Find HS Code and trade information for graft film

Graft Film

Graft film, also known as grafting tape or budding tape, is a specialized plastic film used in horticulture for aiding the successful union of two plant parts during the grafting process. It is primarily employed to secure the scion (the desired variety) to the rootstock, providing a protective and stable environment for vascular tissue reconnection.

Material

Typically manufactured from a polyethylene-based plastic, graft film is designed to be stretchable, waterproof, and breathable to a degree. Some formulations incorporate additives to enhance elasticity, UV resistance, and biodegradability. Biodegradable options are becoming increasingly common to reduce environmental impact. The film's thickness varies, but is generally thin enough to allow for some degree of light penetration and gas exchange.

Purpose

The primary purpose of graft film is to:

• Secure the Graft Union: Holds the scion and rootstock tightly together, ensuring consistent contact for cambial alignment – critical for successful fusion.
• Prevent Moisture Loss: Creates a barrier against desiccation, protecting the vulnerable graft site from drying out.
• Protect Against Infection: Shields the graft union from external contaminants like bacteria, fungi, and pests.
• Maintain Optimal Temperature & Humidity: Provides a microclimate conducive to callus formation and vascular tissue growth.

Function

Graft film functions by creating a tight seal around the graft union. This seal:

• Supports Mechanical Stability: The film's elasticity allows it to stretch and conform to the shapes of the plant parts, providing firm support.
• Facilitates Cambial Contact: Pressure exerted by the film encourages the cambium layers of the scion and rootstock to align, promoting vascular connection.
• Regulates Water Movement: The film's waterproof nature prevents excessive water loss, while allowing for some degree of transpiration.
• Offers Physical Protection: Shields the graft from physical damage caused by wind, animals, or handling.

Usage Scenarios

Graft film is utilized in a wide range of grafting applications, including:

• Fruit Trees: Apples, pears, peaches, plums, citrus, and other fruit-bearing trees.
• Roses: Budding and whip grafting are common techniques employing graft film.
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other solanaceous crops.
• Ornamental Plants: Used in propagating desired cultivars of shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.
• Vineyards: Grafting grapevines onto resistant rootstocks.

Common Types

• Standard Grafting Tape: A general-purpose tape available in various widths. Usually non-biodegradable.
• Biodegradable Grafting Tape: Composed of materials that decompose naturally over time, eliminating the need for manual removal. Often made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) or other plant-based polymers.
• Self-Adhesive Grafting Tape: Features an adhesive backing for easier application and secure adhesion.
• Tubular Grafting Tape (Grafting Sleeves): Pre-formed tubes that simplify the grafting process, particularly for budding.
• Stretch Film: A wider, thinner film often used with a specialized grafting tool for rapid wrapping of larger grafts.

Graft film typically refers to a plastic film used in agriculture for grafting plants, aiding in the fusion of scion and rootstock. It provides a protective barrier and promotes successful plant propagation. Based on the provided information, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the specific composition and characteristics of the film.

Here are the potentially applicable HS codes:

• 3919102055: This code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls, specifically those in rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm. The total tax rate is 60.8%, comprised of a 5.8% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025. This could apply if the graft film is self-adhesive and supplied in rolls less than 20cm wide.
• 3919905060: This code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls, categorized as "Other". The total tax rate is 60.8%, with a 5.8% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025. This applies to self-adhesive graft film not specifically covered by 3919102055.
• 3921904090: This code covers other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, specifically "Other: Other: Flexible". The total tax rate is 34.2%, consisting of a 4.2% base tariff and a 0.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025. This could be applicable if the graft film is a non-self-adhesive, flexible plastic film.

It is important to note that the final HS code classification depends on the specific characteristics of the graft film, such as its material composition (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), thickness, and whether it is self-adhesive.

Regarding HS code 3919102055 and 3919905060, please note the additional tariffs of 25.0% and 30.0% (effective after April 2, 2025) apply to self-adhesive plastic films.