## Common ground
All options describe nonwoven cleaning cloths, differing in material, treatment, or intended use.
## Options at a glance
**3401.1X – Impregnated with soap/detergent**
- **Defining trait:** Treated with cleaning agents like soap or detergent during manufacturing.
- **Typical examples:** Pre-moistened disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent-soaked cloths.
- **Best fit when:** The cloth is designed to clean via chemical action, not just physical wiping.
**3405 – For specific surfaces (footwear, glass, metal, etc.)**
- **Defining trait:** Designed for use on particular materials or applications.
- **Typical examples:** Glass cleaner cloths, shoe polish cloths, metal polishing wipes.
- **Best fit when:** The product is marketed or engineered for a specific surface type.
**4818.90 – Made of paper or paperboard**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from paper-based materials, not synthetic fibers.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable paper towels, cardboard-based cleaning pads.
- **Best fit when:** The cloth is visibly made from pulp or paper, not nonwoven fabric.
**5602,5603,5609.00,6307.10 – Made of textile material**
- **Defining trait:** Composed of woven or nonwoven textile fibers (e.g., polyester, polypropylene).
- **Typical examples:** Reusable microfiber cloths, synthetic cleaning pads.
- **Best fit when:** The cloth feels like fabric and is intended for repeated use.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Treatment | Use Focus | Reusability |
|-------|----------|-----------|------------|-------------|
| 3401.1X | Synthetic/nonwoven | Impregnated with soap | General cleaning | Usually single-use |
| 3405 | Varies | None specified | Specific surfaces | Varies |
| 4818.90 | Paper/paperboard | None | General | Single-use |
| 5602/... | Textile fibers | None | General or reusable | Reusable |
## How to choose
- Is the cloth pre-treated with soap, detergent, or cleaning solution? → 3401.1X
- Is it designed specifically for glass, metal, shoes, or furniture? → 3405
- Is it made from paper or cardboard-like material? → 4818.90
- Does it feel like fabric and is meant to be reused? → 5602/...
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A cloth can be both impregnated *and* for specific surfaces (e.g., glass cleaner wipes) — prioritize **use** if surface-specific, **treatment** if chemically treated.
- "Nonwoven" applies to multiple HS codes; the key is material and function.
- If unclear, use the product’s **main purpose**: cleaning via chemistry → 3401.1X; cleaning a specific item → 3405; disposable paper-based → 4818.90; reusable fabric-like → 5602/