Find HS Code and trade information for PROTECTOR MAT

Okay, let's break down the HS codes and potential import considerations for your "PROTECTOR MAT" declaration. Here's a structured analysis, aiming for clarity and helpful advice:

Understanding HS Codes – A Quick Primer

HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are internationally standardized product codes used to classify traded goods. The first two digits generally indicate the chapter, the next two the subheading, and so on. Here's how to interpret the codes you've provided:

• Chapter 40: Rubber and articles thereof
• Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
• Chapter 63: Other furnishing articles
• Chapter 73: Iron or steel wire, grill, netting and fencing
• Chapter 76: Aluminum and articles thereof

Detailed Analysis of Your HS Code Options

Let's go through each code you've received, with a focus on what it likely means for your product and potential issues.

1. 4016.91.00.00: Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Floor coverings and mats

   • Meaning: This is a strong contender if your "PROTECTOR MAT" is made of vulcanized rubber (a type of rubber that has been chemically hardened). "Floor coverings and mats" specifically narrows down the application.
   • Tax: Base Duty: 2.7%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional Tariff: 30%. Total Tax: 57.7%.
   • Considerations:
     • Material Confirmation: Crucially, confirm the mat is actually vulcanized rubber. Different rubber types (e.g., natural rubber, synthetic rubber) fall under different codes.
     • Hardness: Ensure it's not considered "hard rubber" as that has a separate classification.
     • End Use: This code is generally for floor protection/covering.

2. 3918.10.40.00: Floor coverings of plastics, whether or not self-adhesive, in rolls or in the form of tiles; wall or ceiling coverings of plastics, as defined in note 9 to this chapter: Of polymers of vinyl chloride: Floor coverings: Other

   • Meaning: This applies if your mat is made of plastic, specifically vinyl chloride polymers (PVC).
   • Tax: Tax information retrieval failed.
   • Considerations:
     • Material Confirmation: Essential to verify the plastic composition. PVC is a common material for mats, but other plastics exist.
     • Self-Adhesive: Is the mat self-adhesive? This detail matters.
     • Form: Is it in rolls or tiles?
     • Tax Information: You need to obtain the accurate tax rate for this code. Contact your customs broker or the relevant customs authority.

3. 6304.91.01.70: Other furnishing articles, excluding those of heading 9404: Other: Knitted or crocheted Other: Other: Other (899)

   • Meaning: This is a broader category for furnishing articles. It could apply if the mat is considered a furnishing item and is made of textile materials (knitted or crocheted). The "Other" classifications suggest it doesn't fit neatly into more specific subheadings.
   • Tax: Base Duty: 5.8%, Additional Tariff: 7.5%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional Tariff: 30%. Total Tax: 43.3%.
   • Considerations:
     • Material Confirmation: Critical to determine if it's primarily textile-based.
     • Furnishing Article Definition: Is it genuinely considered a furnishing item (e.g., used for decoration or comfort)?
     • Construction: The knitted or crocheted aspect is important.

4. 7314.49.30.00: Cloth (including endless bands), grill, netting and fencing, of iron or steel wire; expanded metal of iron or steel: Other grill, netting and fencing: Other: Not cut to shape

   • Meaning: This applies if your mat is made of iron or steel wire, netting, or fencing. The "Not cut to shape" suggests it's in a larger roll or sheet.
   • Tax: Base Duty: 0.0%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional Tariff: 30% (for steel/aluminum products). Total Tax: 80.0%.
   • Considerations:
     • Material Confirmation: Essential to verify the iron or steel wire composition.
     • Construction: Is it genuinely constructed from wire netting or fencing?
     • Shape: Is it not cut to a specific shape (e.g., a roll of wire mesh)?

5. 7616.99.51.60: Other articles of aluminum: Other: Other: Other Other: Castings

   • Meaning: This applies if your mat is made of aluminum and is in the form of castings.
   • Tax: Base Duty: 2.5%, Additional Tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional Tariff: 30%. Total Tax: 57.5%.
   • Considerations:
     • Material Confirmation: Essential to verify the aluminum composition.
     • Construction: Is it genuinely constructed from aluminum castings?

Recommendations

1. Material is Key: The most important step is to definitively determine the primary material composition of your "PROTECTOR MAT."
2. Construction Details: Understand how the mat is made (e.g., vulcanized, cast, knitted, woven).
3. Obtain Tax Rates: For any code where tax information is missing or incomplete (like 3918.10.40.00), immediately contact your customs broker or the relevant customs authority to get the accurate rates.
4. Consider Certifications: Depending on the material and end use, you might need certifications (e.g., REACH compliance for certain chemicals in plastics, RoHS for restricted substances).
5. Consult a Broker: I strongly recommend working with a licensed customs broker. They can provide expert guidance, ensure accurate classification, and handle the import process efficiently.

Disclaimer: I am an AI and cannot provide definitive legal or customs advice. This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific import requirements.