In ruling NY N317565 (March 11, 2021), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of the “In-Wash Scent Booster,” described as scented booster beads packaged for retail sale. As stated in the ruling, the beads are placed directly into a washing machine in order to provide a boost of long-lasting freshness and fragrance to clothing, towels, and linens. The product is a surface-active preparation, comprised of Poloxamer 188 (CAS # 9003-11-6), Ceteareth-25 (CAS # 68439-49-6), and other substances.

The applicable subheading for the “In-Wash Scent Booster” is 3402.20.5100, HTSUS, which provides for Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401: Preparations put up for retail sale: Other. The general rate of duty is Free.