聚山梨酯
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402421000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧪 Polysorbate (Surfactants & Cleaning Preparations)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Polysorbate"?
Polysorbate (e.g., Polysorbate 20, 40, 60, 80) is a family of non-ionic surface-active agents. In international trade, it is primarily classified under Chapter 34: Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, cleaning preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, "dental waxes" and denture preparation preparations.
Specifically, Polysorbates fall under the category of "Organic surface-active agents (other than soap)" and are typically classified as Non-ionic.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If it is pure Polysorbate (chemical raw material) →归入 3402
- If it is blended with other cleaning agents or formulated for retail sale as a "detergent" → May still fall under 3402 or 3401/3405 depending on composition
- Not Soap: Polysorbates are synthetic non-ionic surfactants, NOT traditional fatty-acid salts (soap)
📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided , the relevant HS Code is:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.42.10.00 |
Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401: Other organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale: Non-ionic | Pure Polysorbate (20, 40, 60, 80, etc.), Non-ionic surfactant blends | ✅ Non-ionic ✅ Not Soap ✅ Surface-active agent |
🔍 Note from :
The provided data also references3402.90.50.50for "Aromatic or modified aromatic" non-ionic agents, but Polysorbate is NOT aromatic. Therefore,3402.42.10.00is the correct and specific classification for standard Polysorbate.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: As per 2026 tariff structure
🎯 3402.42.10.00 —— Polysorbate (Non-ionic Organic Surface-Active Agents)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 29.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 29.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (Surtaxes apply regardless of value) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3402.42.10.00 → Section 301 Footnote |
📌 Explanation:
- Base Tariff (4.0%): Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for non-ionic surface-active agents.
- Additional Tariff (25.0%): Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Effective Rate: 29.0%. This is a significant cost factor for importers of Polysorbate from China.
- No De Minimis Exemption: Unlike some other categories, Section 301 surtaxes are not exempt under the $800 de minimis rule for certain shipments. Importers must account for this in all shipments.
🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Can Be Omitted)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must clearly state: Polysorbate 20/40/60/80, CAS number, non-ionic nature, purity level |
| ✅ Chemical Structure Diagram | ✔️ | Proves non-ionic and non-aromatic status to avoid misclassification |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | From manufacturer, confirming surfactant properties |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must use precise description: "Polysorbate, Non-Ionic Organic Surface-Active Agent, Not Soap" |
| ✅ Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | ✔️ | Consistent with invoice description |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | To prove Chinese origin (subject to 25% surtax) |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | For customs hazard assessment (Polysorbate is generally low hazard) |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 “Non-Ionic, Not Soap, 3402.42, 29% Tax!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Polysorbate | 3402.42.10.00 – Polysorbate, Non-Ionic |
Misclassifying as "Soap" (3401) → Incorrect, penalties |
| Polysorbate in detergent mix | 3402.42.10.00 or 3402.90 depending on formula |
Declaring as "Cleaning Powder" (3402.10) → Wrong |
| Aromatic Surfactant Blend | 3402.90.50.50 |
Misclassifying Polysorbate as aromatic → Audit risk |
| Retail Packaged Surfactant | Still 3402.42.10.00 if primarily surfactant |
Declaring as "Cosmetic" (3304) → Wrong chapter |
📌 Critical Point:
- Polysorbate is NOT a soap. Do not use HS Code 3401.
- It is NON-IONIC. Do not use codes for anionic/cationic agents unless blended.
- It is NOT AROMATIC. Do not use3402.90.50.50.
✅ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Polysorbate used in cosmetics | Still classified under 3402 if sold as raw material. If final cosmetic product, may fall under 3304, but the surfactant component import is 3402. |
| Polysorbate in food industry | Same HS Code 3402.42.10.00. FDA compliance separate from customs. |
| Bulk vs. Retail Packaged | Both fall under 3402.42.10.00. Packaging does not change classification. |
| Blended Surfactants | If Polysorbate is mixed with other non-ionic agents, still 3402.42.10.00. If mixed with anionic, may require 3402.90. |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 3402.42.10.00 |
29.0% (China origin) | FDA (if food/cosmetic), TSCA | High tariff due to 301 surtax |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3402.42.10.00 |
4.0% | None for import | No surtax |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 3402.42.10.00 |
0%–2% | REACH Registration | No surtax |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 3402.42.10.00 |
0%–2% | UK REACH | No surtax |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3402.42.10.00 |
0%–3% | FSC (if food additive) | Low tariff |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3402.42.10.00 |
5% | AICIS | Moderate tariff |
📌 Conclusion:
- The United States imposes a 29% total tariff on Chinese-origin Polysorbate due to Section 301.
- EU, UK, Japan, Australia have 0–5% tariffs, making them more cost-effective for sourcing.
- Cost Optimization: Consider third-country sourcing (e.g., India, Vietnam, EU) for US imports to avoid the 25% surtax, if available.
📌 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Classifying Polysorbate as "Soap" (3401)
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code, customs hold, penalties. Polysorbate is synthetic, not fatty-acid salt.
❌ Error 2: Claiming De Minimis Exemption for Polysorbate shipments under $800
👉 Consequence: Section 301 surtax applies. Customs will assess 29% regardless of value.
❌ Error 3: Using vague description "Surfactant" without specifying Non-Ionic
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify under 3402.90 (other) or request additional info, causing delays.
❌ Error 4: Misclassifying as "Cosmetic" (3304)
👉 Consequence: Wrong chapter. Polysorbate is an ingredient/raw material, not a finished cosmetic.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Polysorbate 80, Non-Ionic Organic Surface-Active Agent, CAS 9005-64-5, Not Soap, For Industrial/Cosmetic Use, HS 3402.42.10.00"
🎯 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Cost!
🎯 Remember Mnemonic:
🔹 “Non-Ionic, Not Soap, 3402.42, 29% Tax!”
🔹 “Section 301 Hits Hard, 29% is the Card!”
📌 Pro Tip:
- If sourcing from China to US, budget for 29% total tariff.
- Consider origin diversification to avoid surtax.
- Always provide CAS number and non-ionic declaration to avoid audit.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide CAS number + Verify HS Code 3402.42.10.00
🚀 Clear your Polysorbate imports smoothly, avoid penalties, and optimize costs!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every 1% of tariff 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.