鱼缸过滤海绵
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921135000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5603949090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5603949070 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421390190 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421990180 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🌊 Aquarium Filter Sponges (Aquarium Filtration Sponges)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Filter Sponges"?
Aquarium filter sponges are the core consumable components in biological and mechanical filtration systems for fish tanks. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on material composition, structure (non-woven vs. cellular foam), and specific function. They are generally categorized into polymer-based cellular foams or synthetic fiber-based non-woven fabrics.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the sponge is a cellular polymer foam (like Polyurethane) → It falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If the sponge is a non-woven fabric made of short fibers or synthetic materials, regardless of its "sponge-like" appearance → It falls under Chapter 56 (Non-wovens) or Chapter 84 (Machinery Parts).
📦 Part 2: Detailed HS Code Classification (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Total Tax Rate | Tax Details Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3921.13.50.00 | Polymer Foam Sheet/Plate: The sponge is inferred to be made of polymer materials like Polyurethane (PU). It matches the form factor of foam-like boards, sheets, or blocks. | 39.2% | Base Tariff: 4.2% Additional Tariff: 25.0% Section 301/122 Tariff: 10% |
| 5603.94.90.90 | Non-woven Filter Material: The material is inferred as short fibers/non-filamentous, non-thermally bonded, and without special coatings. It fits the weight requirements for non-woven/filtration materials. | 35.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0% Additional Tariff: 25.0% Section 301/122 Tariff: 10% |
| 5603.94.90.70 | Non-woven "Sponge" Fallback: The material is inferred as a sponge (porous PU or synthetic), treated as a non-woven material in form, fitting the fallback category for non-woven fabrics. | 35.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0% Additional Tariff: 25.0% Section 301/122 Tariff: 10% |
| 8421.39.01.90 | Gas/Air Filtration Consumable: The item is a consumable for gas purification. Made of sponge material, it doesn't fit excluded specific equipment categories, falling under the "Other" fallback category. | 35.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0% Additional Tariff: 25.0% Section 301/122 Tariff: 10% |
| 8421.99.01.80 | Part of Filtration Machinery: The sponge is a consumable part of a filtration/purification machine. As filter media, it belongs to other reasonable categories, with no material or usage conflict. | 35.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0% Additional Tariff: 25.0% Section 301/122 Tariff: 10% |
🔍 Critical Note:
- The difference between 3921.13.50.00 and the others lies in the physical structure: Is it a cellular foam block (Plastics Chapter) or a fiber-based non-woven mat (Textile/Machinery Chapter)?
- All codes 35.0%+ rates include Section 301/122 Additional Tariffs and USITC surcharges, indicating high-cost imports into the US.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 3921.13.50.00 —— Polymer Foam Sheets, Plates, and Blocks (PU Sponge)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Under Section 301/Trade Act) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% (Specific US Trade Remedy) |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (High tariff rates disqualify from $800 de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3921.13.50.00 → FOOTNOTE:301.88.01 → 122_CLAUSE:9903.01.25 |
📌 Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 4.2%": Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for plastic foam plates.
- "Additional Tariff 25%": Imposed on Chinese-made plastic products under Section 301.
- "122 Clause 10%": Additional duty under specific US trade provisions.
- Total 39.2%: This is the highest rate in the list. If your sponge is clearly PU foam, this is the likely code, but it’s the most expensive.
🎯 2. 5603.94.90.90 / 5603.94.90.70 —— Non-Woven Fabric Articles (Sponge-like Non-Wovens)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5603.94.90.x0 → FOOTNOTE:301.88.01 → 122_CLAUSE:9903.01.25 |
📌 Note:
- Base Tariff is 0% because non-woven fabrics often enjoy lower base rates.
- However, the 25%+10% surcharges still apply to Chinese origins.
- 35.0% is 4.2% cheaper than the PU foam code. If the sponge is fiber-based (not solid PU foam), this code is financially better.
🎯 3. 8421.39.01.90 / 8421.99.01.80 —— Parts of Filtration Machinery / Other Filter Media
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8421.x9.x1.x0 → FOOTNOTE:301.88.01 → 122_CLAUSE:9903.01.25 |
📌 Note:
- These codes treat the sponge as a part or consumable for filtration machinery.
- 35.0% total rate.
- Risk: Customs may challenge if the sponge is seen as a "general good" rather than a "machine part." However, if bundled with filtration units, this classification is common.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (No Missing Documents)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify: Material (PU, Polyester, Nylon), Density, Pore Size, Color. |
| ✅ Material Composition Report | ✔️ | Crucial to distinguish between Cellular Foam (Plastics) and Non-Woven Fabric (Textiles). |
| ✅ Product Photos (Clear) | ✔️ | Show cross-section to prove if it’s a foam block or fiber mat. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state: "Aquarium Filter Sponge, Material: [Polyurethane/Non-woven], Model: XYZ." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail net/gross weight. Avoid mixing with other unrelated items. |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | Essential for applying tariff calculations. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Material Defines Code, Foam vs. Fiber, Check the Tax, Avoid the 40% Trap!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Solid PU Foam Sponge | 3921.13.50.00 |
Misdeclare as "Filter Cloth" → Risk of penalty for incorrect classification. |
| Fiber-based Non-woven Sponge | 5603.94.90.90 |
Declare as "Plastic Foam" → Higher tax (39.2% vs 35.0%) or rejection. |
| Sponge sold with Filter Machine | 8421.99.01.80 (as part) |
Declare separately as "General Sponge" → May face stricter scrutiny. |
| Bulk Import for Resale | 5603.94.90.70 (Fallback) |
Use vague terms like "Filter Material" → Customs will assign higher duty. |
✅ 3. Special Situations Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Sponges | Provide client order + material specs. Avoid ambiguous terms like "Universal Sponge." |
| Polymer vs. Fabric | If uncertain, submit a Pre-Ruling Application with physical samples to Customs. |
| Bundle with Equipment | If shipped with an aquarium filter, declare the sponge as a part (8421) to potentially simplify, but ensure the machine is correctly classified. |
| High-Value Imports | For large volumes, consider Supply Chain Adjustment: Sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions (0-5% duty). |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3921.13.50.00 (Foam) or 5603.94.90.90 (Non-woven) |
39.2% or 35.0% | None specific, but strict origin check | High tariffs due to 301/122 clauses. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3921.13.50.00 |
~4-13% | CCC (if applicable), RoHS | Lower base tariffs, no US-style surcharges. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3921.90 or 5603.94 |
6.5% - 8.5% | REACH, RoHS | No additional US-style tariffs. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3921.90 |
6.5% - 8.5% | UKCA, REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3921.90 |
4% - 6% | PSE (if electrical), Food Safety (if for drinking) | Moderate tariffs. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market due to additional tariffs (301/122).
- EU/UK/JP offer significantly lower total duties (~6-8%).
- China-based imports to the US face a 35-39.2% barrier, which must be factored into pricing strategies.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Blood and Tears)
❌ Error 1: Declaring PU Foam as "Non-woven Fabric" to save tax
👉 Consequence: Customs inspect and find cellular structure → Reclassification to 3921 + Penalty + Back Taxes!
❌ Error 2: Using vague terms like "Filter Material"
👉 Consequence: Customs assigns highest possible duty → Delays, inspections, or forced liquidation.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" and "301 Tariff" in cost calculation
👉 Consequence: Profit margin wiped out by unexpected 35%+ duty.
❌ Error 4: Mixing sponge types in one shipment
👉 Consequence: Each type must be declared separately. Mixed shipment → Complex inspection, higher risk.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Aquarium Filter Sponge, Material: Open-cell Polyurethane Foam, Density: 20kg/m³, Color: Yellow, Model: AQ-Sponge-20, HS: 3921.13.50.00"
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Foam is Plastic, Fiber is Non-woven, US Tax is High, Choose Code Right!"
🔹 "3921 is 39.2%, 5603 is 35.0%, Save 4.2% by Knowing Your Material!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your sponges are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions, reducing the rate to 0%~5%.
Recommendation: Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the correct HS Code and avoid post-clearance audits.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a professional customs broker + Provide material specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
🚀 Let your aquarium sponges clear smoothly, export efficiently, and maximize profits!
✨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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.