Loofah|HS Code

Loofah harmonized system code

Product Overview A Loofah is a natural scrubbing sponge derived from the mature fruit of species within the Luffa genus, specifically classified under HS Code 4602. The product is commonly characterized by its porous texture, elongated cylindrical shape, and lightweight properties. It undergoes a processing level that includes harvesting, drying, and peeling, resulting in a quality product that is durable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Within HS Code 4602, Loofahs are distinguished by their natural origin and their primary use for cleaning and scrubbing in both personal care and household applications. In the commercial sphere, Loofahs are widely adopted in retail stores, wellness centers, spas, and by manufacturers of personal care products. They are valued for their natural exfoliating properties, environmentally-friendly nature, and versatility in use, which gives them a competitive edge in markets focusing on sustainable and green products. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The Loofah falls under the complete HS Code structure of 4602.90. This classification is hierarchically broken down into Chapter 46 (Manufactures of straw, esparto, or other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork), Heading 02 (Basketware and wickerwork). The rationale for such classification is based on the Loofah's origin as a plant-based product, its transformation into a cleaning tool, and its primary use in the basketware and wickerwork category. In terms of trade considerations, Loofahs are typically packaged in bulk bundles and require minimal preservation methods due to their natural durability. Shipping requirements are straightforward, given their lightweight and compact nature. To ensure adherence to international quality standards, Loofahs should be free from any synthetic additives, uniformly sized, and thoroughly dried. These specifications align with the World Trade Organization's guidelines and meet the demands of customs documentation, thereby supporting the needs of import/export businesses, customs brokers, and trade compliance officers.

Loofah Chapter Note

1.- In this Chapter the expression “plaiting materials” means materials in a state or form suitable for plaiting, interlacing or similar processes; it includes straw, osier or willow, bamboos, rattans, rushes, reeds, strips of wood, strips of other vegetable material (for example, strips of bark, narrow leaves and raffia or other strips obtained from broad leaves), unspun natural textile fibres, monofilament and strip and the like of plastics and strips of paper, but not strips of leather or composition leather or of felt or nonwovens, human hair, horsehair, textile rovings or yarns, or monofilament and strip and the like of Chapter 54. 2.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Wall coverings of heading 48.14; (b) Twine, cordage, ropes or cables, plaited or not (heading 56.07); (c) Footwear or headgear or parts thereof of Chapter 64 or 65; (d) Vehicles or bodies for vehicles of basketware (Chapter 87); or (e) Articles of Chapter 94 (for example, furniture, luminaires and lighting fittings). 3.- For the purposes of heading 46.01, the expression “plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, bound together in parallel strands” means plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, placed side by side and bound together, in the form of sheets, whether or not the binding materials are of spun textile materials.