Cleaning Pad

🧼 Cleaning Pad (Disposable Cleaning Pads & Wipes)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy
📌 Part I: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Cleaning Pad"?

In international trade, the term "Cleaning Pad" is ambiguous and highly dependent on function, material, and end-use. It is broadly divided into two distinct categories based on customs logic:

1. Sanitary/Hygienic Pads: Disposable pads used for personal hygiene (e.g., feminine hygiene pads, incontinence pads). These are classified under Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles).
2. Industrial/Medical Wiping Pads: Pads made of textile or non-woven materials used for wiping surfaces, equipment, or medical applications. These are classified under Chapter 56 (Non-wovens) or Chapter 63 (Other made-up textile articles).

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is designed for personal hygiene (absorbing bodily fluids) → Classified under HS 9619.
- If the product is designed for general wiping/absorbing (industrial, medical, or household cleaning) without specific hygienic claims → Classified under HS 5601 or HS 6307.

📦 Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)

Based on the provided data, here are the four potential classifications for "Cleaning Pad" depending on its specific nature and material composition:

🔍 Important Note:
- HS 9619 is the primary category for finished sanitary products.
- HS 5601 covers the raw components (like cotton wadding) used to make pads, not necessarily the finished pad itself, unless it is a standalone wadding article.
- HS 6307 is a "catch-all" for other made-up textile articles, often used if the product doesn't fit perfectly into 5601 or 9619.

💰 Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Enforcement)

🎯 1. 9619.00.74.00 —— Washable Sanitary Pads (Textile)

📌 Explanation:
- 16.0% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for sanitary articles.
- 7.5% is the Section 301 tariff, which applies to specific textile/hygiene categories from China.
- 10% is the Section 122 tariff (a recent trade remedy measure).
- Total 33.5% is a significant burden. Ensure the product is clearly identified as "Washable Sanitary Pad" to avoid misclassification.

🎯 2. 9619.00.68.00 —— Sanitary Pads (General/Other)

📌 Explanation:
- This is the lowest tariff option among sanitary pads.
- The Section 301 surcharge is 0%, which is a critical advantage.
- The 10% Section 122 still applies.
- Strategy: If your product fits the description for 9619.00.68.00 (general sanitary pads) rather than 9619.00.74.00 (washable), always declare under 68.00 to save 17.9% in tariffs.

🎯 3. 5601.21.00.10 & 5601.21.00.90 —— Cotton Wadding/Textile Pads

📌 Explanation:
- These codes apply to cotton wadding or textile materials used in pads, or standalone wadding articles.
- The Section 301 surcharge is extremely high at 25%, making this the most expensive category.
- Warning: Do not declare finished sanitary pads as "cotton wadding" to avoid customs scrutiny. If it is a finished pad, it belongs in HS 9619. If it is raw material, use these codes but expect 38.6% total tax.

🎯 4. 6307.90.98.91 —— Other Made-Up Textile Articles

📌 Explanation:
- This code is used for general cleaning wipes or made-up textile items that do not qualify as sanitary products.
- If your "Cleaning Pad" is for industrial wiping or general household cleaning (not personal hygiene), this may be the correct classification.
- Rate: 24.5% is moderate, significantly lower than the cotton wadding option (38.6%) but higher than the best sanitary pad option (15.6%).

🛠️ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Takeaways)

🔥 "Function Determines Code, Code Determines Tax!"

📌 Critical Advice:
- If your product is a sanitary pad, try to classify it under 9619.00.68.00 to benefit from the 0% Section 301 surcharge.
- Do not declare sanitary pads as "Cleaning Pads" under 6307 unless you can prove they are not for personal hygiene, to avoid misdeclaration penalties.
- Avoid 5601 codes unless you are importing raw wadding, not finished pads. The 25% Section 301 surcharge makes it prohibitive.

✅ 3. Special Cases

📌 Part V: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring sanitary pads as "Cleaning Pads" under 6307.90.98.91
👉 Consequence: If customs determines it is for hygiene, they will reclassify to 9619, potentially leading to back taxes and penalties. However, 6307 (24.5%) is cheaper than 9619.74 (33.5%). Risk vs. Reward: Only use 6307 if the product is genuinely for cleaning (e.g., kitchen wipes).

❌ Error 2: Using 5601 codes for finished sanitary pads
👉 Consequence: High tariff (38.6%) and potential rejection for misclassification. Customs expects finished products to be in Chapter 96.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
👉 Consequence: Forgetting the 10% Section 122 surcharge leads to underpayment. All categories above include this 10% fee.

🎯 Part VI: Conclusion & Action Plan

🎯 Key Takeaway:

🔹 For Sanitary Pads: Aim for 9619.00.68.00 (15.6%) if possible. Avoid 9619.00.74.00 (33.5%) unless the product is specifically "washable" and fits that code strictly.
🔹 For Cleaning Wipes: Use 6307.90.98.91 (24.5%).
🔹 Avoid 5601 for finished goods due to the high 25% Section 301 surcharge.

✅ Action Plan:
1. Define Use: Is it for hygiene or cleaning?
2. Select Code:
- Hygiene → 9619.00.68.00 (Preferred) or 9619.00.74.00.
- Cleaning → 6307.90.98.91.
3. Prepare Docs: Clear product descriptions and photos.
4. Calculate Cost: Include Base + Section 301 + Section 122 in your landed cost.

📣 Pro Tip:

Always consult with a licensed customs broker to confirm the final HS Code based on the exact product design and marketing claims. Misclassification can lead to significant financial losses and customs holds.

✨ Smart Clearance, Lower Costs!
💼 Every percentage point counts in today’s trade environment!