Loofah Bath Sponge
A natural exfoliating sponge harvested from dried loofah gourds, minimally processed into a pad shape. Chapter 46 explicitly includes articles of loofah, and since it is not a basket or specific container, it falls under the 'Other' tariff item.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 8% | — | 8% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 8% | — | 8% |
| 🇺🇸United States | 8% | — | 8% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 8% | — | 8% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 8% | — | 8% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the loofah sponge is shaped like a bag or basket
A loofah article shaped as a basket or bag would fall under the specific sibling item 4602.90.10.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the loofah is dried and not treated with dyes or chemicals that could change its classification
• Declare it as 'article of loofah' and note it is not a synthetic sponge
• Check that it is not combined with soap or other materials, which could shift it to another heading
Related Products under Tariff item 4602.90.90
Abaca Cord Basket
A basket woven from abaca (Manila hemp) leaf strips, which qualify as plaiting materials under Chapter 46. It is made directly to shape from these vegetable strips and is not covered by the specific basket items in tariff item 4602.90.10, so it falls under the 'Other' basketwork category.
Bamboo Coaster Set
Small round coasters plaited from thin bamboo splits, which are a plaiting material listed in Chapter 46. They are made directly to shape and are not among the specific articles (baskets, trunks, bags) in the sibling item, so they classify as 'Other' basketwork.
Banana Leaf Coaster
Plaited coasters made from banana leaf strips, which are narrow leaves and thus a plaiting material under Chapter 46. They are shaped directly from the material and do not match the specific basket or bag articles in the sibling item, so they fall under 'Other'.
Osier Plant Pot Holder
A cylindrical holder woven from osier willow branches, designed to suspend hanging planters. Osier is a named plaiting material in Chapter 46, and the holder is made directly to shape, not matching the specific basket types in the sibling item, so it classifies as 'Other' wickerwork.
Palm Leaf Wall Basket
A decorative wall-mounted basket plaited from dried palm narrow leaves for storage. Palm leaves are a plaiting material, and the basket is made directly to shape, but it is not a trunk, bag, or case, so it falls under the 'Other' basketwork item.
Raffia Place Mat
Woven rectangular mats made from raffia strips obtained from palm leaves, used as table setting protectors. Raffia is a plaiting material, and the mats are made directly to shape, not matching the specific basket articles, so they classify as 'Other'.