error 4: Failing to provide SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
👉 Consequence: Customs Hold. Chemical products require SDS for safety review. No SDS = Delayed Release.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Fabric Softener, Liquid, Non-Aromatic, 1 Gallon Bottle, Net Weight 1.2 lbs, HS Code 3402.50.51.00, Made in China"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Optimization!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Household Laundry = 3402 (35-39%)".
🔹 "Industrial Finish = 3809 (20.5%~41%)".
🔹 "122 Clause = +10% Always.
🔹 "SDS is Mandatory!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your product is a lightweight anti-static sheet (e.g., dryer sheets), the specific duty in 3809.10.00.00 (2.2¢/kg) might be more advantageous than the ad valorem rates in 3402. Calculate the total duty per unit before declaring.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Request Advance Ruling for your specific product formulation.
🚀 Ensure your chemical composition matches the declared HS Code to avoid audits and back taxes.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Duty Saved 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) — 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.