Which HS code category do wet wipes belong to? How to avoid misclassification?

HS code classification for wet wipe products directly affects tariff costs and clearance efficiency. According to 2025 Harmonized System:

• Ordinary cleaning wipes: Recommended under 3401.19 (cleaning preparations containing surfactants)
• Medical disinfectant wipes: Classified under 3808.94 (disinfectant products) requires medical device filing certificate
• Alcohol-containing wipes: May involve dangerous goods transportation, needs to be declared as UN1170 ethanol solution

In 2023, a company incorrectly classified 75% alcohol wipes as textile products, resulting in cargo being detained at the destination port for 3 months. It is recommended to entrust professional agents for classification advance ruling before export.

What certification requirements do different countries have for wet wipes?

Significant differences exist in compliance requirements of major export markets:

• The European market
  • REACH regulation (SVHC substance list updated to 2025 version)
  • Biocidal Products Regulation BPR (applicable to disinfectant products)
• US Market
  • FDA registration (medical products require 510(k) clearance)
  • FSC certification (forest sustainable sourcing)
• Southeast Asian Markets
  • Indonesia SNI certification (new 2025 standard for wipes absorption rate)
  • Malaysia Medical Device Act certification

What special requirements should be noted for wet wipe export transportation?

Transportation challenges due to product characteristics require special attention:

• Flood packaging: Must use aluminum foil bags + desiccant, containers need humidity monitoring devices
• Temperature control: Wipes containing plant extracts recommended to maintain 15-25℃ during transportation
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods: Alcohol content >24% needs to be declared as Class 3 dangerous goods

In 2024, a shipment of wipes to the Middle East without moisture-proof treatment resulted in 60% product mold upon arrival, causing direct losses of $120,000.

What are the three common wet wipe clearance issues?

• Incomplete ingredient disclosure: Requires complete INCI ingredient list and CAS numbers
• Shelf - life disputes: Some countries require remaining shelf life >12 months
• Labeling specification issues: EU requires ingredient identification font size ≥1.2mm

Recommended advance preparations:

• Chinese-English bilingual MSDS documents
• Validity certificates issued by third-party testing agencies
• Pre-review service for packaging drafts in target country languages

How to choose reliable wipesExport agent?

Professional agents should possess the following capabilities:

• Industry Experience: Completed at least 20 batches of wipes export cases
• Compliance system: Hold AEO advanced certification, ISO9001 quality management certification
• Emergency TreatmentCustoms clearance emergency team stationed at destination port
• The digital capacityProvide real-time logistics tracking and electronic certificate management system

It is recommended to require the agency company to present:

• Export data statistics of similar products in the past 3 years
• Qualification documents of cooperative testing laboratories
• Main shipping route space guarantee agreement