Pathogen-Contaminated Swabs from China
Cotton-tipped applicators used for viral sampling (e.g., COVID tests), saturated with respiratory secretions, as clinical waste from diagnostic medical procedures.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3112.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• Declare under Category A or B infectious substances per IATA if viable pathogens present
• Lab reports confirming pathogen type aid customs classification
• Unused swabs are 5601.22; contamination shifts to waste