How to Import Cleaning Products into the US

Cleaning products account for nearly $2.5 billion in U.S. imports annually, but require navigating a complex web of regulations when entering them into the country. Whether you’re looking to import household cleaners or industrial-strength solutions, understanding the necessary steps is crucial to avoid costly delays and penalties.

Key Takeaways:

• The EPA, CPSC, and FDA have specific regulations for cleaning supplies, including chemical safety, labeling, and product registration requirements.
• Most cleaners fall under HTS Chapter 34, which covers soap, detergents, and other surface-active agents.
• A customs bond is required to clear most cleaning products through U.S. Customs.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including key regulatory requirements and how to classify your products. 

Understanding U.S. Regulations on Cleaning Products

The U.S. government enforces strict regulations to ensure the safety of cleaning supplies for consumers and the environment. These regulations are governed by several federal agencies, each with its own requirements.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA regulates the majority of sanitizing products that enter the U.S. market due to the fact that many contain chemicals and are used for antimicrobial purposes. 

To start, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) governs the regulation of chemicals used in cleaning products. All chemicals must be listed on the TSCA Inventory before entering the U.S. market. If a product contains a new chemical, a Premanufacture Notice (PMN) must be filed with the EPA before importation.

Related: Importing Chemicals Into The US: TSCA Compliance and More

Additionally, the EPA classifies products that kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces as antimicrobial pesticides. As a result, these products need to comply with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) when they contain antimicrobial agents, such as disinfectants or sanitizers.

Most general cleaning products that do not make claims about disinfecting or killing germs are not regulated by FIFRA. However, if a product advertises that it can sanitize, disinfect, or kill bacteria and viruses, it is considered a pesticidal product. These products must go through EPA registration to ensure they are effective and safe for both the environment and human health.

To stay compliant:

• Register your product: Register products containing hazardous chemicals under FIFRA if they include disinfectants or sanitizers.
• Ensure proper labeling: Label your hazardous materials, including usage instructions, hazard warnings, and disposal guidelines.
• Maintain detailed recordkeeping: Keep track of the product’s ingredients and formulation to prove compliance with EPA standards.

It’s also important to know that disinfectants with specific uses for COVID-19 have been added to List N, a list of disinfectants which must be registered with the EPA before they can be imported or distributed in the US..

This list contains many popular disinfectants, including:

• Bleach Disinfectant Cleaner
• Oxiclean Laundry and Home Sanitizer
• Clorox Wipes and Sprays
• Windex Disinfectant Cleaner
• Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Disinfectant 

You can use the EPA’s tool to determine whether or not your product falls under this list. 

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The CPSC oversees the safety of household cleaners to ensure that they do not pose risks to consumers. 

Cleaning products that contain hazardous chemicals, such as strong acids or flammable substances, fall under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). This law requires specific labeling and safety measures to protect consumers from potential harm.

Products that are toxic, corrosive, or pose any other type of hazard must have clear labeling to inform users of the risks. This includes warnings such as “poison,” “flammable,” or “corrosive,” depending on the product's chemical composition. The labels must also provide instructions on safe use, first-aid measures, and proper storage and disposal.

To stay compliant with CPSC regulations:

• Ensure proper labeling: Any product that contains hazardous chemicals must have appropriate warnings, such as toxic or flammable indicators, and include detailed instructions for safe use.
• Use child-resistant packaging: If your product poses a risk to children, such as a strong cleaner or drain opener, it must be packaged in child-resistant containers to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
• Certify safety compliance: As an importer, you are required to ensure that your products meet all CPSC safety standards, including issuing a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) to verify that your products comply with FHSA regulations.

Failing to comply with CPSC regulations can lead to product recalls, fines, or even the detention of your shipments. It’s important to verify that your merchandise is properly labeled and safe for consumer use before importing them into the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA regulates certain cleaning products that come into contact with food surfaces or are used to clean items that come into contact with food, such as dishwashing detergents or kitchen sanitizers. 

Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the FDA ensures that these products are safe for use and do not contain harmful chemicals that could contaminate food.

Household cleaners intended for food-contact surfaces must meet stringent safety standards to ensure they are non-toxic and effective. In some cases, the FDA may require testing and documentation to demonstrate that the product is safe for use in environments where food is prepared or consumed.

To stay compliant with FDA regulations:

• Ensure ingredients are FDA-approved: Any chemicals used in food-contact cleaners must be on the FDA’s list of approved substances to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
• Maintain proper documentation: Keep records of all ingredients and testing results to prove that your product meets FDA standards for food safety.
• Use safe packaging: Ensure that packaging materials for food-contact cleaning products do not pose a risk of chemical contamination and are safe for use in food preparation areas.

If your product is classified as a food-contact substance, compliance with FDA standards is critical. Failing to meet these guidelines can result in product detentions, rejections, or other costly penalties.

Related: The Complete Guide to FDA Customs Clearance

How to Classify Cleaning Products for Tariffs

Once you’ve ensured regulatory compliance, the next step is to classify your goods and make sure you’re paying the correct import duties. 

Most cleaning products fall under Chapter 34 of the HTS, which covers "Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles, and similar articles."

More specifically, most household cleaners can be classified under the following:

• HTS 3401: Soap and soap substitutes, including solid and liquid forms.
  • Bar soap
  • Liquid soap
  • Medicated body washes
• HTS 3402: Organic surface-active agents and washing preparations, such as detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners.
  • Multi-surface cleaners
  • Disinfectants
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing detergent
• HTS 3405: Polishes, creams, and similar preparations for cleaning and polishing surfaces.
  • Silver polish
  • Floor wax
  • Furniture polish

While these products may fall under similar categories of categorization, each can carry very different rates of duty. For example, non-bar soap (i.e. liquid soap), classified under the HTS code 3401.20.00, and certain liquid skin washing products, 3401.30.10, have different duty rates - 0% for the former, and 4% for the latter. 

At first glance, you wouldn’t think there’s much of a difference between these two products, as one could reasonably assume that liquid soap could qualify under both codes; but without the right classification, you could end up paying more duties than you actually owe, or even be fined for classifying your product incorrectly.

The easiest and most accurate way to classify your products is to consult with a licensed customs broker.

Where Does the U.S. Import Cleaning Products From?

When most people think of household cleaning products, they’re thinking of disinfectants, detergents, and other household sanitizers. Most of these fall under HTS subheading 3402, which also happens to be the largest category of cleaners imported into the U.S. annually. 

According to OEC, the U.S. is the second largest importer of cleaning products globally, importing $2.45 billion worth of the products in 2022, the vast majority of which come from Canada and Mexico.

Do You Need a Customs Bond?

Yes, you will need a customs bond when importing most cleaning products into the United States. A customs bond is required for any shipment valued at $2,500 or more, or for any shipment containing goods regulated by a government agency.

Because almost all cleaners are regulated by either the EPA, CPSC, or FDA, any shipment, regardless of value, will require that you obtain a customs bond.

Import Cleaning Products with USA Customs Clearance

Importing merchandise as heavily regulated as cleaning products can quickly become a complicated process. That’s why we’re here to help. 

USA Customs Clearance can offer you a team of licensed customs brokers that can guide you through the importing process, handling all of the regulatory paperwork on your behalf. Schedule a consultation session or give us a call at (855) 912-0406 to learn more or get started today.