HS 380894 Disinfectants
Quick Answer: Disinfectants imported under HS 3808.94 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 0.00% for certain types and 6.00% for others, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 25%. This HS code covers preparations for use as disinfectants, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for example, sulphur candles or continuously burning vaporizers) for direct use. Significant trade considerations include varying national regulations on registered disinfectants and potential antimicrobial resistance concerns. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific national legislation and the detailed tariff schedules, as aggregated by CustomTariffs, to ensure compliance and accurate duty assessment for these products.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3808940000 | — | — | — |
| 3808942000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3808942030 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3808942090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3808949010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3808940000 | — | — | — |
| 3808941000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3808942000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3808942020 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3808942040 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38089450 | 5% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 3808945010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3808945050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3808945080 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3808945095 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3808.94?
Imports of Disinfectants may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 380894 cover?
This subheading covers disinfectants, specifically those put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for example, impregnated, coated or covered with disinfectants). According to the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and interpretations found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database, this category includes products designed to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces or in the environment. Examples include household disinfectants, antiseptic wipes, and certain sanitizing sprays intended for general use.
What falls outside HS 380894?
The following products are excluded from HS 380894: disinfectants not put up for retail sale in the specified forms, such as bulk industrial disinfectants intended for further processing or dilution. Also excluded are medicinal preparations with disinfectant properties classified under Chapter 30, such as antiseptic creams or ointments for direct application to the human body. Products primarily functioning as cleaning agents without a significant disinfecting action, even if they contain some antimicrobial ingredients, are also typically classified elsewhere, often under Chapter 34.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 380894?
A common error is misclassifying products that have dual functions. For instance, a cleaning product with some antimicrobial properties might be incorrectly classified as a disinfectant if its primary purpose is cleaning, not killing microorganisms. Conversely, a product clearly intended for disinfection but not packaged for retail sale might be mistakenly entered under this subheading. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3, particularly concerning products with mixed characteristics, is crucial for accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 380894?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 380894 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use, presentation, and composition. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Heading 3808. It is essential to determine if the product is specifically formulated and packaged for retail sale as a disinfectant, or if it falls into a more specific HS code based on its primary function or composition.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 380894?
A 5-liter container of "Lysol Disinfectant Spray" declared at a customs value of $25.00 USD, weighing approximately 2.5 kg, would attract a US duty of $0.00 (0.0% ad valorem) if imported from a country with Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and no special trade agreement benefits apply. This is calculated using the MFN rate of 0.0% published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 3808.94.0000, which applies to disinfectants in aerosol form.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 380894?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 380894, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating disinfectants from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a certification of origin. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or zero duty rates, often requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 380894 (Disinfectants)?
Import duty rates for HS code 380894, covering disinfectants, can vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can be lower or even free. For instance, imports from Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG) may benefit from a Free rate under specific agreements. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate.
How is the duty for HS code 380894 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 380894 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of disinfectants has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 6.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.06 = $600 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on quantity, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the classification criteria for disinfectants under HS code 380894?
HS code 380894 falls under Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Miscellaneous chemical products.' Specifically, heading 3808 pertains to 'Pestizides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants and similar products, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for example, sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers), of a kind used for retail sale.' For classification under 380894, the product must be intended for use as a disinfectant and be presented in a form suitable for retail sale or as a preparation for such use. This typically includes products designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces, skin, or in water.
What documentation is typically required for importing disinfectants under HS code 380894?
Importing disinfectants under HS code 380894 often requires specific documentation beyond standard customs declarations. This may include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product, Certificates of Analysis (CoA) confirming its composition and efficacy, and potentially registration or import permits from relevant government agencies (e.g., environmental protection agencies, health ministries, or agricultural departments) depending on the product's nature and the importing country's regulations. Importers and customs brokers should verify these requirements with the destination country's regulatory bodies.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 380894?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for disinfectants classified under HS code 380894. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) that may offer reduced or duty-free entry. The European Union's TARIC system details preferential rates for goods imported from countries with which the EU has trade agreements. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff outlines preferential rates for goods from countries like Canada (CA) or Japan (JP) under its trade deals. It is crucial for importers to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the eligibility and proof of origin requirements for any claimed preferential treatment.